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Soda Crystals, a triumph!

(58 Posts)
DillytheGardener Tue 29-Mar-22 13:12:47

I’m definitely turning into my mother as a month ago I complained as the local big Sainsbury’s stopped stocking soda crystals, and I complained and they let me know they are now stocking them again!

Hurrah! I learned about them on GN from a cleaning post, and when they stopped stocking them I certainly noticed how useful they were round the house once they were gone!

DillytheGardener Tue 29-Mar-22 13:14:08

Whoops, posted too early. I wanted to know, what does everyone else use their soda crystals for, and what other old fashioned tricks could you recommend?

FlexibleFriend Tue 29-Mar-22 13:34:01

I use them a lot and buy them in packs of 6 from Amazon. I use them in the washing machine in every wash so reducing the amount of washing liquid used and preventing the build up of limescale. I also soak stained clothing in them, must learn where my mouth is. I use them to clean the glass oven door.

MaizieD Tue 29-Mar-22 13:48:25

They can be used for cleaning silver, too.

Line a dish with aluminium foil, tablespoonful of soda, fill with boiling water (lots of impressive fizzing at this stage), drop in your silver items (make sure they're in contact with the foil). Hey presto, tarnish gone. Fish them out with tongs, rinse and dry.

I use this for cleaning silver jewellery.

DillytheGardener Tue 29-Mar-22 13:57:56

MaizieD I have some silverware from my father that needs a polish, I shall try the crystals instead of buying the polish!

FlexibleFriend ? I had to read that a couple of times to get the joke! (Dyslexic, got there in the end!) I didn't even think of buying it on Amazon. Although now I made such a fuss about reinstating it, I will have to purchase from there or incur the wroth of the manager. I used it to soak my oven mitt and the transformation was spectacular

Teacheranne Tue 29-Mar-22 14:35:50

I use soda crystals to get rid of moss on my tarmac drive. The run off is not harmful to the soil and it’s easy to apply. I scrape any large bits off moss off first then sprinkle the soda crystals on, if rain is forecast in the next few days I just leave it but if it likely to remain dry, I lightly wet the soda. After a few days, the moss turns brown and I use a wire brush to remove the loose debris.

I can’t use a jet washer as the tarmac is breaking up and I don’t want to make it worse - am saving for a new drive!

TillyTrotter Tue 29-Mar-22 14:49:39

That is genius MaizieD. I have just done what you said and my much loved Thomas Sabo silver charm bracelet has come up like new.
I was looking to get it cleaned and thinking it may be costly.
Thank you! ?

TillyTrotter Tue 29-Mar-22 14:56:22

Oops here is a pic.

MaizieD Wed 30-Mar-22 08:20:43

Glad to have been of use, TillyTrotter ?

Witzend Wed 30-Mar-22 09:08:41

FlexibleFriend

I use them a lot and buy them in packs of 6 from Amazon. I use them in the washing machine in every wash so reducing the amount of washing liquid used and preventing the build up of limescale. I also soak stained clothing in them, must learn where my mouth is. I use them to clean the glass oven door.

I’ve used them in every wash, ever since I stopped using pods and conditioner.

A very hot empty cycle with just soda crystals showed just how much horrible gunk had built up in my machine, courtesy of those pods and conditioner. It took a 2nd hot wash to clear it all.

I use just powder now, in a cardboard carton (no plastic) and a lot less than I once did,

lixy Wed 30-Mar-22 09:41:22

In the washing machine and in the drains as a cleaner/deodoriser.
Good tip for the driveway, thanks teacheranne- we don't have a pressure hose and we do now have a long driveway. I was wondering how many hours it was going to take with my demossing knife!

lixy Wed 30-Mar-22 09:44:26

Congrats to Dillythe Gardener for getting useful things back on the shelves. brew cupcake

Shinamae Wed 30-Mar-22 09:44:32

Once a month in the washing machine on the hottest wash, soda crystals and white vinegar. Keeps the machine clean. Also I use it to clean the kitchen sink and tip about half a cup down the plughole followed with half a cup of white vinegar leave that to fizz for about half an hour then a kettle full of boiling water down the plug hole and a nice clear sink ?

Pepper59 Wed 30-Mar-22 10:45:41

I never thought about Amazon for them. I know Savers still hasn't got them in. So many good ideas here, thanks everyone.

Davida1968 Wed 30-Mar-22 11:31:42

Definitely for cleaning the washing machine. And for soaking mucky gardening clothes, before they're machine washed.

Alioop Wed 30-Mar-22 11:38:41

I use mine too for my washing machine and drains. I get mine in Home Bargains.

Ailidh Wed 30-Mar-22 12:03:57

I found a recipe a while ago for home made colour catcher sheets, using white facecloths and soda crystals. Was just thinking this morning that I'm nearly out of store bought ones, must give it a go.

Ailidh Wed 30-Mar-22 12:05:39

Ailidh

I found a recipe a while ago for home made colour catcher sheets, using white facecloths and soda crystals. Was just thinking this morning that I'm nearly out of store bought ones, must give it a go.

Recipe for colour catchers whichi miraculously found two seconds after posting.

www.livingonadime.com/homemade-color-catchers-laundry/

1summer Wed 30-Mar-22 12:05:52

One of my best uses for soda crystals is to freshen, clean and remove any moisture from mattresses. I mix a big bowl of soda crystals with a few drops of lavender essential oil then using a sieve sprinkle all over the mattress. Leave for 3-4 hours then vacuum thoroughly.

HannahLoisLuke Wed 30-Mar-22 12:25:17

DillytheGardener

Whoops, posted too early. I wanted to know, what does everyone else use their soda crystals for, and what other old fashioned tricks could you recommend?

I use them in the washing machine and dishwasher to keep them clean and limescale free. I pour down the plug holes followed by boiling water to keep them clean and fresh. I’ve never thought of using it for cleaning silver but will give it a go, thanks everybody.

Baggs Wed 30-Mar-22 12:33:50

I use soda crystals in the washing-machine too and find that no other detergent is necessary. Washing machine stays clean too.

Thanks for the silver and tarmac tips! I'll be using both those.

mokryna Wed 30-Mar-22 13:01:58

My DD is not living in her house, it has fitted carpets, Do you think she could sprinkle carpets with dissolved SCs? What measurements would you use?

bongobil Wed 30-Mar-22 13:03:47

A brilliant product get them from Home Bargains but thank you for the Amazon suggestion didnt think to look there. Loads of good ideas here, but I do use for cleaning washing machine and putting in wash as less powder etc.

Nanny27 Wed 30-Mar-22 13:31:36

I’ve never used soda crystals but will definitely get some and try some of these brilliant ideas. Can someone please tell me, do they work to clean the dishwasher as well as the washing machine?

sandwichgeneration Wed 30-Mar-22 13:55:19

Do the soda crystals go in the drum of the washing machine or dispenser? Similarly, where do they go in the dishwasher? And how much do you use? Thanks.