Do you know about soda crystals?
Perhaps you have already seen some in the maintenance department?
You don't know what it's for? Well, this article is here to help!
Soda crystals are used in many commercial cleaning products.
Why ? Because their stain-removing and cleansing properties are well known to manufacturers.
Sodium carbonate is found naturally in the ashes of many plants.
It is also found in minerals left behind by seasonal lakes. Seaweed ash is one of the most common sources of natural sodium carbonate.
Here are some other names you might find:sodium carbonate, calcined soda, carbonic acid, disodium salt, sodium salt, dissodium carbonate, soda crystals...
Without further ado, here are the 19 magic uses of soda crystals for the home:
This is the easiest and most classic use of soda crystals. I have my favorite laundry detergent recipe that I have been using at home regularly for the past few years.
If you think making your own laundry detergent is complicated or expensive, you're wrong.
Know that a wash with this homemade detergent costs only 1 penny and leaves your clothes fabulously clean. Check out the recipe I use daily here.
You can also use soda crystals to boost your store-bought detergent. Just add 1/2 cup of soda crystals to your machine before washing and put in your usual laundry detergent.
Here is an easy to do pre-wash. Put 2 tablespoons of crystals in 3 or 4 liters of hot water. Immerse your stained clothes in it, immersing them completely.
It is best to soak them overnight. But if that's not possible, soak them for at least 30 minutes, and add 1/2 cup of soda to the washing machine, in addition to your usual detergent. Then cycle regularly.
This recipe for homemade dishwasher tablets is another effective way to save money every day at home. Don't worry the recipe is very easy to make and super effective. Discover the recipe here.
And while we're at it, why not make your own dishwashing liquid? All you need is soda crystals, baking soda, black soap and a few drops of essential oil. You will be surprised by the degreasing power of this recipe! Discover the recipe here.
If you are looking for a universal cleanser based on natural ingredients, this recipe will satisfy you!
Put on protective gloves, then put 1/2 teaspoon of washing soda, 2 tablespoons of white vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon of Castile soap in a glass container.
Pour 500 ml of almost boiling water over it and stir. Leave to cool.
Then add 20 drops of tea tree essential oil. Pour into a spray bottle and shake before each use. This product is perfect for washing tables, cupboard doors, the sink, the inside of the fridge, floors (not wooden)... And above all, it's chemical-free!
Soda crystals are particularly effective for maintaining pipes. I use this washing solution about every 3 weeks.
Put 1/2 cup of soda crystals in 3 or 4 liters of hot water. Run hot water first and then add the mixture to the drain. Rinse it off with warm water.
You can use this mixture without risks for your septic tanks.
If you forget to maintain your pipes, washing soda can also be used to unclog them. Pour 1 cup of soda down the drain. Leave to stand for 15 minutes and pour 2 liters of boiling water.
If the clog is stubborn, add 1/2 cup of hot vinegar. Be careful, do not use this trick if you have already used a commercial drain opener.
Mixing the 2 products risks creating a chemical reaction that would force you to leave the house at the risk of being poisoned.
Wash your kitchen tiles using this easy-to-make recipe. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of soda crystals, 1/4 teaspoon of white vinegar, a squirt of washing-up liquid in 3 liters of hot water. Your tiles will be degreased and sparkling like the 1st day.
Are you looking for an effective multi-use product that smells too good? Here is a recipe that will please you.
Mix 250 ml of grapefruit vinegar with 30 grams of soda crystals, 3 drops of liquid soap and 10 drops of grapefruit essential oil in 3 liters of hot water.
There you go, your product is ready. Want to make your own citrus vinegar? Discover the recipe here.
If you are repairing old floors and need to remove old paint or wax, soda crystals are an excellent natural floor stripper.
Mix baking soda with just enough water to form a paste. Spread it over the area to be stripped. Don't forget to wear your gloves. Let it sit.
You can start checking for peeling paint after a few hours, but it's best to let it sit overnight.
Descale your coffee maker or kettle by putting 2 to 3 tablespoons of soda crystals in it. Add the mixture where you put the coffee or water.
Repeat the operation 2 or 3 times with hot water to rinse it well.
Here is a simple recipe for cleaning the oven. Mix 1 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 tablespoon liquid castile soap.
Add hot water slowly until you get a thick paste. Also add a few drops of white vinegar.
Then apply the paste to the oven surface and let it dry overnight. In the morning, wipe with a sponge and warm water.
To clean silverware without toxic products, soda crystals are the perfect solution.
You need 1 sheet of aluminum foil, a pot with a lid, 2 tablespoons of salt, 60 g of soda crystals and 300 ml of boiling water.
Cover the bottom of the pot with the aluminum foil, then put the salt and the soda crystals. Put your silverware and pour boiling water over it.
Close the lid and leave to act. When you remove the lid, the silverware has regained its shine effortlessly. Check out the trick here.
The soda crystals act on the limestone which sticks to the tiles of the shower. Just mix 1/2 cup of soda crystals with 3 liters of hot water.
Put on gloves before putting your hands in the mixture. Wash the surface with an old rag. Rinse with lukewarm water.
Do your barbecue grills need a good cleaning?
All you have to do is dip a damp stiff brush into the soda crystals and scrub the barbecue.
Rub vigorously then rinse and let dry. However, do not use this method on aluminum grills.
When it rains, the terrace and the stairs of the house can become slippery because of the moss that has grown on them.
To remove moss from walkways, stairs and decks, sprinkle soda ash directly on it, then add water to it to form a paste.
Leave everything to dry in the sun for a day or two, then simply rinse with a garden hose to loosen the dead moss and give it a new look.
Got a motor oil stain on your concrete floor? Sprinkle soda crystals on the stains.
Add a little water to make a paste and let sit overnight. The next day, all you have to do is rinse with the garden hose.
To scrub your toilet effortlessly, put 3 tablespoons of soda crystals in 1 liter of boiling water and pour into the bowl.
Leave to act for 15 minutes and rub with a brush if necessary to remove traces of limescale. Check out the trick here.
Soda crystals are used as a chemical treatment in swimming pools, so you can buy them at a specialized swimming pool store.
They will often be cheaper there than in DIY stores.
Of course, you can always find soda crystals on the Internet. You can find some here at a good price.
Soda ash is a skin irritant when used in extremely concentrated forms.
But the application of a weak solution (less than 50%) on human skin does not cause serious damage on skin without lesions.
They can be used on almost any surface except aluminum and fiberglass.
