Homemade Washing Soda Recipe: Turn Baking Soda To Washing Soda

by Alyse
(Watertown, NY)

Alyse shared this homemade washing soda recipe, for turning baking soda to washing soda. I've actually seen this recipe floating around the Internet for a while now, but I think it's legit from the research I've done.

Alyse says:

The difference between baking soda and washing soda is water and carbon dioxide. Seriously.

Baking soda's chemical makeup is NaHCO3 (1 sodium, 1 hydrogen, one carbon, and 3 oxygen molecules). Washing soda's chemical makeup is Na2CO3 (2 sodium, 1 carbon, and 3 oxygen molecules).

When baking soda is heated up to high temperatures, it breaks down to become washing soda, water (in the form of steam), and carbon dioxide.

So to convert baking soda to this different form you pre heat your oven to 400 degrees.

Then, take a baking sheet and put a layer of baking soda evenly on it and bake for between 1-2 hours.

You will be able to tell it's ready because it will feel like sand and not clump like the baking soda does and that's it.

Let it cool and store in an airtight container. I use old coffee containers, they work great.

I buy baking soda in bulk 10lb bags at Sam's Club for under $5 and some places can sell washing soda for up to $5 a lb!!!

Taylor says:

Thanks so much for this recipe Alyse!

Like I said above, I've seen this recipe a couple of times around the web (and Pinterest) and at first I was a bit skeptical of it, just because I don't personally understand the chemistry involved very well, but to the best of my research ability I think this might actually work.

If you've ever wondered about the uses for this common ingredient in homemade cleaning recipes, I've got an article I've written on the subject -- washing soda uses around your home.

I'd love to hear from others who've actually used this recipe to share how it worked for them, and how this homemade variety worked compared with the stuff you buy in the box at the store.

I could see how this could be really handy not only for those who want to save money, but also for people that can't seem to find the Arm & Hammer washing soda in stores in their area.

If you've got more cleaning recipes please share them here. I'd love to hear them!

Comments for Homemade Washing Soda Recipe: Turn Baking Soda To Washing Soda

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use on stains on cotton shirt
by: Uma

Can I use the washing soda for removing the stains in my cotton shirt. If yes, how much quantity should I use and in what variation?

Washing Soda - common pool supply
by: Anonymous

You can buy a bag of washing soda at a pool supply place as well. A common name for one source is PH up. It is not expensive at all.

Thank you!!!
by: Jenny

I went to the store to buy washing soda but grabbed a big box of baking soda instead. My mind was set to actually make homemade laundry soap tonight but my 'bubble' was popped when I realized my mistake. I went online to find out if there was a way to turn one into the other and I can across your site. I am a happy camper now cause if this turns out the way you say it will this mama of four can save even more money by simply making my own washing soda to put in homemade laundry soap. Thank you for the advise, it has put a smile back on this mamas face. My oven is preheated and the magic is about to begin :)

Works Wondefully
by: Mary

I have made my own laundry soap for years due to skin/allergy issues in my family but washing soda is tough to find, and expensive. I have used the "recipe" you mentioned for almost as long and it works great! It is cheap and relatively quick and stores well. I use a glass canister and have not had a issue with long term effectiveness.

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Taylor

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