While we here at Good Housekeeping will often be the first people to rave about the powers of the bicarb and vinegar combo, it looks like there’s a new green cleaner in town!
Soda crystals (also called washing soda) are a go-to natural cleaner for those who prefer sustainable living. Free from enzymes, phosphates, and bleach, they’re safe to use on most fabrics and fully biodegradable. A win for your laundry, and the planet.
If you haven’t come across them before, don’t worry, soda crystals have been quietly doing the rounds for decades, mainly used as a powerful stain remover. But with their budget-friendly price tag and impressive eco credentials, these multipurpose crystals are making a big comeback as a versatile cleaner for the entire home.
In fact, we’ve found 14 smart ways to use soda crystals in your cleaning routine—so you can make the most of this natural powerhouse.
What is the difference between soda crystals and bicarbonate of soda?
Before diving in, let’s clear up a common mix-up. Soda crystals are not the same as bicarbonate of soda. While both are popular green cleaning solutions, they serve different purposes.
Soda crystals (washing soda) are coarser in texture and often used as a heavy-duty degreaser, especially in laundry. Bicarbonate of soda (baking soda), on the other hand, is a fine powder that works well in baking, deodorising, and light cleaning jobs.
Both are alkaline, but soda crystals are a much stronger alkali, making them more effective when tackling tough grime or grease. That strength comes with a word of caution: always wear gloves when handling soda crystals, as they may irritate the skin.
Also, it’s best to avoid using soda crystals on aluminium, varnished, or lacquered surfaces as they’re strong enough to damage or discolour these materials.
A note on soda crystals and washing machines
Soda crystals are often advertised as safe to run through the washing machine to remove grease, descale and deodorise. However, while soda crystals will soften the water, the two actually react to create calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate. That means it forms limescale deposits as part of the process which can end up blocking your washing machine’s pipes.
According to Dr Joanna Buckley, Education Coordinator at the Royal Society of Chemistry: “It may take a while, but limescale buildup does affect efficiency and could potentially shorten the lifespan of your washing machine if it isn’t routinely cleaned.”
1. Stain remover
Soda crystals are a trusted go-to for tackling tough stains, without the need for harsh chemicals, enzymes or synthetic solvents. If you’re trying to clean more sustainably, this stain-fighting method is one we highly recommend.
To use, soak the stained fabric overnight in a strong solution of soda crystals and warm water. Always check the packaging for dilution advice. Dri-Pak recommends one cup of soda crystals to one pint of warm water for a powerful mix.
Once soaked, wash the item in the machine on the hottest cycle that the care label allows.
Soda crystals are safe on most fabric types, but it’s always a good idea to check for colourfastness first. They work brilliantly on everything from ink and red wine to grease, grass, blood, coffee, and tea stains.
2. Refreshing discoloured chopping boards
If your chopping boards are looking stained or a little worse for wear, soda crystals make a great natural fix. Mix a small amount of warm water with soda crystals to create a paste. Then, scrub this paste directly onto the surface of the board. Not only will this help lift stains, but it will also neutralise lingering odours.
Give the board a thorough rinse once clean, and it’ll be looking (and smelling) much fresher.
Tip: Lemon juice also works well on food stains, and pairs nicely with soda crystals for an extra fresh finish.
3. Blocked drains
If your drains are slow or sinks keeps getting blocked and the usual baking soda and vinegar trick isn’t doing the job, try soda crystals as a non-toxic alternative to chemical cleaners.
According to the Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering, you can pour one cup of soda crystals directly into the drain. Wait a few minutes, then flush with hot water to dissolve grease and grime buildup. Repeat the hot water flush again to help clear any lingering residue.
If the blockage remains, you may need to use a plunger or drain snake, or contact a professional plumber.
To keep things flowing smoothly, it’s a good idea to make this part of your routine—flush drains with soda crystals once a month to prevent future clogs.
4. Greasy oven shelves
If your oven racks are too big for the dishwasher, soda crystals can come to the rescue. Fill a large container, your bathtub works well, with hot water and dissolve around 250g of soda crystals. Submerge the shelves and soak for about an hour.
Once soaked, use scrunched-up kitchen foil to scrub away burnt-on grime, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
You can also apply a soda crystal solution directly inside your oven. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes, then wipe down with a damp cloth and rinse away for a fresh, clean finish.
5. Refreshing dirty cloths and mop heads
When your microfibre cloths or mop heads are looking tired and greasy, soda crystals can give them a new lease on life. Known for their powerful degreasing ability, soda crystals are ideal for pre-soaking fabric.
Soak them in a solution (as per pack instructions), then wash them on the hottest safe setting recommended by the care label.
If your microfibre cloths have seen better days, soda crystals can help you deep clean them. As a strong de-greaser, it's particularly useful here. Simply pre-soak the items as you would for stain removal (following the instructions on pack), then wash on the highest temperature as recommended by the care label.
6. Burnt pans
If you’ve scorched a saucepan beyond recognition, don’t panic—soda crystals can lift burnt food with minimal scrubbing. Fill the pan with hot water, stir in a couple of tablespoons of soda crystals, and leave it overnight.
By morning, the residue should be softened and easy to clean off. (Just remember: avoid using soda crystals on aluminium pans.)
7. Cooker hood filter degreaser
Thanks to their impressive grease-cutting ability, soda crystals are ideal for cleaning cooker hood filters. Soak the metal filter in a warm solution of soda crystals and water. Rinse thoroughly before placing in the dishwasher or sink for a final clean.
Ensure the filter is completely dry before reinstalling it.
8. Cleaning silver jewellery
To remove tarnish from silver jewellery naturally, line a bowl with aluminium foil, add hot water and a spoonful of soda crystals. Stir to dissolve, then add your silver items. The chemical reaction between the foil and soda crystals lifts tarnish in minutes.
Wait until the fizzing stops (up to 15 minutes), then rinse and buff with a soft cloth. Avoid using this method on delicate stones, glued settings, or silver plating. Always wear gloves when handling soda crystals.
9. BBQ cleaning
Get your barbecue ready for summer with a deep clean using soda crystals. Make a strong degreasing solution and soak cooking grates, racks and utensils just as you would oven shelves.
You can also apply the soda crystal mix to the BBQ’s main housing (non-aluminium). Leave it to soak in for an hour or two, then wipe down with a clean cloth and rinse.
10. Toilet fresheners
Tired of lingering odours in the loo? Pour a cup of soda crystals into the toilet once a week. Leave it overnight to neutralise smells and tackle limescale, then flush in the morning.
For best results, scrub around the bowl with a toilet brush to help the crystals reach every surface.
11. Tea-stained mugs
Those brown tea or coffee stains in your cups are no match for soda crystals. Just fill the stained cups with a mild soda crystal solution and let them soak for a couple of hours.
Once done, wash as usual and enjoy a spotless finish—no harsh scrubbing needed.
12. Removing moss from patios
Want to get rid of moss or algae without using harmful chemicals? Simply sprinkle soda crystals directly over the growth, then spray with water. The crystals kill moss within 24–48 hours, after which you can sweep and rinse it away.
Take care not to let the solution run into flowerbeds or ponds, as it could damage plants or aquatic life. Always test on a hidden area of your patio first to avoid any potential discolouration.
13. Shower curtains
Keep your shower curtain mould-free by soaking it in a soda crystal solution. Scrub gently to remove any mould or mildew, then rinse thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
To prevent future build-up, air your curtain between showers. Some curtains are machine washable too—check the label for care instructions.
14. Bins
If your bins are smelling less than fresh, wash them out with a soda crystal cleaning solution. This works for both indoor and outdoor bins—but be sure your bin isn’t made of aluminium.
To keep odours away between cleans, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda in the bottom for long-lasting freshness.
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