Where do you find washing soda?

[Russ]

I am making my own buffer w/ 6 parts baking soda and 1 part washing soda. The only problem is, I can't find washing soda anywhere in my local grocery store or walmart. I thought it would be right next to the baking soda.

So, where have people actually found washing soda?

[Mako]

Did you look in the laundry detergent section of the local supermarket? That is where I found mine. Walmarts down here didnt stock it.

[Russ]

I did... I couldn't find it there either. :(

[Mako]

Don't give up! :D Check some different chains out in your area. I had to look for a little while before I found it. Also, ask them at the customer service desk. They may keep it in a different area, but I did find it in the laundry section at Publix down here.

[Russ]

Thanks Mako...

... I'll call around and inquire. I've already been to three different stores.

I wonder what washing soda is normally used for anyhow? Some kind of laudry application probably?

[Mako]

Funny you should ask. Washing Soda Usage (http://www.thelaundrybasket.com/Usage_Tips/Usage_Tips_Super_Washing_Soda/usage_tips_super_washing_soda.html)

May want to check this (http://www.thelaundrybasket.com/Questions_Comments/Questions_Comments_Super_Washing_Soda/questions_comments_super_washi.html) page also. They give the UPC number if you want to have your grocery store manager order it for you.

Good luck!

[Mutagen]

Guys,

Washing soda is not required for making your own buffer. Just take some baking soda and throw it in the oven at 400 f for about 1/2 hour. Spread it out in a cookie sheet. Turn off the heat and allow to cool. Then remove a more pure version of washing soda from the oven. There will be one difference though. Washing soda is a crystalline form of sodium carbonate with some water bound into the crystal matrix. If you make your own in the oven from baking soda, there will be not bound water.

The only reason the washing soda is added is so that the pH of the resulting mixture is slightly higher than if pure baking soda is used. You can also get this result by disolving baking soda in water and heating it. This will force some CO2 to leave the water and the pH of the solution will easily be over 9 or even 10. Actually, you don't even have to heat the water if you want to mix up a gallon or so and bubble air through for the night. Then just cap the solution and use as needed.

Seriously, don't waste your time looking for something you really don't need.

Mutagen

[Mutagen]

Guys,

Washing soda is not required for making your own buffer. Just take some baking soda and throw it in the oven at 400 f for about 1/2 hour. Spread it out in a cookie sheet. Turn off the heat and allow to cool. Then remove a more pure version of washing soda from the oven. There will be one difference though. Washing soda is a crystalline form of sodium carbonate with some water bound into the crystal matrix. If you make your own in the oven from baking soda, there will be not bound water.

The only reason the washing soda is added is so that the pH of the resulting mixture is slightly higher than if pure baking soda is used. You can also get this result by disolving baking soda in water and heating it. This will force some CO2 to leave the water and the pH of the solution will easily be over 9 or even 10. Actually, you don't even have to heat the water if you want to mix up a gallon or so and bubble air through for the night. Then just cap the solution and use as needed.

Seriously, don't waste your time looking for something you really don't need.

Mutagen

[Mako]

True, but I am lazy by nature :D and don't really want to bother with the bake, boil, or bubble methods to create my own.

Another source if you dont find it local can be found here (http://www.chemistrystore.com/sodium_carbonate.htm).