Soda Crystals, a triumph!

I use it in the clothes wash because that way my washing machine never needs cleaning and it softens the water at the same time meaning less liquid or powder is needed. No it doesn't bleach colours but if you use it to soak he clothing it's very good at removing stains.

Can someone explain about soda crystals and the washing machine; do you use the SC in the Clothes wash or an empty machine clean wash?

Also, if used with clothing, does it bleach colours?

I use half a teacup in the (detergent) dispenser drawer. Powder detergent just goes straight in the drum.

IIRC I used about a mugful in the drum when using the initial hot (empty) wash cycle to clean the machine. So much greyish foam appeared - it really was an eye opener.
Had to do it a second time, too.
All down to those pods and fabric conditioner. Another reason I was glad to ditch the pods - the plastic boxes were always an absolute bugger to open!

sandwichgeneration

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.

Dispenser drawer. Just use them exactly as you would washing powder.

I use a teaspoon in every wash. I put it in the dispenser draw. We live in a very hard water area and this keeps the water soft and stops the washer from clogging up with limescale.

Use them all the time in washing machine once a fortnight with white vinegar ….. down plug holes again with white vinegar. Brilliant for all sorts cleaning ….. I didn’t know about the silver cleaning though …. great tip!

Definitely use in the washing machine and for cleaning the drains/sink. Didn't know about the moss or silver, thanks for those tips. Will be interested to hear how to use in dishwasher!

There's quite a lot about the silver cleaning 'thing' on line. American's tend to use baking soda and salt instead of soda crystals and some use vinegar too. But they all work apparently.

One advantage is that it is completely harmless to silver, which is a soft metal and can be worn away by rubbing with most silver cleaners, which are mildly abrasive. It removes only the tarnish, by a process of electrolysis I understand.

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.

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?

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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/

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.

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

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

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

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 ?

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

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!

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,

Glad to have been of use, TillyTrotter ?