Washing Soda – Make Your Own

Most “make-your-own” laundry detergents call for “washing soda.” While this is readily and cheaply available in some areas , it isn't as easy to find in other parts of the country. Also, it might be a good idea to tuck this recipe in the back of your mind if you ever want or need to make some laundry detergent, but are out of washing soda and for some reason you are unable to get to the store.

The recipe for making washing soda is very easy and straight forward.

What you will need:

Baking soda

Yep that is it. One lone ingredient. Baking soda. That is because baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) turns to sodium carbonate (washing soda) after it has been heated.

What to do

**Preheat your oven to 400°F

**Cover a baking sheet with baking parchment paper

**Pour a box, or just a few cups, of baking soda (not baking powder) onto the baking sheet. Make sure to break up all the large clumps.

**Put it in the oven and bake for 1 -2 hours. I have heard that some people bake it for 45 minutes, but I recommend at least 1 ¼ to 1 ½ hours just to make sure the chemical reaction is complete.

**Allow to cool and store in a clearly labeled air tight container.

Thanks for reading and visiting my blog. :-)