Puerto Verde's sodium carbonate powder is a natural, biodegradable, multipurpose mineral, ideal as a powerful degreaser, water softener, and deep household cleaner. It is more alkaline than baking soda, making it the perfect ally for dissolving accumulated grease, removing limescale from hard water, and leaving fabrics, surfaces, and kitchen utensils truly clean without resorting to harsh chemicals.
What is sodium carbonate and what is it used for?
Sodium carbonate (also known as soda ash or soda) is a mineral salt with an alkaline pH, much higher than that of baking soda. That greater alkalinity is precisely what gives it its great degreasing power: it breaks down grease and ingrained dirt more effectively than milder products, without the need for solvents or synthetic chemicals.
For generations, it has been used in household cleaning to soften water before washing (which makes soaps and detergents last longer), degrease ovens and grills, clean tile grout, remove limescale from faucets and bathroom fixtures, and as a natural booster in the laundry. You can find the complete guide to its uses, with proportions and step-by-step tips, on our sodium carbonate uses page.
When should you use sodium carbonate at home?
- To degrease the oven, grill, or stovetop with accumulated and burnt grease
- To soften the washing water so that clothes come out cleaner with less detergent
- To remove limescale from faucets, shower screens, tiles, and bathroom fixtures
- To clean grout and floors with ingrained dirt
- To unclog and degrease pipes when combined with cleaning vinegar
- To remove grease stains from fabrics before regular washing
- To clean silver utensils and restore their shine
Discover the rest of the range: baking soda, citric acid, vinegar, and distilled water. View collection →
Sodium carbonate vs. sodium bicarbonate: how do they differ?
They are two of our star products and are often confused, but each has its own function. Using them where appropriate makes all the difference in the cleaning results.
| Feature | Sodium carbonate | Sodium bicarbonate |
|---|---|---|
| pH / alkalinity | More alkaline | Milder |
| Degreasing power | ✓ Very high | Moderate |
| Softens water | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Use as a deodorizer | Limited | ✓ Very effective |
| Mild abrasive for scrubbing | Moderate | ✓ Ideal |
| Food use | ✗ Not recommended | ✓ Suitable |
| Best for | Ingrained grease, laundry, limescale | Odors, delicate surfaces, kitchen use |
Also check out our collection of sodium bicarbonate for tasks where a milder product is needed.
How to use sodium carbonate step by step
- Degrease the oven: mix sodium carbonate with a little water to form a paste, apply it to the ingrained grease, leave it for 20-30 minutes, and remove it with a damp sponge.
- Soften the laundry water: add one tablespoon of sodium carbonate along with your regular detergent in the washing machine drawer to boost its action, especially in hard water areas.
- Remove limescale: dissolve sodium carbonate in hot water and apply it to faucets, shower screens, or tiles with limescale. Leave it for a few minutes and scrub with a soft brush.
- Unclog pipes: pour sodium carbonate down the drain followed by cleaning vinegar. Let the reaction work for a few minutes and rinse with hot water.
- General cleaning: dilute one tablespoon in one liter of hot water to create a multipurpose degreasing cleaner for floors and durable surfaces.
You will find more recipes and exact proportions for each use in the complete guide to sodium carbonate uses and on our natural products blog.
Why choose Puerto Verde's sodium carbonate?
The rest of the natural cleaning family
Frequently asked questions about sodium carbonate
How does sodium carbonate differ from sodium bicarbonate?
Can sodium carbonate be used in the washing machine?
Is it safe for all surfaces?
Can sodium carbonate be ingested or used in food?
How does sodium carbonate remove limescale?
Where can I buy sodium carbonate online in Spain?
Discover all the uses of sodium carbonate
Check out the complete guide with proportions and tips, or visit our natural products blog.