http://www.care2.com/greenliving/cant-find-washing-soda-ask-annie.html
Can’t Find Washing Soda? Ask Annie
Hello Annie,
I am a recent convert to green cleaning. I have a 2-year-old daughter with health problems and I want to make my home as non-toxic as possible for her. The problem I have run into is that most of the recipes for cleaning provided on this site require washing soda, which is not available where I live. I am also concerned with the caustic nature of washing soda. Is there something else that can be used in its place that will work as well?
Very Respectfully,
Jessica
Dear Jessica,
Sadly, you aren’t alone in not being able to find washing soda and that is unfortunate! Getting it online through a source such as Arm & Hammer would be expensive for the shipping because it is heavy. It is also called soda ash and sodium carbonate and you might find a local chemical supply company who could buy it in bulk for you.
I do have an idea for you, however. Years ago I was talking with a chemist about the difference between baking soda and washing soda and was told that washing soda is in the same family as baking soda it is just processed differently. He told me that if you combine baking soda with boiling water it is turned into sodium carbonate. I would try this, stirring 2 cups of boiling water to 1 cup of baking soda in a pan, allowing the mixture to cool, and using the resulting baking soda in the formulas.
Otherwise, an alternative solvent for hard cleaning jobs is one of the citrus solvents on the market. While made of an extract of citrus peels it still gives off volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) and shouldn’t be used by asthmatics. That said, for most people it is healthier than petroleum-based solvents.
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add your comment »Sodium Carbonate is used as a food additive in things like ramen noodles and sherbet lollies, so I don't think it's that caustic. Perhaps you're confusing washing soda with caustic soda (sodium hydroxide)? Although food safe versions of this are used in some methods of food production (softening olives for example), it can cause chemical burns. You should be able to buy washing soda in the form of soda crystals, either with the washing detergents or in the toiletries aisle - it's used in the exact same form as an additive to baths to relieve aching limbs! :)
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In using baking soda I buy the non aluminum
from the organic store, more expensive, but
folks claim Arm and Hammer is full of aluminum.
I make sure it is labled no aluminum.
I was leary that it could still be ingested into the skin.
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i found washing soda at fred myers its the only store in my area that caries it also if you call arm and hammer they will give you the product number and a lot of stores alow for special requests and with the prouduct number they will order it for you
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Sodium carbonate has disappeared from store shelves as "oxygen based cleaners" or "oxygen bleach alternatives" have become popular. If you read the ingredients on these products, they're made of.... sodium carbonate! The down side is that they cost more :(
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do not use anything scented with lavender or tree oil, especially with children... both of these "natural" compounds have been suspected of raising estrogen levels...
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In boiling down the bicarbonate solution, do not use an aluminum and preferably not a glass pan. Use stainless steel. Strong carbonate solution dossolves aluminum.
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You can go to a store with pool supplies and purchace sodium carbonate. It is used to lower the pH. One must use gloves when handling!
If you want to make life a little easier there are 2 options:
Seventh Generation makes a very green laundry detergent that is BARELY scented with Blue Eucalyptus & Lavender or White Flower & Bergamot Citrus. If you go to their website, you can view all the ingredients to all their products.
At Sam's Club, there is a natural detergent (with a mild Lavendar oil scent) that has a natural soy-based fabric softener included.
Both clean the clothes well and my three kids have not had any reaction to these products!
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soda ash can also be found at craft stores like A. C. Moore. You will find it in the section with the t-shirts. It is often used in tye die kits.
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I've tried the soap nuts and loved them!!
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Hi Annie,
My friend and I just discovered "soap nuts" you might research all the wonderful safe ways these have been used for years. I'm "so far" impressed with the results but way too much good stuff about them to tell you here. So research, and try them out save money share a batch with a friend.
Miss C
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