Soda Crystals (or washing soda) Na2CO3.10H2O
Hydrated Soda Ash, or Soda Crystals, are a mid strength alkali crystal, not as strong as caustic soda but much safer to use. The high level of hydration makes this crystal extremely water soluble; in fact the crystals will dissolve in their own water of crystallisation to make a supersaturated sodium carbonate liquor over 35 degrees centigrade.
Soda Crystals see the bulk of their use in household cleaning and laundry but in 10kg and 25kg bags they also have a growing use in industrial cleaning, in any situation where grease and oil build up is a problem.
Typical customers include oil works and oil re-processors, dairies, Chinese cash and carries, chip shops and takeaways.
There are many different applications for cleaning with Soda Crystals, from putting dry crystals onto a greasy floor and sweeping them around, to making up a hot or cold solution or slurry.
The maximum strength of a solution is around 40% by weight and can be obtained by heating the neat crystals over 33oC, at which point they will dissolve in their own water of crystallisation. Allowing the solution to cool again will result in the crystals reforming.
| Usage | Dilution |
| Greasy Floors (Dry areas) | Sweep dry Soda Crystals across the floor to pick up grease. |
| Greasy Floors (Wet areas) | Add up to 2kg of Soda Crystals to 10L of hot water, mop area, then rinse clean. Reduce strength to 500g per 10L for light duty. |
| Walls and Surfaces | Add 500g of Soda Crystals per 10L of hot water, wipe and then wash clean with fresh water. |
| Equipment Cleaning | Add 500g - 1kg of Soda Crystals to a 50L of hot water, immerse item to be cleaned. Soak if required and rinse. Not for electrical items. |
| Woks and Pans | Dip woks into a simmering solution of 500g of Soda Crystals in a large pan of water to remove spicy flavour, wipe, rinse, and use again. |
| Sinks | Flush sink with hot water, add 250g of Soda Crystals, leave for 30 minutes and then flush through again with hot water. |
| Drains | Add up to 1kg of Soda Crystals and repeat as above. |
| Steeping peas and beans | Add approximately 200g of Soda Crystals to enough water to cover 2kg of peas. Steep, rinse and then prepare as normal. |
Case studies:
Download: Material Safety Data Sheet | Raw Materials Specification