Some people claim they develop in C-41 on spirals without problems and remove the remjet backing after processing, but this can be quite risky as some remjet probably will become loose and may stick to the emulsion side. On the other hand, the same risk is always there if you don't have the proper equipment to remove it.
But, there is no point to soak film in washing soda before processing if you are not going to remove the remjet before developer. Go straight to developer to reduce the risk of unwanted remjet loosening, or remove all remjet before processing (suggested, but it can be a bit tedious). Normal baking soda works as well.