It’s inexpensive and often overlooked. This is sodium carbonate. Stronger than baking soda and far more effective for real cleaning. It has an indefinite shelf life. It does not spoil or rot. Keep it dry in an airtight container and it stays usable for decades. We use it in our laundry formula, but it also excels at degreasing tools, breaking down fuel residue and animal fats, and cleaning heavy work clothes. If you are on a well with hard water, this matters. Washing soda binds the minerals tha