Where to find "Washing Soda" in NZ?

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Batman

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#228566 12-Jan-2018 08:35

Was researching how to wash my car fabric seats and apparently all i need is washing soda + some other detergent thingy -

But I can't find any washing soda around here.

Anyone knows where to get them?

Thanks

mrdrifter

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#1937506 12-Jan-2018 08:37

I believe places like Bin Inn have washing soda, if there is one still near you. This is the case in the Wellington area.

Edit: It might also be called Soda Ash (used for pool supplies), Soda Ash tends to be a higher concentrate if I recall correctly.

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#1937512 12-Jan-2018 08:57

Look very carefully in the laundry aisle of your local supermarket.

I have bought from my local New World and seen it at others (when I wasnt looking).

It appears Countdown have it (it shows online https://shop.countdown.co.nz/Shop/ProductDetails?stockcode=276728 ).

Its useful for running through your dishwasher and washing machine to clean them.

Nothing is impossible for the man who doesn't have to do it himself - A. H. Weiler

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#1937515 12-Jan-2018 08:59

Thanks guys I'll take a look - Washing soda is like the big brother of baking soda for cleaning things?

muppet

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#1937520 12-Jan-2018 09:06

Man (or woman (person?)) up and make your own!

robjg63

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#1937521 12-Jan-2018 09:06

Batman:

Thanks guys I'll take a look - Washing soda is like the big brother of baking soda for cleaning things?

https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2015/03/39-handy-household-uses-washing-soda.html

Nothing is impossible for the man who doesn't have to do it himself - A. H. Weiler

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#1937522 12-Jan-2018 09:09

muppet:

Man (or woman (person?)) up and make your own!

I did research making but that would be the last resort, lower than not using probably :D

tdgeek

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#1937546 12-Jan-2018 09:28

Which is better? A quick Google shows Baking Soda (sodium bicarbonate) and washing soda (sodium carbonate) are both great for cleaning.

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#1937639 12-Jan-2018 12:38

tdgeek:
Which is better? A quick Google shows Baking Soda (sodium bicarbonate) and washing soda (sodium carbonate) are both great for cleaning.

If you need bulk baking soda just go to a shop that sells swimming pool chemicals, and buy PH Buffer. As that is just rebranded baking soda.

Coil

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#1937640 12-Jan-2018 12:40

Did you try the eco washing products?
Have you tried anything so far?

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#1937647 12-Jan-2018 12:53

Not yet, I'm a sloth when it comes to chores.

BruceHamilton

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#1937674 12-Jan-2018 13:26

tdgeek:

Which is better? A quick Google shows Baking Soda (sodium bicarbonate) and washing soda (sodium carbonate) are both great for cleaning.

Generally, the higher the alkalinity reserve, the better the cleaner, so sodium carbonate is preferred for most heavy duty cleaners, provided the product can handle high pH. Sodium carbonate solution pH is about 11, versus about 8-8.5 for sodium bicarbonate. Most swimming pool chemical suppliers ( including Bunnings, Mitre 10 etc. ) will sell sodium carbonate, and all supermarkets will sell baking soda.

You could probably make a simple fabric cleaner by diluting a washing machine or dishwasher concentrate. In all cases you need to thoroughly rinse the cleaning agent from the fabric to get rinses near to neutral pH.. If the fabric is porous, I'd use the manufacturer's recommended cleaner. May not be as good as sodium carbonate, but your fabric shouldn't reduce to the tensile strength of a biodegrade plastic bag after a season in the sun.

tdgeek

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#1937682 12-Jan-2018 13:36

BruceHamilton:

tdgeek:

Which is better? A quick Google shows Baking Soda (sodium bicarbonate) and washing soda (sodium carbonate) are both great for cleaning.

Generally, the higher the alkalinity reserve, the better the cleaner, so sodium carbonate is preferred for most heavy duty cleaners, provided the product can handle high pH. Sodium carbonate solution pH is about 11, versus about 8-8.5 for sodium bicarbonate. Most swimming pool chemical suppliers ( including Bunnings, Mitre 10 etc. ) will sell sodium carbonate, and all supermarkets will sell baking soda.

You could probably make a simple fabric cleaner by diluting a washing machine or dishwasher concentrate. In all cases you need to thoroughly rinse the cleaning agent from the fabric to get rinses near to neutral pH.. If the fabric is porous, I'd use the manufacturer's recommended cleaner. May not be as good as sodium carbonate, but your fabric shouldn't reduce to the tensile strength of a biodegrade plastic bag after a season in the sun.

Thanks Bruce. The interwebs are awash with home cleaning recipes, baking soda, white vinegar, with various mixes including dish detergent. Good to know Baking soda is better than Bicarb and why.

Cheers

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#1937734 12-Jan-2018 15:48

I see thank you guys. Might have to go with @Coil's eco cleaning method. at least the fabric will not vaporise