Ingredients in Washing Soda
Washing soda is a non-toxic product used for various reasons. It contains only one ingredient and is typically mixed with water to perform cleaning duties around the house. The ingredient it contains also is found in many household products.

Sodium Carbonate
Washing soda is made from sodium carbonate. It is similar to baking soda, which is made from sodium bicarbonate. They are both non-toxic substances used for cleaning. But washing soda has a much higher pH balance than baking soda. The pH level of washing soda is around 11--the higher the pH level, the stronger the chemical.
Washing Soda Uses
Many grocery stores sell washing soda in the laundry detergent aisle. Laundry is the main use of washing soda. It is added to the laundry cycle along with soap; the soda softens the water and cleans clothes better than detergent alone will. Washing soda also is used to cut through grease and tough stains such as coffee, tea or lipsticks stains.
Warnings
Sodium carbonate is a strong alkaline ingredient. Although it is a safe, non-toxic cleaning agent, it’s important to take precautions. Avoid breathing in the fine powder of the sodium carbonate. It is not harmful, but may irritate. It also is a caustic ingredient, so it is important to wear gloves when working directly with soda. It is capable of irritating skin and causing burning sensations.
References
Writer Bio
Jennifer VanBaren started her professional online writing career in 2010. She taught college-level accounting, math and business classes for five years. Her writing highlights include publishing articles about music, business, gardening and home organization. She holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting and finance from St. Joseph's College in Rensselaer, Ind.
Photo Credits
- Laundry Soap image by Tabitha Little from Fotolia.com
- Laundry Soap image by Tabitha Little from Fotolia.com
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