Uses of Sodium Carbonate
More powerful than baking soda, it is ideal when you need a more intense action.
Deep cleaning of ovens and trays
Caked-on oven grease doesn't stand a chance against this mixture.
- Dissolve 40 g of sodium carbonate in 1 liter of hot water.
- Apply the mixture to the oven or trays with a sponge or spray bottle.
- Leave on for 20-30 minutes.
- Scrub and rinse well.
Removing grease from heavily soiled pots and pans
Those pots that seem impossible to save actually just need a good soak.
- Dissolve 30 g of sodium carbonate in 1 liter of hot water.
- Place the pot or pan in the mixture.
- Leave for 30 minutes.
- Scrub with a heavy-duty scourer and rinse.
Intense cleaning of extractor hoods and filters
The range hood filter collects more grease than it seems, and this is where it shows.
- Dissolve 50g of sodium carbonate in 2 liters of hot water.
- Submerge the filters in the solution.
- Let sit for 30-45 minutes.
- Scrub if necessary and rinse thoroughly before replacing.
Cleaning very dirty floors (garages, terraces)
For floors that see it all: oil, mud, and whatever else comes their way.
- Dissolve 60 g of sodium carbonate in 5 liters of hot water.
- Scrub the floor with a mop.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water afterwards.
Cleaning cloths, dishcloths, and scourers
The rags you use for cleaning also need to be cleaned themselves once in a while.
- Dissolve 40 g of sodium carbonate in 2 liters of hot water.
- Soak the cloths or dishcloths in the mixture.
- Let soak for 1 hour.
- Rinse well before reusing.
Cleaning of resistant tools and utensils
Technical grease and workshop grime, the combo this trick tackles effortlessly.
- Dissolve 40 g of sodium carbonate in 1 liter of hot water.
- Submerge tools or utensils in the solution for 20 minutes.
- Scrub if necessary and rinse thoroughly.
Gentle boost for heavily soiled baby clothes
Bibs, bodysuits, and clothes with all kinds of stains need extra help, but with much more care.
- Add 10g of sodium carbonate along with your usual detergent, only for heavily soiled garments and on a long wash cycle.
- Ensure the cycle includes an extra rinse.
- Check that the garment is thoroughly rinsed before dressing the baby.
Washing very dirty or work clothes
Work clothes, greasy rags, that shirt with a stain you can't even identify—here's your solution.
- Add 30 g of soda ash along with the usual detergent to the drum or dispenser.
- Wash at the recommended temperature for the garment.
Grease and Oil Stain Removal
Those stains that seem tattooed on the fabric also have their kryptonite.
- Prepare a paste with 20 g of sodium carbonate and 100 ml of hot water.
- Apply it to the stain.
- Leave on for 15 minutes.
- Wash the garment as usual.
Whitening very dull white clothes
When white already looks gray, you don't need bleach to bring it back to life.
- Soak white clothes in 5 liters of hot water with 40 g of dissolved soda ash for 30-60 minutes.
- Rinse.
- Then machine wash.
Homemade dishwasher tablets
Say goodbye to individually plastic-wrapped pill boxes; you can assemble this in an afternoon.
- Mix 100g of baking soda, 50g of sodium carbonate, and 50g of citric acid.
- Lightly moisten with a few drops of water until a compact texture is achieved.
- Mold into ice cube trays.
- Let dry for 24-48 hours and store in an airtight jar.
- Use 1 tablet per wash.
Homemade powdered laundry detergent
Less plastic packaging at home and a detergent that's just as good as your usual one.
- Thoroughly mix 200 g of grated natural soap (Marseille soap type) with 50 g of sodium carbonate.
- Store the mixture in an airtight container.
- Use 1-2 tablespoons per wash, directly in the drum.
All-purpose cleaner powder
One jar for everything, without buying five different products for every corner of the house.
- Mix 100 g of baking soda with 30 g of sodium carbonate.
- Store the mixture in a dry jar.
- Sprinkle on the surface, scrub with a damp sponge, and rinse.