Washing soda is a compound, also known as sodium carbonate, frequently used in DIY and commercial laundry detergents. Washing soda should not be confused with baking soda (a less abrasive cleaning agent), although the two compounds are closely related since they both contain the mineral trona. Washing soda and baking soda can be used together in DIY detergent recipes to remove stains, but washing soda has more of a stripping action to remove residues of oils, minerals, and fabric softeners.

Sodium carbonate can also be used to mitigate the problems associated with “hard water” — or water with a high mineral content — when it comes to cleaning clothes. Hard water makes it difficult to clean laundry completely because the minerals in the water keep the detergents from doing their best work. Washing soda “softens” the water by binding to the minerals in the water, allowing the detergents to lift dirt from fabric.

One kilo packaged in brown craft paper bag