General Chat

Oooh - guess what I just found in the back of the cupboard ?? A half box of soda crystals !!!! Too bad I have finished the laundry for this week lolol Thanks again for all the tip :O)))

Soda crystals cost about 69p a kilo from most supermarkets and instructions as to how to use in the washing machine are on the packet. Stella

Pretty sure soda crystals would work just as well as Calgon. My Mum used soda for loads of household chores, she would often pour a cup of soda in with wash, especially when she did a boil wash of tea towels/dish cloths etc.She said it helped to get the grease out. Tried doing it myself & it works great, also pour some down the kitchen sink, with a kettle of boiling water to help keep the sink fresh. Remember the old fashioned Bath crystals ? usually pink or lilac, they were only Soda crystals with added colouring. We made them at school once as Christmas presents for our Mum's, mine added them to the next wash !! Kathleen

Anne I have used them in the past. Usually on Chefs whites and now on Steves painting overalls Put them in with the powder

Thanks Janice :O)) Will compare cost to my normal product :O))

Hi Fair Anne, Soda crystals dissolve grease, soften water, loosen dirt, reduce acidity. Won't affect colour as they aren't a bleaching agent. Will be brilliant to use in your hard water. If you are handwashing though, wear gloves. Janice

Thanks All ......... Stella that's what I needed to know. Joan as far as I know you shouldn't put it 'direct' into the drum - but I wasn't sure if it could actually be used :O))

Gosh Stella ! Does it not affect the clothes in any way ? I am surprised that the colour doesn't get affected or they shrink or something ! Still if it works, well, try it Anne, but perhaps not on your best stuff first ? :0) Joan xx

I've been using half a cup of soda crystals for years Ann and my w-machine repair man told me it is just the same as using the more expensive product C****n. It makes our hard water softer. Stella

I don't think you should use soda crystals in a wash !! I think they are for clearing drains, aren't they ??? lol Try using a supermarket own brand softener instead. :0) Joan xxxx

They worked on my washing machine waste pipe when that got clogged up with scale. It's always worth a try

Does anyone know if I can use Soda Crystals added to a wash to soften water as a substitute for C*lgon type products ?? Figured it might be cheaper than the product I use - I am in a very hard water area so need it in every wash. Thanks :O))