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–+ servings
An open mason jar filled with washing soda sits on a marble counter top. A metal scoop of washing soda sits next to the jar.
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5 from 1 vote

Washing Soda Made from Baking Soda

Make harder-to-find washing soda with easy-to-find baking soda
Prep Time2 minutes
Cooking Time2 hours
Yield: 3 cups

Equipment

  • 1 cookie sheet

Materials

  • 3 cups baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)* see Note

Instructions

  • Heat the oven to 400°F. Spread the baking soda evenly in a clean baking sheet.
  • Bake the baking soda for two hours, stirring every half hour. The finished product will look gritty and contain fewer clumps than the finely textured baking soda it began as.
  • Remove from the oven. When cool, pack the washing soda into a clearly labeled, airtight glass jar.

Notes

  1. If you bake much less baking soda, it will transform into washing soda in less time. A much larger amount will require more time.
  2. To test for doneness, if desired, weigh the baking soda before and during baking.
    • Place your cookie sheet on a scale, weigh it and note the weight.
    • Tare the scale out, spread the baking soda on the cookie sheet and note the weight. Multiply the baking soda's weight by 2 and divide by 3. That is your target weight for the finished washing soda.
    • After the baking soda has baked for an hour, place the baking sheet with the baking baking soda on the scale. Subtract the weight of the cookie sheet from the overall weight. You now have the weight of the transitioning baking soda. If this number is greater than the target weight, continue baking.