washing soda

American  

noun

1. sodium carbonate.

---

washing soda British  

noun

1. the crystalline decahydrate of sodium carbonate, esp when used as a cleansing agent

---

Etymology

Origin of washing soda

First recorded in 1840–50

Compare meaning

How does washing-soda compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• washing soda vs. baking soda

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

washing soda

Also, Wang says, the washing soda used in stripping can combine with deposits in hard water to create additional residue on fabrics.

From Washington Post ● Oct. 6, 2021

Charges that phosphates in detergents ultimately kill wildlife in streams and lakes have opened new opportunities for Arm & Hammer washing soda.

From Time Magazine Archive

In a separate vessel, dissolve 20 oz. of ordinary washing soda in four and a half pints of boiling water, and immediately pour it into the first mixture.

From Library Bookbinding by Bailey, Arthur Low

A very strong printers’ lye may be made as follows:—Take of table salt, 2 oz.; unslacked lime, 2 lb., and bruised Scotch washing soda, 2 lb.

From Paper and Printing Recipes A Handy Volume of Practical Recipes, Concerning the Every-Day Business of Stationers, Printers, Binders, and the Kindred Trades by Ford, J. Sawtelle

This may be accomplished by pouring through it a solution made by dissolving one-half ounce of borax, washing soda, or ammonia in one gallon of boiling water.

From Dietetics for Nurses by Proudfit, Fairfax T.