Arm&Hammer Washing Soda

Post by **jacob** » Sun Jul 17, 2011 6:35 pm

Does anyone in the sf bay area sell it?

aquadump · Post by **aquadump** » Sun Jul 17, 2011 8:01 pm

The only place I see it is in hardware stores.

paxprobellum · Post by **paxprobellum** » Mon Jul 18, 2011 1:15 am

It's $3 on alice.com

Freedom_2018 · Post by **Freedom_2018** » Mon Jul 18, 2011 1:59 am

Funny timing of post.
I was out today looking for ingredients for making my own laundry after being inspired by many you-tube videos on this topic.
Found the 20 mule borax, the fels naptha soap but Washing Soda is nowhere to be found. Not CVS, Target, Osh, HomeDepot, Safeway, Walmart. Nada.
Even the Arm and Hammer website search tool shows no stores in the Bay Area for this product. One of the cheapest chemicals around and nobody has it. Ridiculous! http://www.armandhammer.com/Products/Wh ... 174c8e3728
I think pool supply companies might have this (Soda Ash)..haven't tried those yet.
Anybody have any suggestions on an alternative water softener that can be used instead?

Freedom_2018 · Post by **Freedom_2018** » Mon Jul 18, 2011 2:19 am

Ha..found some Soda Ash at Leslie's pool supplies. Various Bay area locations: (http://storelocator.lesliespool.com/les ... apx=&mapy=).
Only problem is that minimum size = 5 pounds ($15). Also read somewhere that the washing soda sold in stores (Arm & Hammer etc) is a dihydrate, hence one needs to use much more of the same than a monohydrate Soda Ash (apparently what is sold by the pool store). So that 5 lbs bag will last forever..which means the monohydrate will probably turn into a dihydrate with time ha ha!
Another method seems to be to heat sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) in an over at 350 degrees for an hour or so to lose the carbon dioxide and water molecule, leaving you with Washing Soda. But at pH = 11, I would handle that carefully. This seems an energy inefficient approach.

Freedom_2018 · Post by **Freedom_2018** » Wed Jul 20, 2011 6:09 pm

One can go into an Ace Hardware Store and place a special order. Takes 3-4 days. $4.79 for 55oz pack.

www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?p ... =351933682
I am going to order a few extra since no one seems to be carrying this on their shelves.

Post by **jacob** » Sat Jul 23, 2011 9:11 pm

Ace Hardware in Walnut Creek has it in stock.

Freedom_2018 · Post by **Freedom_2018** » Mon Jul 25, 2011 7:31 pm

Thanks. Good to know for when I am on that side of the Benicia bridge (toll costs as much as a pack of A&H Washing soda!).