What is washing soda?

Question

I was about to do this science experiment that's called "Grow Your Own Crystals" and it said I needed washing soda...what is washing soda?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Sodium carbonate.  I quote from Wikipedia: "In domestic use, it is used as a water softener during laundry. It competes with the ions magnesium and calcium in hard water and prevents them from bonding with the detergent being used. Without using washing soda, additional detergent is needed to soak up the magnesium and calcium ions. Called Washing Soda or Sal Soda[2] in the detergent section of stores, it effectively removes oil, grease, and alcohol stains."  If you go to this web site, it will give you tons more info on sodium carbonate and its many many other uses:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washing_sod...

Answer 2

Sodium carbonate. You should be able to buy it at the store.