Baking soda and laundry soda are not the same thing! Here are the differences
When it comes to household cleaning, baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) and washing soda (sodium carbonate) are major allies. The close similarity between their names can lead less experienced individuals to confuse them. However, these two products are actually very different in terms of chemical composition, reactions, and uses. It's essential to understand this difference to avoid making mistakes.
Both products can be found in stores and supermarkets, and their placement on the shelves can give you a clue as to their differences. Baking soda is typically located in the food aisles - among flours and leavening agents or near bottled water and beverages. Washing soda, also known as laundry soda, is found in the detergent aisles.
In summary, there is a significant difference between these two products. Let's explore their characteristics and uses together:
Sodium bicarbonate: a highly versatile resource and also suitable for consumption
Baking soda, with the chemical formula NaHCO3, is a fine white powder. It consists of one sodium atom, one hydrogen atom, one carbon atom, and three oxygen atoms. This compound has a pH of 8.4, making it slightly alkaline. When mixed with water, it dissolves, fluctuating between being an alkaline and an acid.
Baking soda is incredibly versatile, and it is recommended to keep some at home. It can be used for cooking purposes, such as a leavening agent or as a digestive and antacid. It is also useful in cosmetics, like in the preparation of homemade toothpaste, thanks to its natural cleaning and whitening properties.
For household cleaning chores, baking soda is widely used for its cleaning power and its deodorizing action. Due to these properties, it can be used to clean delicate and easily scratched surfaces. It is highly effective in cleaning and eliminating odors from various surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom, including tiles, refrigerators, cutting boards, cooktops, and even for deodorizing lightly-soiled laundry.
Sodium carbonate is very effective at removing stains
Sodium carbonate is a less-fine powder compared to baking soda, with the chemical formula Na2CO3. It consists of 2 sodium atoms, one hydrogen atom, one carbon atom, and three oxygen atoms. It has a pH of 11.4, and when dissolved in water, it becomes a base capable of neutralizing acids. Sodium carbonate is more potent than baking soda and is even used in swimming pools to reduce acidity.
Originally collected from the ashes of burned seaweed, sodium carbonate comes from the combustion of various plants.
Sodium carbonate is highly effective in stain removal and is much-appreciated in the laundry, as it dissolves oils and fats, easily. This product is also perfect for use on carpets and upholstery, furniture, and metal surfaces, sometimes even used to remove rust.
Its high alkalinity, however, makes it quite aggressive, so it should not be used on delicate surfaces such as aluminum and fiberglass. When using sodium carbonate, it's advisable to protect yourself with rubber gloves. Sodium carbonate is not suitable for human consumption, although it can be effective in plant care and pest prevention.
Now that you know the differences, you can use these two products safely!