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Washing Soda: A Heavy-Duty Cleanser

posted by Annie B. Bond Jul 23, 2008 2:00 pm
filed under: Ask Annie
Washing Soda: A Heavy-Duty Cleanser
9 comments

Q: I notice that you use washing soda in a lot of your cleaning recipes. What is it and where can I find it? –Kathy G., CO

A: Washing soda, also know as sodium carbonate, is in the same family as baking soda. It has just been processed differently. It is much more caustic and alkaline, with a pH of 11, and while it doesn’t give off harmful fumes, you do need to wear gloves when you clean with it. It is found in the laundry section of most supermarkets.

It wasn’t until I discovered washing soda as a heavy-duty cleanser that I felt I could clean everything in the house using less toxic ingredients. I stumbled upon it because I needed to peel old wax off a floor. Washing soda worked for this, as it did for cleaning up engine oil, and other tough materials that people generally use solvents for.

I would love to hear how it works for you!

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9 comments

9 comments

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Sue Cannon

i usally just use bicarbonate of soda to stop smells in my fridge but decided to put some in a bowl in my loo too instead of using sprays all the time. then put some down the toilet to use as a toilet cleaner. It worked!! and im thrilled.

Shamana L.

PS The stuff is "gold" for white clothes if you have hard water! Even in a cold water wash!

Taise Carr

Patty-

Regarding the safety of Brita water filter system, see the link below:
http://thesoftlanding.wordpress.com/2008/02/09/are-brita-water-pitchers-made-from-safe-plastic/

Kay J.
  • Kay J. says
  • Jul 24, 2008 3:29 AM

Hi Elaine, do you know that Ecover in tested on Animals. Also the Vegan Society has banned them from using their symbol.

ELAINE R.

Ecover is better

Shamana L.

I used washing soda to get a cat smell out of a woman's oriental rug. I really diluted it. I checked for color fastness first.

Now I use it for cleaning almost everything that vinegar or baking soda or lemon juice won't get..

Don't put it or BORAXO on plants or on your lawn. KILLS grass and plants.

Patty Morelli

I use a Brita water dispenser. It has a filter that cleans the water and then is stored in its own plastic container. There is the letter "B" on the bottom of the container. Nothing else. Is this a safe process? Is the plastic container safe?

Patty Morelli

I use a Brita water dispenser which first filters the water and then stores the water in the Brita water pitcher. Is this whole process safe?

Julie Sm

Its made by Arm and Hammer. I called the company and for my area (I live in a big city) Its only sold in Publix grocery stores. However they did offer to ship it to me. But it was cheaper at the Publix Grocery store.

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Disclaimer: Care2.com does not warrant and shall have no liability for information provided in this newsletter or on Care2.com. Each individual person, fabric, or material may react differently to a particular suggested use. It is recommended that before you begin to use any formula, you read the directions carefully and test it first. Should you have any health care-related questions or concerns, please call or see your physician or other health care provider.

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