Soda crystals are also known as washing soda and are not to be confused with caustic soda before the advent of detergents it was the main product used for both cleaning and laundry soda crystals are ideal for removing grease and dirt making them a true multi purpose cleaner if you are immersing your hands in them for any length of time its best to wear rubber gloves soda crystals are extremely good value with hundreds of uses including removing burnt on residue in pots and pans helpin