We could wax poetic about all the ways you can use baking soda around your home, from cleaning stained plastic food storage to deodorizing refrigerator smells. But if you’re looking for something more heavy-duty, consider adding washing soda to your cleaning regimen. Washing soda is a powerful cleaning agent that can be used to brighten laundry, cut through grease, remove stains, and unclog drains. But before using washing soda for your household chores, there are a few things you should know about it, like what it’s composed of, how it’s different from baking soda, and how to use it the right way.
What Is Washing Soda?
Washing soda, also known as sodium carbonate, is a white powder that is commonly used in household cleaning and laundry applications. “Washing soda can be used by mixing with water to pretreat laundry stains, removing soap scum on surfaces, unclogging drains, and for cleaning kitchenware,” says Katie Dills, brand president of The Cleaning Authority.
I’ve always found washing soda to be a bit of a secret weapon for tough cleaning jobs. Its high alkalinity—typically a pH of around 11—makes it fantastic for breaking down acidic stains like coffee or grease. Unlike harsher chemical cleaners, it’s a naturally occurring compound, often derived from mineral deposits or plant ashes, which gives me some peace of mind when using it around the house. If you’re into eco-friendly cleaning, you’ll appreciate that it’s a sustainable option, especially since you can make it yourself (more on that later). Just a heads up, though—its potency means you’ll want to handle it with care, especially around kids or pets.
Washing Soda vs. Baking Soda
While baking soda and washing soda are both sodium compounds, they have different chemical compositions, meaning their reactivities and alkaline levels are different. “Washing soda has a higher pH level and is more abrasive than baking soda,” says Dills. Both are useful cleaning agents, but baking soda is milder and more versatile than washing soda.
To put it simply, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is like washing soda’s gentler cousin. Its pH is around 8.3, so it’s great for everyday tasks like scrubbing sinks or freshening carpets, but it won’t pack the same punch for grease or tough stains. Washing soda, on the other hand, is a bit of a beast—its higher alkalinity makes it better for heavy-duty jobs, but it’s not as safe for delicate surfaces or fabrics. I once tried using baking soda on a greasy stovetop and ended up switching to washing soda because it cut through the grime so much faster. If you’re wondering which to stock, I’d say keep both on hand—baking soda for daily maintenance and washing soda for the big guns.
Washing Soda vs. Borax
Borax is a naturally occurring mineral typically used for brightening and whitening laundry. “Though both are widely used in cleaning or laundry, washing soda is more of a heavy-duty cleaner and laundry savior while borax is more multi-purpose,” says Kathy Cohoon, director of franchise operations of Two Maids.
Here’s the deal: borax and washing soda both shine in the laundry room, but they’re not interchangeable. Borax, with a pH around 9.5, is fantastic for whitening whites and tackling odors, but it’s less aggressive on grease or stains compared to washing soda. I’ve noticed borax is a go-to for things like freshening musty towels, while washing soda is my pick for pre-treating oil-stained work clothes. A quick tip—mixing the two can create a supercharged laundry booster, but test it on a small load first to avoid overdoing it. If you’re curious about availability, borax is sometimes harder to find in stores due to regional restrictions, so washing soda might be your more reliable bet.
How to Make Washing Soda
While you can certainly buy washing soda at many grocery stores, making your own at home is a relatively straightforward process. “Essentially, you need to heat up baking soda enough to release carbon dioxide and water, thus turning baking soda into washing soda,” says Cohoon.
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Spread the baking soda onto the baking sheet in a thin, even layer.
- Bake for one hour and allow to fully cool.
- Remove from the baking sheet and store in a sealed container.
I love how simple this process is—basically, you’re just baking baking soda to transform it chemically. The reaction releases carbon dioxide, leaving you with sodium carbonate. One thing I’ve learned from doing this myself is to make sure the baking soda is spread really thin; otherwise, it might not convert evenly. Also, it’s a budget-friendly trick—baking soda costs about $1 per pound, and you’re essentially making a more powerful cleaner without spending extra. Just be patient while it cools, and store it in an airtight jar to keep moisture out. This DIY approach feels like a little kitchen chemistry experiment, and it’s oddly satisfying!
How to Use Washing Soda
Washing soda can be used at home as a laundry booster, stain fighter, de-greaser, and more. Be sure to wear gloves when handling washing soda and use it in a well-ventilated area.
In Laundry
Washing soda can help remove stains, soften water, and boost the cleaning powers of detergent, says Cohoon. Reserve it for sturdier fabrics like cotton, as its high pH isn’t great for delicate fibers like silk and wool.
- Add ½ cup of washing soda directly to the washing machine drum.
- Add detergent.
- Add your laundry.
- Run the cycle as usual.
Adding washing soda to your laundry routine is a game-changer, especially if you have hard water. The sodium carbonate softens the water by binding to minerals, letting your detergent work more effectively. I’ve noticed my towels come out softer and brighter when I toss in a half-cup. If you’re dealing with hard water (about 85% of U.S. households do, according to water quality studies), this trick can extend the life of your clothes and reduce detergent buildup. Just don’t overdo it—too much can leave a residue on fabrics.
To Remove Stains
Pre-treat tough stains with a paste made of washing soda and warm water. “The washing soda’s chemical compound helps break up stains and soften water, so laundry detergent can more deeply permeate the fabric,” says Cohoon.
- In a bowl, mix washing soda and water until a paste forms.
- Apply the paste to your fabric and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes.
- Wash as usual.
This paste is my go-to for stubborn stains like red wine or grass. The alkaline nature of washing soda helps break down acidic or oily stains, making them easier to lift. I’ve saved a few favorite shirts this way, but I always test a small spot first, especially on colored fabrics, to avoid fading. For an extra boost, try adding a splash of white vinegar to the wash cycle after using the paste—it enhances the stain-fighting power without any chemical clash.
To Unclog Drains
Washing soda can also be used to unclog drains.
- Remove as much water from the clogged sink or tub as possible.
- Pour ½ to 1 cup of washing soda into the drain and allow to sit for up to 30 minutes.
- Pour boiling water into the drain and repeat the process if necessary.
- Once the pipe is no longer clogged, run cold water to flush it out for three to five minutes.
This method has saved me from calling a plumber more than once! The washing soda’s alkalinity helps dissolve organic matter like hair or grease in drains. I’ve found it works best for minor clogs—think slow-draining sinks rather than full blockages. A pro tip: if the clog persists after one round, try adding a cup of vinegar after the washing soda for a fizzy reaction that can help break things up. Just make sure the area is well-ventilated, as the boiling water can create some steam.
To Remove Grease
Use washing soda to clean grease by making a paste out of water and washing soda. Keep in mind that washing soda isn’t suitable for cleaning all surfaces, so you’ll want to test that it’s safe before using.
- In a bowl, mix washing soda and water until a paste forms.
- Apply it to the greasy area and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Scrub gently in circular motions with a soft toothbrush or sponge.
- Rinse with warm water and repeat if needed.
- Thoroughly dry the area.
This paste is a lifesaver for greasy stovetops or oven racks. The high pH cuts through oil like nobody’s business, but I’ve learned to be cautious on painted or delicate surfaces—it can strip finishes if you’re not careful. I usually keep a small spray bottle of the paste mixture handy for quick touch-ups in the kitchen. If you’re tackling a really stubborn grease spot, let the paste sit a bit longer, maybe 45 minutes, and use a microfiber cloth for scrubbing—it’s gentler but still effective.
When Not to Use Washing Soda
While washing soda is effective at cleaning laundry and treating stains, there are some instances when you want to avoid using the substance. “Washing soda should not be used on aluminum, fiberglass, or waxed surfaces, as it can damage the surface,” says Dills.
I learned this the hard way when I accidentally dulled an aluminum pan with washing soda—yikes! Its high alkalinity can corrode certain materials, so always do a spot test on questionable surfaces. Also, steer clear of using it on delicate fabrics like silk or wool, as it can weaken the fibers over time. If you’re unsure, stick to baking soda for those surfaces or consult the manufacturer’s care instructions. A good rule of thumb: if it’s something you’d hate to ruin, double-check before diving in with washing soda.
