5 Best Washing Soda Products for 2025

Washing soda, also known as sodium carbonate, is a powerhouse ingredient in laundry routines. Unlike baking soda, which is milder and better for deodorizing, washing soda’s higher alkalinity (pH around 11) makes it ideal for softening hard water, boosting detergent performance, and tackling tough stains like grease, blood, and grass. It’s a staple in DIY cleaners, eco-friendly detergents, and household hacks, helping you achieve brighter whites and fresher fabrics without harsh chemicals. In 2025, with sustainability on everyone’s mind, these products stand out for their purity, effectiveness, and value. Based on expert reviews, consumer feedback, and lab tests, here are the top five washing soda options to elevate your laundry game.

1. Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda

This classic has been a household hero since 1874, and it’s easy to see why—it’s 100% pure sodium carbonate, fragrance-free, and phosphate-free. It boosts liquid detergents by up to 15% on stains like mustard and blood, while also neutralizing odors naturally. Users rave about its versatility for laundry pre-soaks, unclogging drains, and scrubbing hard surfaces like tiles and toilets. In Consumer Reports tests, products incorporating washing soda like this performed well in hard water conditions. It’s hypoallergenic and safe for HE machines (use 1/4 to 1/3 dose). At around $5 for a 55-oz box, it’s budget-friendly and widely available at grocery stores or online.

Pros: Affordable, multi-use, no additives.
Cons: Can irritate skin if handled without gloves.
Best for: Everyday laundry boosters in hard-water homes.

2. Nellie’s Laundry Soda

For those prioritizing eco-friendliness, Nellie’s concentrated powder is a standout—made with just four simple ingredients, it dissolves fully in hot or cold water and is septic-safe. It’s free of phosphates, fragrances, and fillers, earning high marks in GQ’s review for lifting stains and odors without residue or skin irritation. Reddit users and Wirecutter testers note its effectiveness in DIY formulas, and it comes in recyclable tins to cut plastic waste. Use one tablespoon per load for radiant results. Priced at about $12 for 100 loads, it’s a premium pick but lasts longer than traditional detergents.

Pros: Sustainable packaging, gentle on skin, highly concentrated.
Cons: Slightly pricier upfront.
Best for: Eco-conscious families with sensitive skin.

3. Pure Original Ingredients Natural Washing Soda

Purity is key here—this resealable bag delivers 100% natural soda ash with no fillers, dyes, or petroleum derivatives. Amazon reviewers (over 1,600 five-star ratings) love it for homemade laundry and dishwasher detergents, praising its odor-eliminating power and stain removal on tough spots like wine and grease. It’s a water softener extraordinaire, making it ideal for hard-water areas, and EWG rates similar pure formulas highly for safety. At $10 for 5 lbs, it’s a steal for bulk buyers who want versatility beyond laundry, like polishing silver or cleaning grills.

Pros: Bulk value, versatile for DIY, top-rated for cleaning power.
Cons: Basic packaging may not appeal to all.
Best for: DIY enthusiasts crafting custom cleaners.

4. Earthborn Elements Washing Soda

Sourced sustainably and packaged eco-friendly, this pure sodium carbonate is non-toxic and excels at softening water while removing mineral buildup. LoveToKnow highlights its ease of use in laundry boosters, and users report brighter fabrics after just one wash. It’s fragrance-free and safe for septic systems, with larger gallon sizes available for heavy users. In 2025’s push for green cleaning, it shines in Spruce’s guide for its role in homemade recipes. Expect to pay $15 for a gallon—perfect for those scaling up from smaller packs.

Pros: Eco-sourced, large sizes available, effective on hard water stains.
Cons: May require gloves for handling.
Best for: Sustainable bulk cleaning in large households.

5. Epic Washing Soda by Rustic Strength

This unscented, dye-free option is a century-old formula revived for modern needs—fully biodegradable and hypoallergenic, it’s safe for babies and pets. It whitens fabrics, deodorizes, and tackles everything from carpet spots to oven grease. Reviewers on the brand’s site and Reddit forums call it a “game-changer” for toxin-free homes, especially when mixed with borax for heavy-duty loads. At $10 for a multi-use jar, it’s planet- and people-safe without compromising power.

Pros: Biodegradable, baby-safe, broad household applications.
Cons: Newer brand, so availability varies.
Best for: Allergen-free cleaning in family homes.

Incorporating washing soda into your routine is simple: Add 1/2 cup to your detergent for regular loads, or pre-soak stains overnight. Always wear gloves to avoid irritation, and store it away from kids and pets. With these picks, you’ll clean smarter, greener, and more effectively in 2025.