Washing soda is a chemical compound that can be used to remove stubborn stains from laundry. Washing soda should not be confused with baking soda, although the two compounds are closely related.
The chemical formula for washing soda is Na2CO3 and it is also known as sodium carbonate. It is a salt of carbonic acid, a chemical which produces a wide range of salts collectively known as carbonates. One common source of washing soda is the ashes of plants; for this reason, it is sometimes called soda ash.
The high alkalinity of washing soda helps it act as a solvent to remove a range of stains. It is often used in detergent mixtures to treat hard water. The washing soda binds to the minerals which make water hard and allow detergent to foam properly to clean clothes. Sodium carbonate is also used by some textile artists to help dyes adhere to fabric.
Since sodium carbonate can be dangerous in large quantities, make sure to keep washing soda out of the reach of children and pets. You should wear gloves when cleaning with washing soda, because it can cause skin irritation. It can be harmful to the eyes, cause irritation to the lungs if inhaled, and may cause abdominal pain or vomiting if large doses are swallowed.
