Eco-Friendly Cleaning: 5 Different Uses For Soda Crystals Around Your Home

29 Jun

Finding cleaning solutions that are safe for your family and the environment, whilst also being effective for cleaning your home can seem like a daunting task. However, cleaning your home with natural products is not only good for the environment, but it is also often the most cost-effective choice for you and your family. In the UK alone, it is thought that 468 million spray bottles of cleaner are thrown away each year, which means that switching to refillable cleaning options or even natural plastic-free solutions can help you change your environmental impact.

Before modern cleaning products were commercially available, Soda Crystals were a popular choice for cleaning and laundry. Soda crystals are biodegradable, vegan, and cruelty-free, they can be bought in bulk, in recyclable packaging, and can be used in a wide variety of ways around your home. Used neat, diluted with water, or coupled with white vinegar; soda crystals are a multi-purpose solution that can work wonders around your home. I am going to share some of the different ways I use soda crystals in my home for you to try too!

Clearing plug holes and drains

To avoid the buildup of grease, debris, and soap scum, I regularly flush my plug holes with soda crystals. This method can be used in kitchens and bathrooms alike. To keep your drains clean, you will need to pour a kettle full of hot water down the drain to loosen any fat solids, reboil your kettle and in the meantime, pour a cup of soda crystals in the plughole.

At this point, I usually add some lemon juice for its fresh scent and deodorising properties. Once your kettle has re-boiled, pour the whole kettle of hot water over the soda crystals, flushing them down the drain. This is a preventative measure, which uses effective and biodegradable products that are not harmful to aquatic life, unlike most drain unblockers which use harmful chemicals.

Cleaning wooden chopping boards

Wooden chopping boards should be cleaned thoroughly after each use, but it is good practice to regularly deep clean your wooden chopping board to ensure that bacteria is properly eliminated from your food-prep surfaces. As well as conditioning my chopping board with lemon oil every few months, I regularly clean my chopping board with a solution of white vinegar, Soda Crystals, and lemon juice.

To do this, you will need to generously spray your chopping board with white vinegar, then evenly cover the board with Soda Crystals (I use one cup, but amounts vary depending on the size of your board) and leave to soak for 5-10 minutes. Then cut a lemon in half and place it on the board cut side down, use it to scrub the Soda Crystals and vinegar into the board. Once you have thoroughly cleaned the board, rinse it with water in the sink (this will also effectively help clean and deodorise your sink drain!), then leave upright to dry completely so as to not water damage your cutting board.

This method will clean and deodorise your chopping board without leaving any harmful residues which may come into contact with your food!

Cleaning washing machines

Soda crystals were traditionally known as washing soda so it is unsurprising that it makes a great cleaning agent for cleaning clothes and cleaning washing machines. It is important to keep your washing machine clean as machines can build up with detergent gunk, limescale, and bacteria. Make sure to clean your washing machine monthly to keep it mould free and working efficiently!

To clean a washing machine the eco-friendly way, remove the detergent tray and clean it using a cloth and some white vinegar. Using the same cloth, generously douse it with more white vinegar and use it to wipe down the rubber door seals of the drum.

Next, pour 500g of soda crystals into the drum of the machine and run a hot wash. You can run this wash empty, or you can throw in any dirty cleaning rags you may have, including the one you used to clean the washing machine. It is also important to regularly clean the outside of your machine (spray with white vinegar and wipe away with a microfibre cloth) and to empty your machine’s filter at least four times a year.

Soda Crystals for laundry

To continue exploring different ways you can use soda crystals in washing machines, they can also be used to clean clothes. Adding a tablespoon of soda crystals to your washing cycle will soften the water (and reduce limescale buildup), aid in stain removal as well as helping to flush detergent residue from the machine. Soda crystals can also be used to make towels soft and fluffy again. If your towels feel rough, they may be matted with mineral deposits and fabric softener.

To get your towels feeling fluffy again, soak them in a solution of soda crystals and warm water (I use 100g for every 500ml of water) for 10 minutes (you can also use this method as a pre-wash to remove stubborn stains from bedding and clothing). Once you have drained and rinsed your towels, put them into your washing machine and wash on your usual cycle. Use your preferred detergent but swap your fabric conditioner for 1 cup of white vinegar. For super fluffy towels, pop your damp towels into your tumble dryer with a couple of wool dryer balls. You can alternatively scrunch up your towels before hanging up to dry to agitate the fibres to prevent them from matting back together.

Cleaning toilets

Most traditional toilet cleaners are made with toxic chemicals which can be harmful to aquatic life and can pollute waterways. As mentioned previously, soda crystals are biodegradable and are not harmful to aquatic life, which makes soda crystals an excellent alternative toilet cleaner. To clean a toilet with soda crystals, simply sprinkle some crystals into the toilet bowl, then scrub the bowl with a stiff toilet brush.

To tackle limescale buildup, pour plenty of hot water into the bowl of the toilet and then add 100g of citric acid. Leave this solution in the bowl for at least an hour, but preferably overnight, and then scrub the bowl with a toilet brush and the limescale should dislodge. You may have to repeat this method to achieve desired results. To clean the seat and exterior of the toilet, spray with white vinegar and wipe away with a cloth.