Do you know what soda crystals are? Not to be confused with baking soda, and certainly not with caustic soda, used to make bar soap!
Soda crystals are ultra-versatile. They're an invaluable asset when it comes to cleaning your home, indoors and out: from floors to ceilings, terraces, clothes and dishes! A very economical and ecological little gem.
What are soda crystals?
Soda ash crystals can be found on the shores of certain salt lakes in desert regions. This mineral comes from natron deposits. Soda crystals can also be made from chalk and sea salt. It's a natural product that's harmless to the environment.
Soda crystals have many different names: soda ash, sodium carbonate, soda crystals, crystallized soda, calcined soda, carbonic acid, disodium salt, sodium salt, dissodium carbonate!
When we say versatile, the following list is just a few examples. There are certainly many other possible applications!
As an anti-scale and descaler
Method for showers, sinks and ceramic tiles: Dissolve 1/2 cup of soda crystals in 3 liters of hot water, wash and rinse with warm water.
Method for removing scale from clothes washer: Add 1/2 cup of soda crystals to the drum filled with dirty clothes at the time of washing (will also stain or bleach clothes, please read the precautions for use below).
Method for sparkling toilets: Dissolve 3 tbsp. soda crystals in 1 liter of hot, non-boiling water. Pour into the bowl and leave for 15-30 minutes. If necessary, scrub with a brush.
Method for blocked or smelly pipes: Heat 2 liters of water without boiling, mix 2-3 tablespoons of soda crystals, add 1 glass of white vinegar and pour into the drain. Leave for 1 hour.
As a degreaser
Method for most surfaces: hood, floor, garbage can, oven, countertop...: Mix 3 tbsp. soda crystals, 1 tsp. black soap and 1 tbsp. white vinegar in 1 liter of hot water. Scrub surfaces with a sponge or mop. Rinse and wipe dry.
For clothes and textile fibers
Method for stubborn stains, yellowed or faded clothing, and to remove unpleasant odors such as cat urine: Dissolve 1/2 cup soda crystals in a large basin of water and leave to soak overnight. Then wash.
Method to increase the effectiveness of washing nuts: Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of soda crystals for colored fabrics or 1 cup of soda crystals for white fabrics to the laundry tub.
For dishes
Method for glasses: Put 1/4 cup of soda crystals in your sink filled with hot water, soak and rinse.
Method for burnt pots and pans: Put soda crystals in the bottom of your items, add boiling water, leave for 6 hours, wash.
Dishwasher method: mix equal parts of soda crystals, baking soda, citric acid and coarse salt. You can use as is, or add a little water to obtain a grainy paste. Pack well in an ice cube tray and leave to dry for a few hours before unmolding.
Method for BBQ grills: in equal parts, mix soda crystals and hot water to make a paste, apply the paste to the grills and rub in.
To remove moss from stone or wood and stains from concrete
Method: Sprinkle soda crystals directly onto moss or stains, leave to dry for 1-2 days, then rinse with a garden hose.
Precautions for use
Although natural and biodegradable, soda crystals are powerful and should be used with caution.
- Store away from heat and moisture.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Handle with gloves: in case of irritation, rinse repeatedly with water.
- Do not swallow
- Causes severe eye irritation. In case of contact, rinse with plenty of water for several minutes. 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 on waxed, lacquered or painted surfaces unless you want to strip them.
- Not suitable for woollens or delicate textiles.
- Always test on an inconspicuous area.
Ecologically yours,
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?