What is the Difference Between Baking Soda and Washing Soda

The main difference between baking soda and washing soda is that baking soda is that baking soda has the elemental composition of sodium, carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen, whereas washing soda has the elemental composition of sodium, carbon, and oxygen only.

Baking soda and washing soda are versatile household compounds with distinct features. Understanding the difference between baking soda and washing soda can help you make the most of their unique properties in various household applications.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Baking Soda 
      – Definition, Features, Uses
2. What is Washing Soda
      – Definition, Features, Uses
3. Similarities Between Baking Soda and Washing Soda
      – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Baking Soda and Washing Soda
      – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Baking Soda and Washing Soda
      – Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Baking Soda, NaHCO₃, Na₂CO₃, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Carbonate, Washing Soda

What is Baking Soda

Baking soda is a white, crystalline powder that is only slightly alkaline, having the chemical formula NaHCO₃. It is also known as sodium bicarbonate. It has a pH of about 8.3. This mild alkalinity is a crucial aspect of its versatility. When baking soda comes into contact with acids like vinegar or lemon juice, a chemical reaction occurs. Baking soda reacts with the acid to produce carbon dioxide gas, water, and a salt. The release of carbon dioxide gas creates bubbles and causes baked goods to rise, making baking soda an effective leavening agent.

The bicarbonate ion in sodium bicarbonate plays a significant role in regulating pH levels in various biological systems, including the blood. In the human body, bicarbonate ions in the blood act as a buffer to help maintain a stable pH, preventing the blood from becoming too acidic or too alkaline. This is crucial for the proper functioning of enzymes and other biochemical reactions.

Baking soda has many uses. Baking soda is used to help dough and batter rise, resulting in lighter, fluffier baked goods. When it reacts with an acid, such as yogurt or buttermilk, it produces carbon dioxide gas, which creates air pockets in the dough or batter, causing it to expand. Baking soda can also be used to neutralize acidic ingredients in recipes, such as tomato sauce or coffee. It helps balance flavors and reduce acidity, making dishes more palatable. Baking soda is an effective and gentle abrasive cleaner. It can be used to scrub surfaces, remove stains, and clean ovens, sinks, and countertops. Its mild alkalinity helps dissolve grease and grime. Baking soda also helps to tackle stains on clothing, upholstery, and carpets. It can also help lift and absorb stains such as coffee, wine, and pet odors.

What is Washing Soda

Washing soda or sodium carbonate has the chemical formula Na₂CO₃. It is a strong alkali with a pH of around 11.4 when dissolved in water. Its high alkalinity makes it particularly effective at breaking down and removing grease, oils, and acidic substances. Washing soda is highly soluble in water, which allows it to be easily dissolved in aqueous solutions for cleaning and laundry purposes. Sodium carbonate is hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the air. This property can impact its physical form, causing it to clump if not stored in a dry environment.

Washing soda has a wide range of applications across several domains, including household cleaning, laundry, water treatment, and industrial processes. It is effective at removing tough stains from clothing, upholstery, and carpets. It can be used as a pre-soak or added to the laundry to boost stain-removing power. Washing soda is particularly useful in kitchens for cutting through grease and grime on stovetops, ovens, and kitchen appliances. It softens hard water by binding with calcium and magnesium ions, preventing them from interfering with the effectiveness of detergents. It is added to water to raise its pH and alkalinity, which helps control corrosion in water distribution systems. In wastewater treatment, it can be used as a coagulant to help settle out impurities in the water.

Similarities Between Baking Soda and Washing Soda

• Baking soda and washing soda are alkaline in nature.
• Both work as water softeners.

Difference Between Baking Soda and Washing Soda

Definition

Baking soda (Sodium bicarbonate) is a compound with the chemical formula NaHCO₃, composed of sodium, hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen, whereas washing soda (Sodium carbonate) is a compound with the chemical formula Na₂CO₃, containing sodium, carbon, and oxygen, with two sodium atoms.

Alkalinity

Baking soda is only mildly alkaline, with a pH of around 8.3. It is considered a weak base. However, washing soda is highly alkaline, with a pH of approximately 11.4. It is a strong base, significantly more alkaline than baking soda.

Uses

Moreover, baking soda is primarily used in cooking as a leavening agent, for cleaning and deodorizing, and as a gentle abrasive for scrubbing. Meanwhile, washing soda is used in laundry detergents to help remove stains and as a water softener. It’s also used for cleaning, especially to tackle tough grease and mineral deposits.

Safety

Baking soda is safe for consumption and is often used in cooking and baking, whereas washing soda is not safe for consumption and should be handled with care.

FAQ: Baking Soda and Washing Soda

Does baking soda whiten clothes?

•  Yes, baking soda can help whiten clothes when used as a laundry additive. It acts as a mild abrasive and can assist in removing stains and brightening fabrics when added to the wash.

Can I use baking soda instead of washing soda?

• You can use baking soda as a substitute for washing soda in some cleaning and laundry tasks, but it may be less effective due to its milder alkalinity.

Is washing soda or baking soda better for laundry?

• Washing soda is generally better for laundry because of its stronger alkalinity and superior stain-removing properties compared to baking soda.

Conclusion

The main difference between baking soda and washing soda is that baking soda is that baking soda has the elemental composition of sodium, carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen, whereas washing soda has the elemental composition of sodium, carbon, and oxygen only. Moreover, washing soda is more highly alkaline than baking soda. 

Reference:

1. “Sodium Carbonate.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Uhličitan sodný” By Ondřej Mangl – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Baking Soda” (CC0) via Pxhere