Soda Crystals

[squaredog]

They're called crystals, but it's a powder, comes in a green bag.....

Well, I've stored a new bag in my utility room (I've recently moved here), and it's become one solid block! (Obviously a bit damp out there!)

Anyone know of any way of returning the stuff to powder?

Hit it with a hammer.

That happened to mine. I tried the hammer but too much of a pita so just chucked the lot and got a new bag.

you can throw the lump in a plastic measuring jig and top up with boiling water, then use the solution. It will still work.

they're not expensive so just use it up doing a maintenance clean on the washer, cleaning the oven, putting in your next white wash, cleaning the drains an sink.

PJ, sounds like the only option then......
I'm not too handy with a hammer at the best of times.....

On this subject... Can anyone tell me how you use soda crystals?
i.e: Piglet: how much do you put in the wash / where do you put, in the drawer? How to clean the oven with them?
Sorry if this seems obvious...

I put them in the detergent compartment of washing machine. NB you will no longer need fabric conditioner as it softens water.

I also make up strong, hot solutions to pour down kitchen sinks to keep drain fresh and also to soak things like oven racks or burnt oven dishes.

V useful!

half a cup in the washing machine if you have hard water. I prefer to put soda and powder through the door, as drawers often clog with soap. For greasy things, add to hot water (remember your rubber gloves). Instructions are on the bag

For a sink, spoon it in to fill the trap, add a little boiling water, the next morning, tip in more boiling water to wash it all away. The overflow may also need cleaning.

Great thanks.
Is it going to bother DCs skin in the washing machine?

no, it's very safe for skin. dc1 has excema and I use soda crystals as piglet describes.
might even be better for the skin, because it hasn't got any perfume in it (which is the main irritant).

I hope you don't put your dc's in the washing mashine

:)

So much better than using chemicals.....

Washing soda is a chemical.

Sorry......