Posted on 19th Jan 2024 Technology

What Is Laundry Soda?

Cleaning your clothes can feel like a full-time job, and with all the different products and chemicals you’re recommended, it can be a costly one as well. Sometimes, it can be better to go back to basics, but just because your grandmother may have cleaned her windows with dish soap and newspapers, is it really better than modern-day window cleaner?

By the same token, is vinegar or baking soda an effective laundry detergent? And where does laundry soda come into it?

Let’s explore laundry soda, its uses, and how you can make washing your clothes even quicker and easier.

The Chemistry Behind Laundry Soda

Laundry soda, also known as washing soda for laundry, is made up of sodium carbonate (Na2CO3). Laundry soda and baking soda are useful for removing greasy stains on clothes and surfaces like your hob. Choosing laundry soda (sodium carbonate) vs. baking soda (NaHCO3) may be tricky because both perform as effective cleaning products. But there’s one chemical difference that sets them apart.

Due to the different pH levels (acidic and alkaline scales), one is more effective at cleaning than the other. Baking soda has a pH level of 8, while laundry soda has a pH of 11, making it very alkaline and very effective against greasy marks. Standard dish soap is usually between 7 and 10 on the pH scale, while bleach is often between 11 and 13. 

This is why washing soda for laundry can perform comparably to bleach as a cleaning agent. That said, because it sits higher on the pH scale, it can be tougher on fabrics. You should not use it in excessive quantities, as overuse may cause fabric to wear more quickly. Is laundry soda safe for clothes? In moderate amounts, yes, but like any alkaline cleaner, a little goes a long way.

What Is Laundry Soda Used For?

Laundry soda has two main uses:

• Removing grease stains on clothes
• Removing limescale from washing machines

Laundry soda is very effective at eliminating grease spots and food stains on clothes. Still, washing soda can’t replace laundry detergent because it doesn’t clean clothes as effectively. Use it as a booster instead.

Say a greasy spot has stained your white shirt. Add about 100 grams of washing soda to the wash to lift it out. Put the washing soda in the drum with your clothes, and pour your laundry detergent into the drawer.

Most of the washing detergents already contain some washing soda in their composition because of its similar properties to those of fabric softeners. Check the ingredients of the detergent to see if you need the extra addition.

Using laundry soda for limescale is its other major benefit, particularly if you live in a hard water area. Its high alkalinity works to break down the calcium and magnesium deposits known as limescale left behind by hard water. Limescale build-up can cause your washing machine to malfunction and require early replacement, so keeping on top of it is essential to extending your machine’s lifespan.

To prevent limescale build-up, run an empty wash once a month with 500g of laundry soda in the drum to flush through the pipes and clear any deposits. If you’re a beginner with washing and have never done this before, run a few consecutive empty washes with laundry soda before continuing your empty washes once a month.

Calcium and magnesium deposits can also make your clothes stiffer, so using laundry soda as a regular booster apart from stain removal will soften the fabric. That said, in large quantities, it can cause fabric to wear thin, so always use it in the recommended amounts.

Does Baking Soda and Vinegar Work to Clean Clothes?

Since baking soda is less potent than laundry soda, it cannot efficiently remove stains on fabrics, although it is extremely useful in getting rid of grease in the kitchen when combined with lemon juice.

Some people think a mix of white vinegar and baking soda is the best natural way to clean clothes. But when you mix them, they mostly cancel each other out, so the cleaning effect is weaker. They work better when used separately.

How to Use Laundry Soda Correctly

Knowing how to use laundry soda correctly makes all the difference both for your clothes and your machine.

• Grease and food stains: Add 100g to the drum with your clothes. Put your regular detergent in the drawer as usual.
• Limescale prevention: Once a month, run an empty wash with 500g in the drum.
• Go easy: Laundry soda has a pH of 11, so don’t use it on every wash. Save it for stains and monthly machine care.

Laundry Soda vs Laundry Detergent: What’s the Difference?

A common misconception is that washing soda for laundry can fully replace your regular detergent; it can’t. Laundry detergent is manufactured in such a way that it contains surfactants, which help remove dirt, germs, and other impurities from clothes. In comparison, laundry soda only acts as an enhancer, making the detergent work even better.

Laundry soda works especially well when it comes to softening hard water, dealing with greasy stains, and preventing scale formation inside your washing machine. The addition of laundry soda will increase the alkalinity of the wash cycle, thus allowing your detergent to work better, especially in areas with hard water.

Another thing to consider before using laundry soda is to check your washing powder formula for sodium carbonate; some of the brands might already contain it.

Is Laundry Soda Safe for All Fabrics?

Laundry soda is safe for many regular fabrics like cotton and synthetic clothes when used in the right amount. It should not be used on delicate fabrics such as wool, silk, or lace because it is a strong alkaline cleaner. 

If you are not sure about using laundry soda on your fabric, then try it on an inconspicuous part of the fabric before washing. In case of delicate and dry-clean-only clothes, avoid using laundry soda and use professional services instead.

Let the Professionals Handle It

When a particularly stubborn stain of grease or even a machine fighting the effects of hard water requires something stronger than an ordinary home solution, you can always depend on our professional services at Love2Laundry to provide the perfect solution for your laundry problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my laundry detergent with laundry soda?

No, it does not replace your detergent; it only helps boost your detergent’s performance, soften your hard water, and deal with grease. However, it does not have surfactants, which are necessary for removing dirt from your clothes. Use it together with your usual detergent.

How much laundry soda should I add to a wash?

To clean grease stains and food stains, use 100g along with the detergent in the washing machine. To prevent limescale formation every month, use 500g along with an empty wash cycle. Never use more than the recommended  amount; otherwise, it may lead to the wear of fabrics.

Is laundry soda the same thing as washing soda?

Yes, they are indeed the same thing. Laundry soda and washing soda are basically two terms for one substance, which is sodium carbonate (Na2CO3). They are often interchangeable terms on packaging and cleaning instructions, but the substance is the same.

Can laundry soda cause damage to your clothes?

However, if used too often, it can affect your clothing. Laundry soda has a very high pH level of 11, which may slowly wear out the fabric due to its constant and consistent use. The more delicate clothes, such as silk and wool, will be most susceptible.

Final Thoughts

Knowing what laundry soda is and how to use it effectively could greatly impact the effectiveness of your laundry process as well as the longevity of your washing machine. Laundry soda is an inexpensive laundry boost that removes grease stains, fights hard water, and prevents limescale buildup. However, it can’t replace conventional laundry detergent.

Remember to use appropriate amounts, never apply it to delicate materials, and do it once a month to keep your washing machine in good shape. In situations where natural solutions cannot help, Love2Laundry offers its professional service.