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A washing machine deals with more than just laundry. Detergent residue, fabric conditioner, body oils, and minerals from a hard water area all circulate inside the drum. Over time, that build-up leads to odours, hidden grime and stubborn limescale build-up — especially when washes regularly run at high temperatures.
Using Soda Crystals in a washing machine is a practical way to dissolve greasy residue from clothing, reduce detergent residue and prevent long-term scale issues. When used correctly, washing soda works as a powerful natural cleaner that supports prevention without damaging internal components.
Let’s look at how to use them properly — and when it is, and is not, a good idea.
What are soda crystals and what are they used for?
Soda Crystals, also known as washing soda, are made from Sodium Carbonate. They are not the same as Bicarbonate Of Soda (baking soda). Washing soda is much stronger and creates a more intense alkaline reaction.
The main uses for soda crystals include:
- Breaking down greasy residue
- Softening water in a hard water area
- Supporting regular detergent
- Reducing limescale build-up
- Cleaning appliances such as the washing machine
Their strength comes from the chemical reaction that occurs when washing soda meets fats and oils. It converts greasy deposits into water-soluble compounds that can be rinsed away during a hot cycle.
Is washing soda the same as soda crystals?
Yes. Washing soda and Soda Crystals are simply two names for Sodium Carbonate.
They are, however, completely different from Bicarbonate Of Soda. Baking soda is milder and better suited for deodorising rather than heavy-duty degreasing.
When tackling deep drum odours or detergent residue, washing soda is the stronger solution. Baking soda can still play a role in maintenance cleaning, particularly when you are following a gentler method such as cleaning washing machine with vinegar and baking soda, where the aim is odour neutralisation rather than aggressive grease removal.
Are soda crystals the same as baking soda or bicarbonate of soda?
No — and mixing them up reduces effectiveness.
Baking Soda (Bicarbonate Of Soda) is a light alkaline powder. Soda Crystals (washing soda) are significantly stronger and designed for tougher cleaning.
Inside a washing machine, this difference matters. If the issue is mild odour, bicarbonate may help. If the problem is greasy residue from clothing or visible limescale build-up, washing soda is the appropriate choice.
How do you clean a washing machine with soda crystals?
Deep cleaning with Soda Crystals is straightforward when done correctly.
- Empty the washing machine completely.
- Add 500g Of Soda Crystals directly into the drum.
- Run a full Hot Cycle at 60°C or higher.
- Leave the door open afterwards to dry thoroughly.
The hot cycle activates the washing soda, allowing it to break down residue lodged behind the drum and inside the pipework.
Cleaning should not stop at the drum. The rubber seal collects water and detergent deposits, so wiping it with a clean cloth afterwards is essential — especially if you have previously noticed mould and followed advice on how to clean washing machine seal to remove trapped grime.
How much soda crystals should you use to clean a washing machine?
For a deep clean:
- Use 500g Of Soda Crystals once every 1–2 months
For maintenance in a hard water area:
- Use a couple of tablespoons monthly
Avoid using a strong solution of soda weekly. Excess alkalinity over time can dry the rubber seal and affect internal components.
Moderation supports prevention without creating unnecessary wear.
Where do you put soda crystals in a washing machine?
For cleaning the appliance:
- Place Soda Crystals directly into the drum
For laundry washing:
- Add a couple of tablespoons into the drum alongside regular detergent
Do not add washing soda to the fabric conditioner drawer. That compartment is designed for softening liquids, not alkaline powders.
If detergent drawer build-up is an issue, it often needs manual cleaning rather than chemical soaking. Removing the drawer and scrubbing it thoroughly, as explained in how to clean washing machine drawer, prevents residue from blocking water flow.
Can you put soda crystals in washing machine with clothes?
Yes — provided you use the correct amount.
Adding a couple of tablespoons of washing soda with your regular detergent helps:
- Improve detergent performance
- Reduce limescale build-up
- Prevent residue
- Help clothes softer in hard water conditions
This is particularly effective for towels and workwear affected by tough stains. However, delicate fabrics should not be exposed to a strong solution of soda.
Can soda crystals damage washing machine?
When used properly, Soda Crystals are safe. Problems arise when:
- They are overused
- A concentrated solution is left sitting in the drum
- Hot cycles are run excessively at very high temperatures
Over time, prolonged exposure to strong alkalinity may affect the rubber seal.
Monthly maintenance is generally sufficient for prevention.
Clean washing machine with vinegar and soda crystals
Combining Soda Crystals and White Vinegar can be effective — but not at the same time.
If mixed together, they neutralise each other during a chemical reaction. Instead:
- Run a hot cycle with Soda Crystals first.
- Follow with a second hot cycle using White Vinegar.
White vinegar supports descaling and odour neutralisation. This two-step method is often used when tackling persistent smells, similar to approaches used when addressing a clean a smelly washer situation, where residue and trapped moisture are usually the underlying issue.
Baking soda vs soda crystals: which is better for washing machine cleaning?
Here is the practical comparison:
| Situation | Baking Soda | Soda Crystals |
|---|---|---|
| Light odours | ✔ | ✔ |
| Greasy residue | ✖ | ✔ |
| Limescale build-up | Limited | ✔ |
| Deep hot cycle cleaning | Mild | Strong |
For deep cleaning and scale prevention, washing soda is the stronger option. Baking soda remains useful for light maintenance.
How to clean the inside of a washing machine?
A complete clean involves more than a drum cycle.
You should:
- Run a hot cycle with Soda Crystals
- Clean the detergent drawer
- Wipe the rubber seal with a clean cloth
- Check and rinse the filter
If unpleasant odours persist, it is worth revisiting the full process step-by-step as outlined in how to clean a washer, ensuring no residue remains hidden in less visible components.
Regular cleaning supports prevention, especially in homes located in a hard water area.
Soda crystals for laundry: how to use safely
When added correctly, Soda Crystals improve laundry performance.
Add a couple of tablespoons with regular detergent to:
- Boost cleaning power
- Reduce limescale build-up
- Minimise residue
- Support clothes softer results
They are particularly helpful when washing heavily soiled laundry products exposed to food residue before washing or oily stains.
Avoid using on wool or silk.
Where can you buy soda crystals in the UK?
Soda Crystals (washing soda) are widely available in UK supermarkets and hardware stores. Look for products labelled Sodium Carbonate.
Liquid soda crystals also exist, but powdered versions are generally preferred for washing machine maintenance.
FAQ
How do you use soda crystals in a washing machine?
+Place 500g Of Soda Crystals directly into the drum and run a hot cycle. For laundry, add a couple of tablespoons alongside regular detergent.
How do you clean a washing machine with vinegar and baking soda?
+Run a hot cycle with baking soda first, followed by a second hot cycle with white vinegar. Do not mix them simultaneously.
How much soda crystals should you use to clean a washing machine?
+Use 500g Of Soda Crystals for deep cleaning. For maintenance, use a couple of tablespoons monthly.
How do you clean a washing machine with soda crystals?
+Add Soda Crystals to the drum and run a high-temperature hot cycle. Afterwards, wipe the rubber seal and interior surfaces with a clean cloth.
Where do you put soda crystals in a washing machine?
+Place them directly into the drum, not in the fabric conditioner compartment.
Is washing soda the same as soda crystals?
+Yes. Both refer to Sodium Carbonate.
Can you put soda crystals in washing machine with clothes?
+Yes, in small amounts. Add a couple of tablespoons with regular detergent for tougher laundry loads.
Used properly, Soda Crystals are a reliable solution for washing machine maintenance. They reduce residue, limit limescale build-up and support long-term prevention — particularly in homes affected by hard water and frequent high temperatures washes.
Keep it simple. Use them monthly. Avoid overuse. And let your washing machine run at its best.
