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Soda crystals: the powerful degreaser at the heart of the ÔME process
ÔME HOUSEKEEPING
August 15, 2026 at 8:18:31 PM
At ÔME HOUSEKEEPING, each product has a specific role. Soda crystals are our anti-grease weapon: a powerful alkaline degreaser that we let work during a long soak while attending to other tasks. Result: stubborn grime dissolves on its own, and the Kärcher steam mop only has to finish the job by disinfecting. Effective, economical, 100% natural.
The role of soda crystals in our process
Soda crystals are anhydrous sodium carbonate, a naturally occurring alkaline compound. Their very high pH allows them to break down and dissolve grease, embedded food residues, limescale and soap deposits. It's a product from the base family - never mix it with an acid like white vinegar, lemon or citric acid, as they neutralize each other and lose all effectiveness. At ÔME, soda crystals are not a daily surface cleaner. It's a powerful degreasing product, reserved for heavily soiled surfaces that require some soaking time.
Soda crystals work while I attend to other things. When I come back, the grease has dissolved. The steam only has to disinfect.
The 3 main uses at ÔME HOUSEKEEPING
1. HOOD FILTERS — This is use number one. Hood filters accumulate heavily embedded cooking grease that's impossible to remove by hand without a powerful product. We prepare a soda crystal solution in a basin of hot water, submerge the filters, and let them soak for 30 to 45 minutes. The grease dissolves on its own. All that's left is to run the steam mop to disinfect and rinse.
2. TOILETS — For heavily limescaled or soiled toilets, we apply the soda crystal solution directly into the bowl and under the rim. We let it work while treating the rest of the bathroom. The steam mop then finishes the job.
3. SHOWER WALLS — On shower walls and grout laden with soap residue and limescale, soda crystals left to soak loosen stubborn deposits. Dry steam then takes over to disinfect deeply.
Dosage and instructions for use ÔME
Dosage: 1 tablespoon of soda crystals per 1 liter of hot water. Hot water is essential to properly dissolve the crystals and activate their degreasing power. At ÔME, we use a kettle to keep the water at the right temperature.
Instructions: Dissolve the crystals in hot water. Apply to the surface to be treated or soak (e.g. hood filters). Let sit for 30 to 45 minutes. Pass the Kärcher steam mop to rinse and disinfect in a single step (no intermediate rinsing needed).
Precautions: Never mix with vinegar, lemon or citric acid (total neutralization). Absolutely avoid: aluminum, raw or waxed wood, painted surfaces, delicate fibers (wool, silk). If in doubt, always test on a non-visible area.
Conclusion
Soda crystals perfectly illustrate the ÔME HOUSEKEEPING philosophy: use the right natural product in the right place, at the right dosage, and let the chemistry do the work. No need to scrub for hours or use harsh products. A long soak, a steam mop, and the surface is degreased and disinfected — without any chemical residue in the air of your home. We serve the Basque Country and Southern Landes: Biarritz, Bayonne, Anglet, Bidart, Guéthary, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Hossegor, Capbreton, Seignosse, Soorts-Hossegor.
Tip
Never mix soda crystals with white vinegar, lemon or citric acid. Acid + base = total neutralization. Both products lose their effectiveness. Always use them separately.
