Do you know soda crystals ? Not to be confused with baking soda and even less so with caustic soda, used to make bar soap!
Soda crystals are ultra versatile. They are a considerable asset in the maintenance of your home, both inside and outside: from floor to ceiling, including the terrace, clothes and dishes! A very economical and ecological little gem.
What are soda crystals?
Soda crystals are found on the banks of certain salt lakes in desert regions. It is a mineral that comes from natron deposits. Soda crystals can also be made from chalk and sea salt. It is a natural product, safe for the environment.
Soda crystals have several different names: soda ash, sodium carbonate, crystal soda, crystallized soda, calcined soda, carbonic acid, disodium salt, sodium salt, dissodium carbonate!
When we say versatile, the following list only demonstrates a few examples. There are certainly several other possible applications!
As an anti-limescale and descaling agent
Method for the shower, sink and ceramic tiles: Dissolve 1/2 cup of soda crystals in 3 liters of hot water, wash and rinse with lukewarm water.
Method for removing tartar from the clothes washer : Add a 1/2 cup of soda crystals to the drum filled with dirty clothes when doing laundry. (will also allow you to stain or whiten clothes, read the precautions for use below).
Method for sparkling toilet : Dissolve 3 tbsp. tablespoons of soda crystals in 1 liter of hot, not boiling, water. Pour into the bowl and leave to act for 15-30 minutes. If necessary, scrub with a brush.
Method for blocked or odorous pipes : Heat 2 liters of water without boiling, mix 2 to 3 tbsp. tablespoons of soda crystals , add 1 glass of white vinegar and pour into the drain. Leave to act for 1 hour.
As a degreaser
Method for most surfaces: hood, floor, trash can, oven, counter, etc .: Mix 3 tbsp. tablespoons of soda crystals and 1 tbsp. teaspoon of black soap and 1 tsp. of white vinegar in 1 liter of hot water. Scrub the surfaces using a sponge or mop. Rinse and dry.
For clothing and textile fibers
Method for stubborn stains, yellowed or discolored clothing and to remove bad odors such as cat urine: Dissolve 1/2 cup of soda crystals in a large basin of water and leave to soak overnight. Wash.
Method to increase the effectiveness of soap nuts : Add 2 to 3 tbsp. tablespoons of soda crystals for colored fabrics or 1 cup of soda crystals for white fabrics.
For the dishes
Method for glasses : Put 1/4 cup of soda crystals in your sink filled with hot water, soak and rinse.
Method for pots and pans burnt: Put soda crystals in the bottom of your objects, add boiling water, leave for 6 hours, wash.
Method for dishwasher : mix equal parts of soda crystals , baking soda , citric acid and coarse salt. You can use it as is or add a little water to obtain a grainy paste, pack the paste well in an ice cube tray and leave to dry for a few hours before unmolding.
Method for BBQ grills : mix equal parts soda crystals and hot water to make a paste, apply the paste to the grills and rub.
To remove moss from stones or wood and stains from concrete
Method: Sprinkle the soda crystals directly on the moss or stains, let dry for 1 to 2 days, rinse with a garden hose.
Usage precautions
Although natural and biodegradable, soda crystals are powerful and require precautions when using them.
- Store away from heat and humidity.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Handle with gloves: if irritation occurs, rinse repeatedly with water.
- Do not swallow
- Causes severe eye irritation. In case of contact, rinse for several minutes with plenty of water. If you wear contact lenses, remove them if possible. Call your doctor or a poison control center.
- Do not mix acids in a closed container or attempt to neutralize soda crystals with an acid
- Do not use on aluminum, oak, chestnut or waxed, lacquered or painted surfaces unless you want to strip them.
- For textiles, not suitable for woolens and delicate textiles.
- Always do a test on an inconspicuous part.
Ecologically yours,
4 comments
Bonjour Marc, je crois que nous nous étions mal expliqué, nous avons corrigé le texte pour éviter ce malentendu :). Pour plus d’info sur la chimie et l’innocuité des cristaux de soude, nous vous conseillons de lire sur le sujet ici: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbonate_de_sodium
Bonjour. Vous dites qies cristaux de soude sont biodégradables.
Un article sérieux du Monde dit qu’ils ne sont pas dangereux pour l’environnement mais NON biodégradables.
Alors ?. Une simple formule chimique (au sens naturel du terme) devrait répondre à ma question.
Merci de vos lumières (naturelles !).
Bonjour,
nous en avons dans notre boutique en ligne en suivant le lien suivant: https://www.ecoloco.ca/products/cristaux-de-soude?pos=5&_sid=596eeecb1&ss=r :)
Où peut-on acheter des cristaux de soude?