Soda Ash

For general cleaning of household surfaces, a regular Soda Ash solution can be made by mixing approximately 1 heaped tablespoon (1 big Tbsp = 15g) per litre of water.

Powerful: wear gloves.

To make a paste rather than a solution and apply on stains or greasy, burnt pans before washing, add a bit of water to the Soda Ash powder until enough paste is formed.

Soda Ash dilutes best and is most efficient in warm water (30-35°C / 86-95°F).

Avoid using on aluminium, wool or silk. If necessary, neutralise with a Vinegar solution.

MORE DETAILS:

Soda Ash has so many uses, it is difficult to list them all. A good rule is to test carefully, starting with small quantities and increasing as needed. Although non-toxic, Soda Ash can be an irritant, so exercise caution when using this product. (See CAUTION section)

Some of our favourite uses for Soda Ash:

CLEANING OVENS, STOVES, BURNER PANS, EXTRACTION HOODS:

Use a regular Soda Ash solution to soak removable items like burner pans and oven trays for at least 30 minutes. Then dip a sponge or scrubber into the solution and use it to clean the stove, extraction hood, and inside the oven.
For stubborn grease or burns, apply a Soda Ash paste for a few minutes before giving a good scrub.

CLEANING POTS, PANS & COOKWARE:

Add 1 to 2 tablespoons (1-2 Tbsp) of Soda Ash to the dirty pot, pan, or dish.
Fill with hot soapy water and let it soak.
For pots and pans that need a lot of help, put the filled pot on the stovetop and bring the cleaning solution to a simmer. Let it simmer for around 15 minutes. The mess will come away more easily. Do not use this method on aluminium cookware.

CLEANING TOILETS:

Soda Ash helps to clean and freshen the toilet bowl while also preventing blockages.
Sprinkle a handful of Soda Ash into the bowl, allow a few minutes for the Soda Ash’s alkalinity to neutralise the acidity of urine traces, then flush.
A regular Soda Ash solution can also be used to soak and clean the toilet brush.

CLEANING SMELLY TRASH CANS:

Remove dirt, grime and unpleasant smells from indoor and outdoor rubbish bins by using a regular Soda Ash solution with a sponge or scrub brush.

UNBLOCKING PIPES AND DRAINS:

Bring a regular Soda Ash solution to the boil. Pour into the blocked pipes.
Wait for an hour.
Rinse.

REGULAR DEEP-CLEANING OF WASHING MACHINE AND ABSORBENT FABRICS TO PREVENT CLOGGING:

When using real soap as a detergent, as we do, it is beneficial to wash your washing machine, tea towels, cloth diapers and period panties with Soda Ash once a month or as needed to prevent the build-up of residues, retain the absorbing properties of the fabric and prevent clogging in your washing machine.
The fabrics can be washed together: run a high-temperature cycle with 1 or 2 tablespoons (1-2 Tbsp) of Soda Ash in your washing machine.

CLEANING FRIDGE AND FREEZER:

Use a regular Soda Ash solution to clean the fridge and freezer with a sponge.
Rinse by wiping with a sponge soaked in a vinegar solution.

WASHING SHOWER CURTAINS:

Remove soap residue, mildew and unpleasant smells using a sponge soaked in a strong Soda Ash solution to scrub the curtain and liner.

CLEANING DIRTY BLINDS:

Soak greasy, dirty blinds overnight in a tub filled with a strong hot Soda Ash solution.
Drain the tub and rinse blinds under the shower.

CLEANING MOPS:

Remove grease and grime from mops by regularly soaking the mop head in a bucket of hot water and around 1/2 a cup of Soda Ash for at least 15 minutes.
Wring out.
Rinse.
Dry.

SOAKING OFF LABELS FROM BOTTLES AND JARS:

Use a hot regular Soda Ash solution to soak labels off from bottles and jars.

REMOVING WAX RESIDUE:

Start by removing as much wax as possible by scraping or melting and wiping it.
Apply a Soda Ash paste where wax remains.
Allow to sit for a few hours or overnight.
Wipe or scrape away.
Repeat if needed.
Can be used to remove wax from jar candles to reuse them, on linoleum and wooden floors, or on crafting tools after a project using wax.

CLEANING FIREPLACE DOORS:

Remove soot from the fireplace glass by spraying a regular Soda Ash solution on it and scrubbing. If necessary, use a Soda Ash paste.
Rinse with a sponge and water.

RESTORING SILVERWARE AND SILVER JEWELLERY:

Remove tarnish from silver items by soaking them in a regular Soda Ash solution for about 15 minutes.
Rinse the items thoroughly and buff them with a soft, clean cloth.

CLEANING GARDEN TOOLS:

Spray your garden tools at the end of each season with a Soda Ash solution and scrub them well. Repeat as necessary.
Dry thoroughly before storing away until the next season.

PLUCKING CHICKENS:

Add a cup of Soda Ash to a bucket of hot water and soak the chicken in it. This will make plucking the feathers easier.

Sodium Carbonate

Bags: Please reuse or recycle the packaging.

Buckets: Please reuse, return, or recycle the packaging. We will gladly refill containers.

Soda Ash is non-perishable if stored in optimal conditions (in a cool, dry, dark, clean environment).

Keep out of reach of children and animals.

Avoid contact with eyes and skin.

Always dilute.

Wear gloves.

Avoid inhalation and ingestion.

Avoid contact with acids (except under controlled conditions – as it will release high volumes of CO2 and heat).

Corrosive to aluminium.

Avoid using on oak wood or delicate fabrics.

In case of contact with eyes or skin: flush with cool running water for at least 15 minutes.

If ingestion, do not induce vomiting.

Seek medical attention if necessary.

Available in:

– 500g and 1,5kg BOPP/polypropylene bags (locally manufactured and recyclable)

– 3kg plastic bucket (imported – reusable and recyclable)