11 Surprising Ways to Use Soda Crystals for Household Cleaning

A clean, green and fresh smelling home is the epitome of prosperity, good health and an uplifted lifestyle. Over the last few years, eco friendly products have taken over the cleaning industry worldwide. Apart from store bought green cleaners, one can prepare DIY recipes using staple kitchen ingredients and other natural products. Soda crystals are one of them.

Also known as washing soda, it is a biodegradable product that can be used for household cleaning. Like white vinegar, baking soda and lemon, soda crystals can also help you tackle several tough stains and grime without releasing toxic fumes. It is enzymatic, bleach free and can be safely used on all surfaces. With a few cautions and guidelines, you can make the most of these crystals. Here are the 11 most surprising uses of soda crystals for household cleaning. Ensure you always do a patch test, especially when cleaning a delicate and porous surface.

1. Remove Stubborn Algae From Decks

Algae are one of the most common organisms that harbour and spread in soil, water and wet areas, such as outdoor decks, pergolas and patio floors. The visually unappealing green slime or scum floating on the surface can ruin the surface, deteriorating the kerb appeal of your rental house. The best part is that you can use soda crystals to eliminate these nasty stains.

Sprinkle it on the dirt laden surface and allow it to sit for half an hour. Next, scrub it with a brush or sponge. For spotless results, opt for a pressure washing method. Ensure you adhere to strict safety guidelines to prevent injuries and accidents. If you are at the end of your lease, call the best vacate cleaning Perth experts for spotless results. They can help you secure full bond money.

2. Treat Carpet Stains

Pet messes and beverage spills can cause permanent damage to your delicate carpet. To treat stains and stubborn grime, use soda crystals and refresh your floor coverings. It has enzymes that can easily lift pet urine stains and grime. Here is a step by step guide for a damage free process:

• Blot up excess moisture using a dry cloth or a paper towel
• For mild stains, mix a tablespoon of soda crystals with 500ml of warm water.
• For tough stains, mix 2 to 3 tablespoons with half a bucket of hot water.
• Apply it with a cloth or a spray bottle, and gently blot the area until the stain is lifted.
• Sprinkle a cup of amount of baking soda and vacuum it up.

3. Clear Blocked Drains Naturally

If the duo of baking soda and vinegar fails to unclog the kitchen or bathroom drains, use this magical ingredient. Pour just one cup of washing soda down the drain and flush it with hot water. This will instantly break down greasy residue. If nothing works, then you'll need to hire a professional plumber or a handyman. It is good to establish a weekly routine for cleaning all drains in your home. If you plan to hire vacate cleaners in Perth, understand the estimated cost and make a wise decision. They can unclog the drains, tackle carpet stains, mop the floors, wash your windows, etc to give you spotless results.

4. Degrease Oven Shelves and Grills

Remove burnt food particles, buildup grease and rime from your oven grills naturally. All you need to do is to submerge your grills in a sink or a big container filled with warm, soapy water. Add half a cup of soda crystals, mix it well and soak the greasy grills. After a few minutes, take them out and scrub using a brush or sponge. Rinse and dry it completely.

5. Refresh Shower Curtains

Shower curtains are prone to mould infestation due to dampness. To keep them clean and fresh, soak them in a solution of soda crystals and lukewarm water. Do this weekly or monthly to banish pink mould, and nasty mildew. Tossing them into a washing machine with vinegar can also deliver wonderful results.

6. Clean Burnt Pans and Pots

Washing soda can restore the pristine shine to your burnt pans, dishes, and pots. Fill the pan with hot, soapy water. Add a cup of baking soda and leave it overnight to break down burnt stains and gunk. Next, gently scrub and wash the pans.

Tip: Avoid using washing soda on aluminium dishes and cookware.

7. Clean Dusting Tools: Microfibre cloths and Mops

Did you know that cleaning with dirty cloths and mops can cause cross contamination? Thus, it becomes imperative to clean your dusting tools. Soda crystals can help you remove stubborn stains and grime with ease. Soak the rags and cloths in a DIY solution for an hour. Next, wash in hot water to kill germs, and it is ready for your next house cleaning session.

8. Deodorise Trash Bins

You should keep your bins free from germs and odours using washing soda. Empty the bin, add warm water and 250 grams of soda crystals. Leave it for a few minutes. Empty again and scrub gently before rinsing. In the final step, sprinkle baking soda at the bottom to kill lingering smell.

9. Remove Tarnish From Silver Jewellery

Soda crystals can be used to remove unpleasant tarnish for your much loved and exquisite silver jewellery. First things first! Lay a layer of foil inside a big bowl and add hot water to it. Next, add a tablespoon of soda crystals and allow them to dissolve properly. Submerge the silver jewellery until it removes the tarnish. Finally, rinse and buff your piece dry with a dry cloth.

Tip: Do not soak fragile stones and plated jewellery

10. Restore the Shine of Chopping Boards

Are your chopping boards looking dull and discoloured? Here come soda crystals to the rescue. Prepare a thick paste by adding washing soda with a few drops of warm water. Gently scrub it with a brush or sponge. This will easily remove stains and deodorise the board. Ensure you rinse and dry it properly to prevent germ infestation and improve food safety standards. Adding a few drops of lemon can also do wonders.

11. Clean and Disinfect the Toilet

Remove brown stains and calcium deposits from your toilet bowl with washing soda. Pour a cup of it down the drain and leave it for 10 to 20 minutes. After a while, gently scrub the area with a brush. You can also add a cup of baking soda to dislodge gunk and grease. Ensure you cover nooks and crannies around the rim area for spotless results. You can also hire experts for a meticulous vacate cleaning Perth for the entire house. They leave no stone unturned to deliver you exceptional cleaning service.

How to Clean Your Home with Soda Crystals

Wrapping up

There is no rocket science when it comes to using soda crystals. Ensure you test the product, read the care labels and dilute it in water to maintain the shine and hygiene of your home. These are 11 uses of soda crystals that will help you save cleaning time, money and energy while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.