Used to break down heavy grease, soften baked on oil, and lift grime from metal cookware, range hood filters, grill parts, and shop tools. Also used to strip body oil and detergent residue from towels and work rags.
This hot soak uses washing soda to raise alkalinity, which helps dissolve fats and loosen stuck residue. Hot water amplifies the effect, and a small amount of unscented dish soap improves lift and rinse out. It is mixed fresh at time of use and relies on dry stored washing soda for indefinite shelf life.
Ingredients
- Very hot water
- Washing soda (sodium carbonate) per 1 gallon of very hot water: add 1 tablespoon washing soda, for heavy grease: 2 tablespoons per gallon
- Optional: unscented dish soap
- Bucket, tote, or sink
- Nylon brush or scrub pad
How to Use It
- Fill container with very hot water
- Add washing soda and stir until dissolved
- Optional: add a small squeeze of dish soap
- Submerge item and soak 15 to 45 minutes
- Scrub if needed, then rinse thoroughly
- Dry metal items completely to prevent rust
Towels and Rags
- Soak 30 to 60 minutes in hot water, then wash normally
- Do not mix with bleach
- Rinse well if residue remains, then rewash
Warnings
- Strongly alkaline. Avoid eyes and dust. Gloves recommended
- Do not use on aluminum or anodized aluminum
- Avoid natural stone and delicate painted finishes
- Do not mix with acids or bleach products
Storage and Shelf Life
- Store washing soda dry in an airtight container
- Indefinite shelf life when kept dry
- Add a desiccant packet in humid environments
When to Use It
- Range hood filters, oven racks, smoker trays, grill grates
- Greasy pots, stainless sinks, enamel surfaces
- Shop tools and hardware with oil film
- Towels, work rags, microfiber with body oil or grease buildup