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Ingredients · 1 min read

Sodium Carbonate (Washing Soda) in Laundry: What It Does

In this article
  1. What is it?
  2. What it does in the wash
  3. Washing soda vs baking soda
  4. Handling it safely
  5. Why it's in Just 7

Your grandparents probably called it washing soda. It's been cleaning clothes for generations, and it's one of the two things Just 7 adds to our gentle sheet.

Quick answer: sodium carbonate is a simple mineral salt that boosts cleaning. It raises the wash water's pH, softens hard water and helps lift greasy soil.

What is it?

A mineral salt, mined from natural trona deposits or made from salt and limestone.† In laundry it's a builder: it helps the cleaners do their job better.

What it does in the wash

  • Raises the pH, which helps break up grease and oil.
  • Softens hard water by reacting with calcium and magnesium.
  • Frees up the cleaners to focus on dirt.
  • Helps with odors that come from oils and residue.

One ingredient, four jobs. We love an overachiever.

Washing soda vs baking soda

PointWashing sodaBaking soda
Chemical nameSodium carbonateSodium bicarbonate
StrengthStronger, more alkalineMilder
Laundry jobBuilder, degreaserLight deodorizing
Safe to eat?NoYes, in cooking amounts

Baking soda belongs in cookies. Washing soda belongs in the washer.

Handling it safely

In a sheet, it's one measured part of a formula, not a pile of powder. Still, it's alkaline, so the usual detergent rules apply:

  • Keep sheets dry and out of reach of kids and pets.
  • Don't rub your eyes after handling. Rinse with water if any gets in.
  • Store the box closed and away from food.

Why it's in Just 7

Our gentle sheet is built for light, everyday loads. Washing soda gives Just 7 more muscle, especially in hard water and on greasy loads like kitchen towels and work clothes.

One well-understood mineral instead of several specialty ingredients. That's the whole idea.

FAQ

Is sodium carbonate safe in detergent? It's been used in laundry for generations. Keep it out of eyes and away from kids and pets.

Is it natural? It occurs as a mineral and is also made industrially. Either way, it's a simple salt.

Can I add extra washing soda? Just 7 already has it. More can make the wash too alkaline for wool and silk.

Is it vegan? Yes. It's a mineral with no animal involvement.

Seven ingredients. Zero compromise.

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