Definition

• Washing soda is a chemical compound, highly alkaline in nature and used in laundry applications to remove difficult stains.
  
  

History

• Washing soda has been around for many years as a natural substance. It was first generated in a lab environment in 1791 by Nicholas LeBlanc, a chemist, who used limestone and salt.
  
  

Cleansing Functions

• When used in laundry, it can remove stains with the power of bleach, without staining the fabrics it's cleansing. Washing soda can be used to treat hard water in detergent mixes and in the generation of textiles, since the sodium carbonate found in the washing soda helps dyes stick to fabric.
  
  

Household Uses

• Washing soda can descale tiles and small appliances that generate mineral deposits because of hard water. It can also be used to strip flooring and clean ovens and stoves.
  
  

Warning

• Whenever you are handling washing soda, it's important to wear gloves as the chemicals will harm your skin, causing irritation.