I’ve been using washing soda, also known as sodium carbonate, for years in my natural cleaning routines. It’s a key ingredient in my homemade laundry detergent and all-purpose cleaners, and I’ve discovered many other uses for it around the house.
Sodium carbonate, often called washing soda or soda ash, is a water-soluble sodium salt derived from carbonic acid. Its combination of sodium, carbon, and oxygen makes it an effective natural cleaner and cleaning booster. You can find it from natural sources, like the ashes of particular plants, or it can be made synthetically. Historically, it has been used in glassmaking, film developing, taxidermy, cooking, and chemistry, but I mainly use it for its simple household applications.
Even in our small town, washing soda is readily available in the laundry aisle of grocery stores, and you can also buy it online in both boxes and in bulk. I usually purchase it due to its affordability, versatility, and accessibility.
I’ve received many comments from readers outside the US or those in very rural areas asking for alternatives if they can’t find it where they live. Some readers have shared that they make it at home from baking soda, which seems to be available almost everywhere.
The best part is that transforming baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) into washing soda (sodium carbonate) is a simple chemical reaction that you can easily do in your oven! By applying enough heat for a sufficient amount of time, the structure of sodium bicarbonate changes, releasing excess carbon dioxide and steam. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make this a science lesson for your kids!
If you have an oven and want to get creative, try making your own washing soda. Baking soda is typically even cheaper, especially at big box stores, so this can help lower the cost of your cleaning recipes even further. Use your homemade washing soda just like the store-bought kind in your natural cleaning recipes, laundry soaps, and more!
Have you ever tried making washing soda at home? A big thanks to reader Erin for sharing the tip on how to do it!
