How To Use Soda Crystals For Household Cleaning?

Think beyond baking soda and white vinegar when sprucing up your home naturally. Soda crystals, also known as washing soda, are one among the most effective alternatives to traditional cleaning products today.

The best part is that it doesn't contain bleach, phosphate and other volatile organic compounds, which helps create a healthy and hygienic indoor environment. This super-versatile natural cleaning agent can do wonders in dislodging tough stains, grime and grease from different surfaces without causing permanent damage. However, adhering to safety measures, such as wearing gloves, using a face mask and opening windows, can help prevent health hazards.

Whether it’s about maintaining your rental property in Melbourne or conducting a deep clean-up session for holidays, consider the key uses of soda crystals for household cleaning. This guide can help you protect the pristine shine of your abode without using fancy, expensive and chemically laden cleaning products.

Let’s Get Started!

1. Baking Soda Vs. Soda Crystals: Key Differences

It is important to understand the key difference before you get into the cleaning process. Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is a leavening agent for baking cakes, cookies and muffins. It is mildly abrasive and can help remove grease, grime, bad odours and germs from almost all surfaces.

On the other hand, soda crystals or sodium carbonate, are stronger and more alkaline, primarily used for laundry. It is more powerful and can help you remove heavy-duty stains, limescale, calcium deposits and grime effectively. Both are affordable and eco-friendly cleaning products.

However, end of lease cleaning Melbourne experts always recommend wearing safety gear when using soda crystals, as they are more caustic and require extra care.

2. De-Grease Oven Shelves

Did you know that landlords thoroughly scan kitchen appliances during bond inspections? This means leaving your oven or microwave dirty can lead to bond deductions. If you are struggling to de-grease your oven shelves or racks in the dishwasher, use the power of soda crystals. It can easily dislodge buildup grease, gunk and stubborn stains without causing any damage. All you need to do is to:

• Fill a large tub or container with hot water and 200-250 gram soda crystals.
• Stir it well and submerge your oven racks and shelves for an hour. This will break down the gunk.
• Next, scrub your shelves with a soft-bristled brush and witness spotless results.

You can also clean other kitchen appliances inside and outside using this single ingredient.

3. Dislodge Stubborn Carpet Stains

Soda crystals are another natural cleaning agent to tackle stubborn carpet stains effectively. It can easily break down embedded dirt, grime, oil, pet stains, coffee spills and gunk without causing dullness, discolouration and permanent damage.

You need to dampen the affected or stained area in a DIY solution combined with warm water. Take one cup of crystals to one pint of water for spotless results. Gently blot the area using a microfiber cloth and leave it for a few minutes. Next, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda to banish bad odours.

Note: Always check the care label and spot-test the product to prevent permanent damage.

4. Tackle Blocked Drains

If baking soda and vinegar are ineffective for your clogged drains, use sodium carbonate rather than ammonia-based cleaners. Pour one cup of soda crystals down the clogged drain and flush it using hot water. This will loosen the stuck grime and grease residue with ease. Ensure you wait 5-19 minutes before pouring a bowl of hot water again. It will leave your drains clean, germ-free and deodorised.

5. Restore Your Chopping/Cutting Boards

Fix your dull, dirty, discoloured chopping board using this magical cleaning agent. You can create a thick paste by mixing soda crystals and warm water into a bowl. Scrub it directly on your chopping board, and gently scrub using a brush or sponge. It is one of the best hacks to clean and deodorise the surface at the same time. Scrubbing and rinsing thoroughly to prevent disease-causing germs infestation in your kitchen is good. You can also outsource a budget end of lease cleaning Melbourne for the entire property, including the kitchen and appliances.

6. Clean Patio and Driveways

Believe it or not! Soda crystals can kill algae and moss in no time. All you need to do is sprinkle the crystals on the moss or affected patio area or driveway. Dampen the surface and leave it for a day. This will loosen the moss and algae, making it easier to brush off the stains and achieve spotless results. It can also help you clean outdoor furniture without causing any damage.  However, it is always good to opt for a professional high-pressure washing method for filthy driveways and other concrete surfaces.

7. Sparkle Bathroom Fixtures and Fittings

Bathroom cleaning becomes efficient with this single cleaning agent. It can help you eliminate soap scum, rust stains, calcium deposits and gunk from almost all bathroom surfaces. You can clean the following:

• Shower and Shower Curtains: Spray soda crystal solvent on the showerhead and leave it for a few minutes before scrubbing. For mould stains on curtains, soak them in a sodium carbonate solution and scrub them with a clean cloth.
• Tiles and Grout: Prepare a thick paste using soda crystals and warm water to remove soap scum and mould from your tiles and grout lines. Use an old toothbrush to get into nooks and crannies.
• Toilet Cleaner: Pour a cup of soda crystals down the toilet bowl and leave it overnight. It can help you remove stains, germs and limescale in no time.

8. Banish Foul Odours

This natural cleaning product can also neutralise unpleasant odours from your home. Mix it with essential oils, such as lavender, peppermint or tea tree oil, to kill the lingering smell from carpets, trash bins, pet bedding, drains, and upholstered furniture. You can also use baking soda to achieve aromatic results, especially when preparing your rental property for the final inspection.

As a responsible tenant in Victoria, always refer to your property condition report and make necessary repairs (except for fair wear and tear) before calling experts for a detailed end of lease cleaning in Melbourne. They clean every nook and cranny according to the pre-approved checklist to help you pass your final rental inspection.

How to clean a home using Soda Crystals?

Wrapping Up

Cleaning a home with all-natural products can help you create a lively, harmonious and breathable indoor environment. With the help of this guide, you can effectively use soda crystals along with other green cleaning products to banish stains, grime, bad odours and gunk from almost all surfaces like a pro.