Soda Crystals are one of the most versatile cleaning and laundry products on the market. They're safe and economical, and have been used for hundreds of years, but some people are still confused about what they are and how they can be used. That's why we've put together a few facts about our beloved Soda Crystals...
WHO?
Soda Crystals also go by the names ‘Washing Soda’
and ‘Soda Ash’, or if you’d like to be a bit more scientific, ‘Hydrated Sodium Carbonate’.
Unfortunately they are sometimes confused with much stronger, corrosive Caustic Soda, which can be dangerous if used incorrectly.
WHAT?
Soluble crystals used for a
number of household and industrial uses, due to their alkaline properties.
WHY?
Soda Crystals are a simple, one ingredient
product, with no other additives which makes them less likely to cause an allergic
reaction such as perfumes or enzymes. They are made sustainably in the UK, are biodegradable, contain no petrochemicals
and are not tested on animals.
Soda Crystals have been around for donkey’s years... we’re talking centuries old, ask your Gran! Our History of Soda Crystals page
has lots more information about them.
HOW?
Soda Crystals have literally hundreds of uses
including softening water, dissolving grease, removing laundry stains and
generally being an all round household superstar (or at least we like to think
so!).
Here's just a few of our favourite uses for Soda Crystals...
Unblocking Drains
Water Softening
Cleaning Washing Machines
Removing Moss
... but there are dozens more! What's your favourite use for Soda Crystals? Let us know via out Facebook page or Twitter
There is a wealth of money saving hints
and thrifty ideas around to help us weather these austere times, but this is
not the first time the people of Britain have had to tighten their belts and be
careful with their pennies! During the Second World War, British families had
to carefully plan their outgoings and ‘make do and mend’ the possessions they
had. Luxuries were rare, and even basic supplies like soap were rationed, so
cleaning products like Soda Crystals became favourite alternatives for laundry
and cleaning tasks.
These simple, multi-purpose products
are just as effective as one-task modern-day products and their versatility
means there’s more room in the cupboard and more money in your pocket!
Have you switched to traditional products to save money?
From glass-making to
preserving the dead, Bicarbonate of Soda is a much more than an ingredient in a
baker’s cupboard. But what is Bicarbonate of Soda, what is it not, and why
should we use it to clean with?
Preserving the dead!
Bicarbonate of Soda has
been used for centuries for a number of applications. The Ancient Egyptians
used Natron which contains Bicarbonate of Soda, in the mummification process
because of its dehydrating and deodorising properties. They mined it from the
dry lakes beds by the River Nile and used it in a number of other applications
including cleaning teeth, exfoliating the skin, curing indigestion, as well making
soap and glass!
What is Bicarbonate of
Soda?
There are many names for
Bicarbonate of Soda including:
Its official title - Sodium Bicarbonate
The American name - Baking Soda
Bread Soda – food grade Bicarbonate of Soda marketed as
a bread raising agent
The chemical formula - NahCO3
Those who paid attention
in chemistry class will see that Sodium Bicarbonate is made from the elements
sodium (Na), Hydrogen (H), carbon (C) and oxygen (O)! It is slightly alkaline with a PH of around 8, making it safe to handle and consume.
Bicarbonate of Soda is derived
from the naturally occurring mineral nahcolite.
It can be mined by dissolving the minerals in warm water, and evapourating it. Early methods of manufacture also include passing water through the
ashes of burnt plants.
What it’s not!
Baking Powder is often confused with Bicarbonate of Soda, but not without good reason! Baking
Powder contains Bicarbonate of Soda, but also other ingredients like cream of
tartar and cornstarch which are designed to react with one another and make
baking recipes rise.
Bicarbonate of Soda is a
simple but effective cleaning product with no added chemicals.
It has excellent
deodorising properties. Try leaving an opened box in the fridge to absorb
smells, or filling a sock with Bicarb, tying at the top and placing into
trainers to leave them smelling fresh.
Bicarbonate of Soda also
makes a great scouring paste for tough marks on tiles, sinks and other
surfaces. Try it by dipping a damp cloth into the Bicarb and rubbing across marks.
The alkaline properties of
Bicarbonate can also be used to react with acidic substances like White
Vinegar. To clear blockages in drains, pour three tablespoons of Bicarb into
the plug hole, followed by 100ml White Vinegar. The fizzing reaction will often
dislodge a blockage and allow the drain to work properly again!
So there you have it,
Bicarbonate of Soda is much more than a baking ingredient! Check out our video below showing more of the brilliant cleaning uses of Bicarbonate of Soda:
NB Dri-Pak Bicarbonate of Soda is not food-grade and therefore not suitable for consumption.
