Washing Soda

The following information is reproduced from the Blants website.

Sodium Carbonate, commonly known as ‘Washing Soda’ is highly valued as a key component of laundry soaps and other household cleaning products as it can easily remove dirt and tough greasy stains from clothes, utensils, floors, and various other surfaces. It is also referred to as Soda Ash or Soda Powder. 

Whilst other brands of Washing Soda are often synthetically processed from a combination of common salt, ammonia and limestone, Blants Natural Sodium Carbonate is all natural! Not processed, but harvested from deep underground ancient, mineral deposits of Sodium Carbonates & Bicarbonates. The mix is brought to the surface where a simple filtering and refining process produces a premium Sodium Carbonate.

SAFETY & HANDLING:  Please read before progressing to ‘Uses’.
BLANTs Sodium Carbonate is a natural safe and effective product that has a multitude of uses. It has a very high alkalinity which may be an irritant to some folk if not handled correctly so we advice the following:

If you are very sensitive it may be best to wear rubber gloves and other protective gear when using. However in many cases when used as a diluted solution it is actually beneficial for the hands.
 - It may be best to wear safety glasses to protect the eyes.
 - Do not inhale or swallow.
 - Do not use on aluminium, fibreglass or polished/waxed/varnished surfaces as it will react with each of these.


USES:

* Washing soda is a key component of laundry soaps and other household cleaning products reputed to easily remove dirt and tough greasy stains from clothes, utensils, floors, and various other surfaces. When added to washing powders it works with the washing powder for a cleaner, softer wash. You use less washing powder and get a cleaner clean as it softens the water allowing detergent to lather and clean! One suggestion is to add ½ cup of washing soda to your washing water and then use less detergent.

*Sodium Carbonate is also used as a cleansing agent for removing dirt stuck on silver and glass items.

A Sodium Carbonate solution acts as a fungicide that can kill mould and mildew in damp areas of the house.

* Washing soda can be added to swimming pools to neutralise acid from repeated chlorine applications.


ADDITIONAL HANDY INFO gathered from various sources

Washing Soda Around the Home

Cleaning blackened / burnt pans
A strong washing soda solution is very effective for removing burnt-on grease from pans and casserole dishes. Soak stubborn stains overnight.
Note:Do not use washing soda on aluminium items & hoping you have rid all aluminium out of the house long ago J

Stoves
Cut through grease and burnt on food by cleaning with a strong solution. Leaves enamelled surfaces gleaming.

Floor tiles
Uses a strong, hot solution to cut through ground in dirt and leave tiled surfaces sparkling clean.

Chopping boards
Scrub with a regular solution to get rid of lingering smells without tainting food. Rinse thoroughly.

Mops and dishcloths
Soak in a strong solution in hot water to remove dirt and grease.

Patios and paths
A brush down with a strong, hot solution will remove the slime left by rotting leaves and moss, and will also help to keep paved areas moss free. Sprinkle directly onto moss, leave overnight and rinse off. To remove oil stains from driveways sprinkle Washing Soda liberally over the stains, add a little water to make a paste. Leave overnight and scrub with a broom the next day to remove all traces of stains!

Stonework Clean steps, driveways and stonework with a strong solution.

Barbecues
Washing soda is renowned for its ability to cut through grease, so it is ideal for cleaning barbecues. If possible soak components in a strong, hot solution for an hour or more before rinsing well with clean water. Use a strong solution and scrub grills and pans with a stiff brush.

Patio furniture
Grimy plastic garden furniture will come clean with a strong solution of washing soda.

Outdoor decks
Dissolve a regular solution of washing soda in hot water and scrub as usual to make a moss and algae free surface with reduced slip factor.

Paintwork
Paintwork and vinyl window frames will brighten after a wipe down with a regular solution of washing soda in warm water. You can prepare bare wood for painting with a regular solution.

Paint or varnish preparation
To prepare wooden flooring for varnishing or painting, make sure that all debris is removed, then mop with a strong washing soda solution. Make a new solution when the solution looks dirty in the bucket to prevent re-spreading the dirt around the floor.

Blinds
A wipe with a regular solution will brighten venetian blinds, and help to shrug off dust.

Cane furniture
Cane and wicker furniture will come clean after a wash with a regular washing soda solution. Washing soda will also help to harden the cane and tighten sagging seats.

Upholstery and carpets
Washing soda is ideal for getting out wine stains. Dab upholstery with a mild solution to get rid of stains or simply to freshen up the fabric. Take care not to scrub wool or other upholstery fabrics as it could damage them.

Windows, mirrors and tiles
A very mild solution gives windows, mirrors and wall tiles a sparkle.

Rubbish Bins
Clean out rubbish bins with a regular solution to keep them clean and odourless.

Silverware and silver jewellery
To put the shine back into silverware and silver jewellery with ease, make a solution of one cup of washing soda to half a litre of very hot water and soak for 10-15 minutes in a bowl lined with aluminium foil. The tarnish will simply melt away. Rinse off and buff. Soak delicate jewellery in a regular solution.

Brass and pewter
Will polish much more easily if first washed in a strong, hot solution of washing soda.

Wine and food stains
Red wine and food stains can be treated with a strong solution of washing soda. Large spills can be treated by applying dry washing soda directly to the stain followed by rinsing in clean water. Use washing soda for ink and grass stains too.

Garbage bins
A strong solution will loosen and remove dirt, grime and sludge.

Balancing Pool pH
Is your pool to acidic? Use Sodium Carbonate to alkalise your pool by adding gradually until pH is balanced

In the Bathroom

Baths, basins and showers
 Use a regular solution to freshen up baths, basins and showers. It cuts through grease, soap scum and lime scale.

Note: Do not use washing soda on lacquered taps and fittings

Toilets
Flush some washing soda down the drain to clean and freshen, and to help prevent blockages. Use them to clean toilet brushes too.

Waste pipes
Use a strong hot solution to keep waste pipes clean and fresh. A regular flushing will help keep waste pipes clear of blockages.

Floors and vinyl tiles
Clean the bathroom floor with a regular solution. Ceramic or vinyl tiles will clean up beautifully.

Tiles and grouting
Clean wall tiles with a regular solution to leave them clean and sparkling. Washing soda will bring new life to grouting too.

Sponges and combs
Freshen them up and get rid of that “greasiness” with a soak in a regular hot solution.

Shower curtains
Clean, deodorise, and remove soap scum and mildew from your vinyl shower curtains with a strong, hot solution of washing soda.

In the Garden

Green fly
 Spray trees or plants with a solution of 120 grams of soap flakes with 60 grams of washing soda in 7 litres of water.

Mildew and black spot
Spray roses with a solution of one cup of milk and 60 grams of washing soda to 4 litres of water.

Citrus Trees
If citrus trees leaves are a sickly yellow colour, a presenter on Gardening Australia recommends distributing 50grms ‘per metre of tree height’ in 3-4 shallow holes around the trees drip line.

So as you can see from the list above, Sodium Carbonate, aka Washing Soda has an absolute multitude of uses and is a must have around the house! Be confident you are using a product that is friendly to your health and the environment!