Written by Angela Reviewed by Daniel

15 Brilliant Uses For Soda Crystals In Your Home (#8 will amaze you!)

Soda crystals are the ultimate eco-friendly cleaning powerhouse! Affordable, biodegradable, cruelty free, and vegan, they’re an essential ingredient in any green cleaning kit. If you’re looking for an effective and budget friendly way to clean your home without synthetic chemicals, soda crystals should be your go to solution.

But what exactly are soda crystals? Sometimes known as washing soda, soda crystals are simply sodium carbonate, a naturally occurring salt with no added nasties. Unlike conventional cleaning products, they contain no toxic ingredients and are completely biodegradable, making them a safer choice for homes with pets, children, and septic tanks.

15 Ways To Use Soda Crystals In Your Home

So, how can you use them around the home? Let’s get straight into 15 clever ways soda crystals can transform your cleaning routine!

1. Revive Your Washing Machine

Keep your washing machine fresh and efficient by adding a cup of soda crystals directly into the drum. Run empty using the hottest wash cycle (ideally 90°C) to break down soap residue, grease, and hard water build-up.

Doing this monthly can prolong your machine’s life and prevent nasty odours.

2. Sparkling Clean Dishwasher

Eliminate limescale and grease in your dishwasher by adding a handful of soda crystals to the detergent compartment.

Run the hottest cycle, and enjoy gleaming results without expensive cleaners!

3. Unblock Drains Naturally

Say goodbye to slow draining sinks! Pour a cup of soda crystals down the plughole, followed by a full kettle of boiling water.

This breaks down fat and grease, leaving your sink fresh and free flowing. It also works for blocked pipes!

4. Eco-Friendly Floor Cleaner

For a natural way to clean floors, dissolve a tablespoon of soda crystals in a bucket of hot water.

Add a few drops of essential oils (such as tea tree for disinfecting or lemon for freshness), and mop away grime effortlessly.

5. Tackle Greasy Kitchen Surfaces

Struggling with greasy kitchen tiles or cooker hoods? Mix one part soda crystals with three parts warm water and wipe down surfaces with a cloth.

For stubborn grease, let the solution sit for a few minutes before wiping away.

6. Extractor Fan Filter Revival

Soak greasy extractor fan filters in hot water mixed with two tablespoons of soda crystals and three tablespoons of laundry detergent.

Leave for 20 minutes, then scrub lightly to reveal filters that look like new!

7. Stain Free Mugs & Teacups

Tea and coffee stains in your favourite mug? Add half a teaspoon of soda crystals, fill with boiling water, and let it sit until cool.

Rinse well, and stains vanish like magic!

8. Restore Burnt Pots & Pans

For burnt on food, add a quarter cup of soda crystals to the pan, fill with boiling water, and leave overnight.

The next morning, cleaning will be a breeze! Avoid using on aluminium, as it may corrode the surface. This will remove grease as well!

9. Crayon Marks On Walls? No Problem!

Kids’ artwork on your walls? Make a paste using equal parts soda crystals and water, then gently scrub with a cloth.

Avoid wallpapered or brightly painted walls and always patch test first!

10. Wood Burning Stove Glass Cleaner

Clear away soot from your stove glass by dissolving a quarter cup of soda crystals in a litre of warm water.

Wipe over the glass with a damp cloth for a streak free finish.

11. Non Toxic Toilet Cleaner

Ditch harsh bleach! Instead, mix equal parts soda crystals and water, pour into the toilet, and leave for 30 minutes before scrubbing.

Your toilet will be fresh and clean without the chemical fumes.

12. Enhance Your Laundry Power

Soften hard water and boost your detergent’s cleaning power by adding a tablespoon of soda crystals to your wash.

You’ll get cleaner clothes while using less detergent!

13. Pre-Soak For Stubborn Stains

For stains like tea, coffee, blood, grease, and ink, dissolve a cup of soda crystals in a pint of hot water.

Soak the item for an hour before washing as usual.

14. Effortless Oven Cleaning

To clean oven racks, fill your bathtub with warm water and add a cup of soda crystals.

Soak the racks for 30 minutes before scrubbing away grime with ease.

15. Hard Water Softener

If you live in a hard water area, adding a teaspoon of soda crystals to each laundry load will help prevent limescale build-up, protecting both your clothes and washing machine.

But Wait, There’s More

As if 15 amazing uses for soda crystals wasn’t enough, here’s a few more;

Furniture & Soft Furnishings Cleaner

Just mix 2 tablespoons of soda crystals with 2 tablespoons of washing up liquid and 300 ml of warm water. Apply to the affected area using a shower puff/body mop making sure to only apply the foam.

Leave for 10 to 15 minutes and rub with the shower puff again then leave to dry or pat with a towel.

Restore Discoloured Chopping Boards

If your chopping board is looking slightly worse for wear, mix a paste of soda crystals and water and scrub.

Not only will your chopping board be clean, it will be deodorised as well!

Clean Microfibre Cloths & Mop Heads

You can give your microfibre cloths and mop heads a deep clean by pre-soaking them in a soda crystal/warm water solution.

Then wash on the hottest wash permissible for that particular fabric.

Moss Free Patios

Algae and moss growth looks unsightly and can be a slip hazard. To eradicate, simply sprinkle soda crystals directly onto the moss and apply water (we find a watering can is ideal for this purpose).

Then leave and the moss/algae will be gone in around 48 hours.

Clean Dustbins

Indoor and outdoor bins can all be cleaned with a solution of soda crystals and warm water.

Once washed, allow to dry (sunlight works best), then sprinkle baking soda into the bin to keep it smelling fresh.

Making Shower Curtains Mould Free

Soak mouldy shower curtains in a solution of soda crystals and warm water for around 10 to 15 minutes.

Then scrub with a scrubbing brush before hanging the shower curtain to dry.

A Few Safety Tips

While soda crystals are natural, they’re still a powerful cleaner. Keep these safety precautions in mind:

Always wear gloves when handling concentrated soda crystals, as they can irritate the skin.
Never use on aluminium, lacquered surfaces, or waxed furniture, they may corrode or dull the finish.
Avoid mixing with vinegar, the reaction neutralises both, making them ineffective.

Over To You

Soda crystals are an inexpensive, versatile, and eco-friendly addition to any home. Whether you’re tackling stubborn stains, deodorising drains, or deep cleaning appliances, these humble crystals make household chores easier and greener.

Have you tried soda crystals for cleaning? Let us know your favourite uses in the comments! And don’t forget to share this article with your socials, let’s clean naturally one home at a time!

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