If you are into green cleaning or prefer to use DIY cleaning methods, you may want to know about soda crystals. They are an extremely affordable, biodegradable, eco-friendly product that you can use for a number of things around the house. They can practically clean anything. The best part is that soda crystals can be easily found in the supermarket, hardware stores, or bargain stores.
What are soda crystals?
If you are not familiar with this product, let us tell you what soda crystals actually are before we continue further. This is a one-ingredient product – simply sodium carbonate. It is widely used in soaps, textile, and glass industries.
As an alkali, soda crystals have great water-softening properties, making them great for laundry applications. What is more, they have great grease, oil, and dirt cleaning properties. Soda crystals are unlikely to cause allergic reactions or skin irritations, compared to artificially scented and enzyme-based commercial products.
Keep reading to find the many ways in which you can use soda crystals for cleaning at home.
- Washing machine cleaner
It is recommended that you clean your washing machine once a month, at least. When using soda crystals all you have to do is place a cup of the product in your empty washer and run an empty 90° cycle. Soda crystals are great for cleaning soap scum and any hard water deposits, prolonging the life of your washing machine. - Dishwasher cleaning
Similar to your washing machine, soda crystals can be used to clean your dishwasher. They will cut through greasy food residue, soap scum, and hard water deposits. Simply add soda crystals to the dishwashing detergent dispenser of your appliance, then run the hottest cycle available. This way you will give it a good cleaning and remove all limescale. - Sink and drain cleaner
If your sink is not draining fast, you can use soda crystals to unclog your sink drain. All you have to do is pour a cup of soda crystals down your drain, followed by a kettle of boiling water. This will help break down any greasy/fatty deposits that are built up in your drain, will make it smell better, and the water will drain faster. - Soda crystals to soften your water
If the water in the area where you live is hard, try putting a spoonful of soda crystals with each laundry load. This will soften the water and prolong the life of your washing machine. The best part is that it will help your laundry detergent work better. - Kitchen cleaner
We all know how annoying it is to clean the greasy stove or tiles in the cooking area of the kitchen. Lucky for you, soda crystals will help you in no time. Dissolve one part of the product in three parts of water, dip a cloth in this solution and wipe away the grease with ease. - Extractor fan filter cleaner
To clean your extractor fan cleaner, mix 2 spoons of soda crystals and 3 spoons of liquid laundry detergent in hot water. Use this solution to clean your greasy filter. - Toilet cleaning
Soda crystals make a great bleach alternative for cleaning stained toilets. Make a 1:1 solution of soda crystals and water and pour it down the toilet and let it sit for 15-30 minutes. When done sitting, use your toilet brush to scrub away any unwanted dirt and stains. - Stain remover for clothes
Use a solution of hot water and 1 cup of soda crystals to pre-soak all your clothes before washing them as usual. They are great for removing stubborn stains such as coffee, tea, blood, oil, grease, and ink. - Cleaning pots, pans, and baking trays
If you have pots and pans with burned-on food that you can’t seem to remove, add ¼ cup of soda crystals and fill the pot with boiling water. Let it sit overnight, then you will be able to clean the burned food residue without much scrubbing. Keep in mind that this should not be used on aluminium pots and pans. - Oven cleaning
Oven cleaning is not most people’s favourite job. Thankfully, soda crystals will help you with that. Fill a tub with hot water, and add 1 cup of soda crystals. Soak your racks, grills, and other removable parts of the oven that are greasy and need cleaning. Let them sit in the solution for 30 minutes. Then give them a scrub and everything will come off easily.
Things to keep in mind when using soda crystals
- While soda crystals are a natural product, they are still a chemical. When using concentrated soda crystal solutions, it is best to wear rubber gloves. The concentration of the product may cause irritation to the skin so use it with caution.
- Do not use soda crystals on aluminium pots, pans, or other utensils. Soda crystals can corrode metals so make sure you avoid their use on such items.
- Soda crystals can damage finishes so make sure you avoid that.
- Avoid mixing soda crystals with vinegar. There is no safety concern, however, the reaction between the two will weaken the solution and cause it to be less effective.