Soda ash

Soda is a substance that is familiar to almost everyone, since it is used very widely in everyday life. Most of us are familiar with baking soda, but she also has sisters: caustic and soda ash. What are their differences and how to apply this excellent cleaning agent, you will learn from this article.

to contents ↑

Features of different types of soda

Differences in properties are determined by differences in the structures of molecules in chemical formulas:

• Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate or sodium bicarbonate with the chemical formula NaHCO3.
• Soda ash is a sodium compound with the chemical formula Na2CO3.
• Caustic soda has the formula NaOH.

Important! The weakest alkaline reaction is baking soda. Calcined has stronger alkaline properties, and caustic soda is a strong alkali, it is also called caustic soda.

to contents ↑

History of production and use of soda

Even the ancient Egyptians used natural soda, extracted from lake waters as a detergent, and also used it to make glass. Soda ash in nature is found in large quantities, mainly in salt formations in the form of underground soil brines, as well as brine in salt lakes. Sodium carbonate is also found in the ash of some seaweeds.

Important! More than 60 deposits of soda ash are known on earth. Large reserves of sodium carbonate are concentrated: in the USA, Canada, Mexico, South Africa, Kenya and others. Soda lakes are found in Transbaikalia and western Siberia. Lake Natron in Tanzania is also very famous.

Sodium carbonate is also found in the form of a number of minerals. In the United States, natural soda accounts for more than 40% of the country's need for this fossil. There are no large deposits of sodium bicarbonate in the CIS, therefore, soda ash is not extracted from minerals, however, the first industrial method for producing this powder appeared in Russia.

Important! In 1764, a Russian chemist, a Swede by birth Eric Gustav Laxman proposed to obtain soda by sintering natural sodium sulfate with charcoal. In 1784, at his own glass factory, Laxman produced soda according to his own method, but, unfortunately, this method was not further developed.

Today, the production of sodium carbonate is carried out in 4 ways:

1. Based on natural soda.
2. Processing nephilins.
3. Ammonia method (from sodium chloride).
4. Carbonization of sodium hydroxide.

Important! The production of sodium carbonate from natural raw materials is a relatively new industry (appeared in the late 1940s). And at the moment it is the main competitor of the ammonia production method, due to the high environmental cleanliness and great economic benefits.

to contents ↑

What is soda ash?

Technical soda ash (sodium carbonate) is a dry, free-flowing substance of white color. It is made in the form of brands “A” (granules) or “B” (powder).

Important! Technical soda ash should be made in accordance with the requirements of the standard, approved by the established procedure (GOST 5100-85).

The use of soda ash occurs in the following areas:

• “A” grade sodium carbonate is used for the manufacture of vacuum glass.
• Soda ash grade “B” is used in the chemical industry:
  • For the production of fatty acids and synthetic detergents;
  • When cleaning brines in the production of chromium, barium, phosphoric, sodium salts;
  • As a carbonate-containing raw material for the production of glycerin, allyl alcohol.
• In the leather, pulp and paper, oil, paint and varnish industries.
• In ferrous metallurgy, pig iron production.
• In the production of household goods.
• In the food industry - as an emulsifier, acidity regulator (food supplement E500).

to contents ↑

The main differences between soda ash and baking soda

Baking soda is a weak alkali with a pH of 8.1 (pH 7 is neutral), and soda ash is a strong alkali with a pH of 11. Due to its chemical properties, the use of these two products is different. Baking soda is usually used in cooking (as a baking powder), in cosmetology, as a folk remedy in the treatment of various diseases. It is rarely used for cleaning surfaces from impurities, since it has a very weak effect.

Quite another matter is soda ash. It has a strong cleaning, grease-removing property, and therefore it is quite logical to use soda ash in everyday life as a universal water-softening cleaning detergent for:

• Dishwashing - only aluminum items are an exception.
• Cleaning sinks, bathtubs, plumbing, tile, kitchen surfaces.
• Mopping.
• Machine and hand wash.
• Soaking linen and cotton fabrics with hard water.
• Prevention of scale formation in washing machines (instead of “Calgon”).
• Eliminate clogged pipes.
• Cleaning of earthenware, porcelain, ceramic, enameled dishes.

Important! When using soda ash at home, it is necessary to adhere to safety and precautionary measures, since it is a chemical product and belongs to the third hazard class.

It is necessary to store the drug where there is no access for children and animals, and also separately from food products. To work with sodium carbonate, rubber gloves must be purchased, especially for those with sensitive skin. When using soda ash for washing, observe the time schedule, since a chemical agent can corrode fabrics.

to contents ↑

The use of soda ash in the home

The use of soda ash in everyday life is advisable in the form of a solution, the temperature of which is from 10 to 100 C.

Product Usage Dosage:

• When washing and boiling: for 10 liters of detergent, 20-100 g (1.5-7 tbsp. L. Soda) are needed at a water temperature of 30-100 C.
• To soak: in 10 liters of water at a temperature of 30-40 C, add 30-100 g of soda ash (2-7 tbsp. L.). Soak linen for 2-4 hours.
• To soften water: add 10-50 g of sodium carbonate (1.5-3.5 tbsp. L.) To 10 liters.
• When washing dishes: add 1-15 g (1-3 tsp) of the product to 1 liter of water.
• Wipe the contaminated surface and plumbing with a sponge moistened in a solution of sodium carbonate (for 1 liter of hot water - up to 3 tbsp. L. Funds).

Important! After treating the surface with soda, be sure to rinse it with clean water to avoid streaks and then wipe the surface dry.

to contents ↑

Soda ash - instructions for use

Sodium carbonate is the basis for the production of phosphate-free modern powders. They effectively remove dirt and do not harm nature. To enhance the effectiveness of your choice of simple detergent, use soda ash at home in this way:

1. 3 tbsp. l soda ash (with severe contamination or hard water up to 5 tbsp. l.) - add inside the drum of the washing machine.
2. Wash at a water temperature of 50-100 C.

Important! Do not wash clothes with a special coating or membrane surface with soda.

You can make do-it-yourself detergents based on soda ash.To do this, use the recipes below.

Homemade washing powder

Laundry detergent prepared according to this recipe can be used for both manual and machine wash.

You will need these ingredients:

• 150 g of soap (well-dried soap chips, powdered).
• 200 g of soda ash.
• 200 g of borax.

Mix all components thoroughly, add aromatic essential oils (if desired), and store in a tightly closed jar.

Important! Use washing powder at the following dosage: 1 tbsp. l per 1 kg of linen.

Homemade washing gel

In order to make a do-it-yourself washing gel, you will need:

• 50 g of soap shavings (preferably without additives).
• 45 g of soda ash.
• 1 liter of water.
• Essential oils (optional).

Cooking method:

1. Dissolve soap shavings in boiling water.
2. Mix thoroughly, bringing to a uniform state.
3. Add sodium carbonate to the soap solution.
4. Mix thoroughly until the soda is completely dissolved, otherwise - stains may remain on colored and dark linen.
5. After the solution has cooled, add essential oils.

Important! Store the gel in a tightly closed jar and use at this dosage: 1 tbsp. l per 1 kg of linen.

Choose essential oils according to their properties. For example, tea tree eucalyptus, rosemary, lavender have antibacterial and repellent properties. If you want to give your linen a pleasant, soothing aroma, then use oils from citrus, lavender, chamomile, jasmine, etc.

Floor Cleaning Instructions

The use of soda ash in everyday life is also advisable in order to qualitatively wash the floor. To do this, follow this instruction:

1. 3 tbsp. l dilute sodium carbonate with 5 l of warm water.
2. Clean the floor with a soft cloth and rag.
3. Wipe the surface with clean water.
4. Wipe the floor dry.

Important! Do not use sodium carbonate for surfaces susceptible to alkalis.

Pipe clogging instructions

To eliminate clogging of pipes, use soda ash as follows:

1. 2 tbsp. l Dissolve soda ash with a glass of hot water.
2. Pour the prepared solution slowly into the drain.
3. After 10 minutes, rinse the soda with hot water.

Important! To get rid of plaque in the siphon, use the following tool: 3 tbsp. l pour sodium carbonate into the drain hole. Pour vinegar or a diluted essence of 100 g there. After 5 minutes, the stock will be cleaned.

Bath Cleaning Instructions

To clean the bath, purchase the necessary components:

• Soda ash.
• Industrial bleach.
• Baking soda.
• Vinegar.

Also purchase the following materials and tools:

• Capacity for the preparation of cleaning products.
• Soft brush.
• Latex gloves.

Important! Do not use metal objects when cleaning the bathtub, as you may scratch the surface of the plumbing.

Proceed as follows:

1. Prepare the first portion of the cleaning agent by mixing two types of soda in equal proportions - 2 tbsp each. l will be sufficient.
2. Add a little water to the powder, bring to a porridge-like state.
3. Moisten the bath.
4. Rub wet plumbing with the prepared mixture.
5. Leave the mixture for 15 minutes.
6. Prepare the following composition: mix one quarter cup of vinegar and bleach.
7. Apply the mixture to the first layer of soda.
8. Leave the product for 30 minutes.
9. Use a brush or sponge to rinse off with plenty of water.

Important! It is good to clean the cast-iron bath with a composition of soda ash and laundry soap (in equal proportions). Moisten the prepared mixture with a small amount of water and apply to the surface of the bath. After an hour, rinse with water. If the bath is very dirty, add a little ammonia to the substances listed above and increase the duration of the product.

to contents ↑

Stock footage

Soda ash is a very effective and economical detergent.Unlike more expensive cleaning products, sodium carbonate is an environmentally friendly substance that does not contain phosphates and does not pollute nature, so use soda in everyday life and you will not only save money and time, but also take care of your health.