Washing Soda Is a Powerful, All-Natural Cleaner for Your Laundry and Beyond

Baking soda is a versatile ingredient that can be used as a natural cleaner for showers, kitchen sinks, and beyond. But if you're looking for something a little more heavy-duty, you may want to consider adding washing soda to your cleaning regimen. The powerful cleaning agent is 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 is 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.

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.  

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.

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.

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.

1. Add ½ cup of washing soda directly to the washing machine drum.
2. Add detergent.
3. Add your laundry.
4. Run the cycle as usual.

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.

1. In a bowl, mix washing soda and water until a paste forms.
2. Apply the paste to your fabric and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes.
3. Wash as usual.

Unclog Drains

Washing soda can also be used to unclog drains.

1. Remove as much water from the clogged sink or tub as possible.
2. Pour ½ to 1 cup of washing soda into the drain and allow to sit for up to 30 minutes.
3. Pour boiling water into the drain and repeat the process if necessary.
4. Once the pipe is no longer clogged, run cold water to flush it out for three to five minutes.
   

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.

1. In a bowl, mix washing soda and water until a paste forms.
2. Apply it to the greasy area and let it sit for 30 minutes.
3. Scrub gently in circular motions with a soft toothbrush or sponge.
4. Rinse with warm water and repeat if needed.
5. Thoroughly dry the area. 

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.

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.

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
3. Spread the baking soda onto the baking sheet in a thin, even layer.
4. Bake for one hour and allow to fully cool.
5. Remove from the baking sheet and store in a sealed container.