How to Make Washing Soda From Baking Soda: Game Changing Cleaning Hack
Are you looking for a way to make your own eco-friendly cleaning products? One of the simplest and most useful DIY cleaning agents is washing soda, and the good news is you can make it from something you probably already have in your pantry, baking soda!
This quick guide will walk you through how to transform baking soda into washing soda using just your oven, offering you an easy and cost-effective way to make a staple cleaning product.
Plus, we’ll cover its many uses and the safety precautions you need to know!
Tools and Materials:
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What Is Washing Soda and Why Is It So Useful?
Washing soda, or sodium carbonate, is a highly alkaline compound, commonly used for its powerful cleaning abilities. It’s a natural substance typically derived from limestone and salt, and it’s extremely effective as a water softener, degreaser, and stain remover. Plus, it’s non-toxic, making it a great addition to homemade laundry detergents or all-purpose cleaners.
How Is Washing Soda Different from Baking Soda?
While baking soda is known for its gentler cleaning properties and ability to neutralize odors, washing soda takes things further. By heating baking soda, you remove water and carbon dioxide, leaving behind sodium carbonate. This change makes washing soda more powerful when cleaning, particularly in breaking down grease, grime, and tough stains.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Turn Baking Soda into Washing Soda
Now, let’s jump into the fun part: making washing soda! This process is so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been doing it all along.
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the ideal temperature for converting baking soda into washing soda without overcooking it.
2. Spread Baking Soda Evenly on a Baking Tray
Pour a generous amount of baking soda onto a large baking tray. The layer should be fairly thin and even—this ensures that the baking soda heats evenly.
3. Bake at 400°F for 30-60 Minutes
Place the tray into your preheated oven and set a timer for 30 minutes. If the layer is thick, you may need up to an hour.
Stir the baking soda occasionally to make sure it bakes evenly. Don’t worry—you can’t overcook it, but you’ll want to make sure the transformation is complete.
4. How to Know It’s Ready
You’ll know your baking soda has transformed into washing soda when its texture changes from a glittery, clumpy powder to something duller and grainier. Baking soda tends to clump together, while washing soda will feel more like fine sand.
5. Cool and Store Your Homemade Washing Soda
Once the transformation is complete, remove the tray from the oven and allow it to cool. Store the finished washing soda in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing moisture from the air.
Helpful Tips for Success
- Storage: Always store washing soda in an airtight container to keep it dry and effective. Exposure to moisture will cause it to revert back to baking soda.
- Check the Texture: If you’re unsure whether your soda has transformed completely, look for the dull, powdery texture—this is the best indicator.
DIY Benefits of Making Washing Soda
Why should you take the time to make your own washing soda? There are a few key reasons:
Cost-Saving Advantages
Buying washing soda can get expensive, especially if you’re using it in bulk. Making your own is a cheap, efficient alternative—plus, you can make as much or as little as you need at a time.
Eco-Friendly and Plastic-Free
Store-bought washing soda usually comes in plastic packaging, which adds to your household waste. By making your own, you can reduce your reliance on plastic and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Uses of Homemade Washing Soda Around the House
Once you’ve made your washing soda, you’ll find countless ways to put it to good use!
Laundry Room: Washing Soda as a Detergent Booster
Washing soda is a fantastic addition to homemade laundry detergent, boosting the cleaning power and helping to soften hard water.
Cleaning Kitchen and Appliances
Use it to scrub stubborn stains from ovens, stovetops, and even kitchen tiles. Simply mix washing soda with a bit of water to create a powerful cleaning paste.
Outdoor Uses: Deck, Garage, and Driveway Cleaning
Washing soda is tough on grime, making it perfect for outdoor cleaning tasks like scrubbing your deck, garage floor, or driveway.
Stain Removal: Carpet, Fabric, and Upholstery
Sprinkle washing soda on carpets or upholstery to lift tough stains. Let it sit for a while before vacuuming up the powder—it’s a game changer for stain removal!
Safety Precautions When Using Washing Soda
While washing soda is a great cleaning agent, it’s important to use it safely.
- Wear gloves when handling washing soda, as it can irritate your skin.
- Avoid contact with eyes and prolonged exposure to bare skin.
- Store out of reach of children and pets.
Ready to Put Your Homemade Washing Soda to Use?
Transform Baking Soda into Washing Soda: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you know how easy it is to make washing soda from baking soda, why not give it a try? It’s a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and powerful cleaning solution for your home.
Have you already made your own washing soda? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below!
Comments
Join the conversation
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I'm just as confused as the other two. 😕 I hope the questions get answered.
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Non toxicity? (1) This method releases carbon dioxide (CD). CD is what we breathe out of our bodies, so it seems that we don't want to expose ourselves to very much of it in concentration. Or indoors ?? I would recommend using the exhaust fan or opeing windows throughout.
(2) CD is also one of the major greenhouse gasses raising the earth/ocean temperatures, which breeds more hurricanes and wildfires. A few people using this method in a household setting may not be serious, but it is something to think about. (I an not a chemist or chemical engineer. Just trying to use common sense here. And what if a lot of people started doing this.)
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
I’m confused. The directions say to spread evenly on a baking sheet, but the photos show it in a glass container ON the baking sheet?
I’m confused, along with Peggy. Bake it on a baking sheet or in a glass dish? Also, do you take it out of the oven to stir it several times? Must it be stored in a glass container instead of plastic?
Why is it leaving a hazy film on the glass?