ARM & HAMMER Super Washing Soda Review: The Old-School Cleaner That Actually Works

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Explained

More Than Just a Laundry Booster

This single box of washing soda can replace half a dozen specialized cleaners under your sink.

ARM & HAMMER Super Washing Soda is one of those classic, no-frills products that has survived for a reason: it’s incredibly versatile and effective. Whether you’re trying to get tough stains out of laundry, degrease your kitchen, or even polish silverware, this simple powder is a powerful tool for homeowners who appreciate practical, multi-purpose solutions.

Why it stands out
  • A Serious Laundry Upgrade Adding this to a load with liquid detergent noticeably boosts cleaning power, especially on tough food stains like mustard, just as the box claims. It really does help get whites whiter.
  • A Powerful Degreaser When mixed with hot water, it creates a potent solution that cuts through grease on stainless steel sinks, stovetops, and even grimy garage floors.
  • Fragrance-Free Odor Killer Instead of masking smells with perfumes, this soda neutralizes them completely. It’s perfect for musty towels or workout clothes, leaving them smelling genuinely clean, not scented.
  • Not Just for Laundry The versatility is its strongest asset. I’ve used it to clean tile grout, deodorize drains, and make a paste to remove tarnish from an old brass candlestick.
Product Name ARM & HAMMER Super Washing Soda
Size 55 oz Box
Primary Use Household Cleaner & Laundry Booster
Form Powder (Sodium Carbonate)
Fragrance 100% Fragrance-Free
Key Ingredient Phosphate-Free
Laundry Boost Performance Up to 15% improvement (vs. leading value detergent alone on specific stains)
Multi-Surface Use Sinks, stainless steel, tubs, floors, upholstery
Metal Polishing Silver, gold, brass, copper
Best for
Boosting laundry loads to remove tough stains and brighten whites. Deep cleaning greasy kitchen surfaces like stovetops and range hoods. Creating an all-purpose cleaning solution for hard surfaces around the house. Deodorizing smelly fabrics like gym clothes, pet bedding, and musty towels.
Not for
People who want a single-step, spray-and-wipe cleaner. Use on delicate fabrics like wool or silk without a spot test.
Pros
  • Dramatically improves detergent performance on tough stains like grass and food.
  • Excellent at neutralizing stubborn odors in laundry, not just covering them up.
  • Highly versatile; replaces multiple single-purpose cleaners for surfaces and metals.
  • Completely fragrance-free, making it ideal for sensitive skin or those with fragrance allergies.
  • Very cost-effective for the amount of cleaning power and uses it provides.
Cons
  • The powder form can be dusty and messy to measure out compared to liquids.
  • Requires mixing with water for most cleaning tasks, which is an extra step.
  • The cardboard box packaging can get damp and weak if stored under a sink.
  • Can be harsh on hands; wearing gloves is highly recommended for cleaning.
What to look for

Choosing the right Household Cleaner

  1. Effectiveness
    High
    The primary job of a cleaner is to clean. Look for products with proven ingredients or specific claims backed by data (e.g., 'removes 99% of bacteria' or 'boosts performance by 15%').
    Look for
    Active ingredients like sodium carbonate, surfactants, or bleach.
    Avoid
    Vague claims like 'powerful clean' without any specifics.
  2. Versatility
    Medium
    How many different jobs can one product do? A versatile cleaner saves money and storage space.
    Look for
    Products that can be used on multiple surfaces (laundry, kitchen, bath) or materials (fabric, metal, tile).
    Avoid
    Hyper-specialized cleaners unless absolutely necessary for a specific task.
  3. Safety & Ingredients
    High
    Consider who is in your home (pets, children) and any sensitivities. Check for harsh chemicals, fragrances, or phosphates.
    Look for
    Clear ingredient lists, fragrance-free options, and non-toxic formulations.
    Avoid
    Products with strong fumes that require heavy ventilation for everyday use.
  4. Form Factor & Ease of Use
    Medium
    Is it a spray, liquid, powder, or wipe? This affects convenience and application.
    Look for
    A form that matches your cleaning style. Sprays are quick; concentrates are economical.
    Avoid
    Powders if you hate measuring and mixing; single-use wipes if you're focused on sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions

How is this different from ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda?

Super Washing Soda is sodium carbonate, while Baking Soda is sodium bicarbonate. Washing Soda is much more alkaline (higher pH), making it a more powerful cleaner and degreaser. It is not for consumption, whereas baking soda can be used in cooking.

Can I use Super Washing Soda in my high-efficiency (HE) washing machine?

Yes, you can. Since it’s a laundry additive, you typically add it directly to the drum with your clothes before starting the wash cycle. It’s a low-sudsing powder, making it compatible with HE machines.

How do I use it to clean surfaces like a bathtub or sink?

For general cleaning, you can make a solution by dissolving about a half-cup of Super Washing Soda in a gallon of warm water. Apply with a sponge or cloth, scrub the surface, and then rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Is it safe to use on all metals when polishing?

The product is listed as effective for silver, gold, brass, and copper. However, it is an abrasive cleaner, so you should always test on a small, inconspicuous area first. It is not recommended for use on aluminum, as the high alkalinity can cause it to discolor.

Our Verdict

ARM & HAMMER Super Washing Soda is an outstandingly effective and versatile cleaner that lives up to its old-school reputation. While the powder form requires an extra step of mixing, its power as a laundry booster and degreaser is undeniable. It’s an incredibly economical and powerful addition to any cleaning arsenal.

BUY NOW
Excellent 9.1 / 10
Top Pick
Laundry Booster Multi-Purpose Cleaner Fragrance-Free Odor Neutralizer
Conclusion
  • Boosts liquid detergent cleaning power by up to 15% on specific tough stains.
  • Acts as a versatile, all-purpose cleaner for kitchens, bathrooms, and even outdoor surfaces.
  • 100% fragrance-free formula neutralizes odors rather than masking them.

For anyone tired of underperforming detergents and cluttered cleaning cabinets, ARM & HAMMER Super Washing Soda is the simple, powerful solution. It’s a must-buy for households looking for a cost-effective way to tackle tough laundry stains and general household grime without harsh fragrances.