Soda ash, also known as sodium carbonate, is a versatile compound that has been used for over 5,000 years. Here are some of the uses of soda ash:
-
Extraction and smelting of metals: Soda ash is used in the extraction and smelting of various metals, especially alumina products.
-
Manufacture of lithium: Soda ash is used in the manufacture of lithium, which is used in batteries for electric vehicles and other applications.
-
Dyeing: In dyeing with fiber-reactive dyes, soda ash is used to ensure proper chemical bonding of the dye with cellulose fibers, typically before dyeing, mixed with the dye, or after dyeing.
-
Cleaning: Soda ash is a powerful natural cleaner thanks to its high alkalinity (pH 11). It can be used to clean garbage bins, hard surfaces, and toilets.
-
Gardening: Soda ash can be used to stop mildew and blackspot on roses, get rid of whitefly and mites in the garden, and kill lichen.
-
Laundry: Soda ash can be used as a pre-wash soak for dirty clothes, and to clean dish cloths and dirty tea towels.
Soda ash is also a precursor to other compounds and is used in the froth flotation process to maintain a favorable pH as a float conditioner.
