What is washing soda (otherwise known as soda ash)?
Washing soda is the compound sodium carbonate (Na2CO3). It’s a natural substance usually made from limestone and salt. It’s very alkaline (pH11) so avoid contact with skin and eyes. Baking soda is only pH 8.1.
How to make washing soda from baking soda
As mentioned sodium carbonate is nearly identical to Baking soda in molecule structure, so simply heat the baking soda so that water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are driven off, leaving you with sodium carbonate (washing soda).
Steps:
Pour baking soda on to a large tray and spread it out evenly. It’s very important to use a stainless steel type of tray so that other compounds or chemicals don’t make their way in your washing soda from non-stick baking dishes.
Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 30 min - 1 hour. You can’t overcook the soda, but you want to make sure all the water has gone. I give mine a stir once or twice if the layer is thick.
Remove the tray from the oven, allow the washing soda to cool. You’ll know when it’s done because baking soda is glittery and clumps together, whereas washing soda will look duller, and more powdery.
Store in a tightly sealed container to keep it from picking up moisture again from the air. Leave in a cool area.
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