Baking Soda vs. Washing Soda: What's the Difference?

Did you know there are different kinds of soda? 

Of course, you've probably come across baking soda before. You might have also stumbled upon washing soda, searching for ways to un-stink your laundry. 

However, if you're like most people, you probably didn't know what exactly each of those sodas does or which one is best for what purpose. 

So, what's the deal with washing soda and baking soda? 

Are they the same thing? 

Different? 

Let us explain...

What is Baking Soda?

Baking soda is a chemical leavener (rising agent) most often used to make baked goods rise and have a light texture. But it's also an odor remover, a cleaning agent, a deodorizer, a neutralizer, and a stain remover. 

So, it's a pretty helpful product. 

Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, which reacts with acids (like those in dairy, meat, and other foods) to create bubbles that make the food rise. 

Chemically speaking, sodium bicarbonate is NaHCO3. It's a white, odorless powder that's alkaline, slightly salty tasting, and has a pH of 8. 

Baking soda is often paired with either vinegar or acid, like citrus juice, to clean. It's an abrasive and weak base, which is why it's used to scrub out stains.

What is Washing Soda?

Washing soda is a very similar product to baking soda. It's sodium carbonate, which is Na2CO3. It's sometimes called Soda Ash, which is another name for sodium carbonate. 

Washing soda is commonly used in detergent as a super fizzer (it's a lot more potent than baking soda). This is because washing soda is more powerful than baking soda. It has very high alkalinity, which makes it a good cleaning agent. 

Washing soda is often used to clean clothes and dishes (as it is a great stain remover). 

Because of its alkalinity, it can also be used to remove stains from the floor (it's a good degreaser). 

The high alkalinity is also why washing soda is used to un-stink smelly things.

Differences between Baking Soda and Washing Soda

Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, while washing soda is sodium carbonate. Aside from that, the two products are very similar. They both have high alkalinity, which means they're both good at cleaning and removing odors. 

Baking soda is often paired with an acid, like orange juice or vinegar, to clean. 

Washing soda, on the other hand, is often paired with a base, like soap. 

The difference is that washing soda is a super fizzer and can be used to clean and degrease things. Baking soda is just good at cleaning and removing odors. 

Baking soda is cheaper than washing soda, but washing soda is stronger. 

So, washing soda is better for cleaning really tough stains and degreasing tougher messes.

When to Use Baking Soda?

Baking soda is great for cleaning around the house. 

You can use it to clean your oven, clean your fridge, clean your bathroom, un-stink shoes, and much more. Baking soda is also a great stain remover. It's a great deodorizer, and it's very alkaline, which makes it great for cleaning. 

Baking soda is best used when there's a lot of grease, oil, or dirt that needs to be scrubbed away. Baking soda is an abrasive, so it's great for scrubbing away baked-on messes. It's also a great deodorizer and stain remover, which is why it's great for cleaning.

Put simply, baking soda is a very versatile cleaning product.

When to Use Washing Soda?

Washing soda is great for cleaning really tough stains. It's also a very strong degreaser. 

Washing soda is best used on heavy-duty messes, as it's a pretty potent cleaning agent. 

Washing soda is great for cleaning greasy and heavily stained surfaces, like the floor and your oven. Washing soda is a very strong cleaning product. It's great for cleaning tough messes.

Which One Is Better for Oven Cleaning?

Both baking soda and washing soda are great for cleaning your oven. The difference is that baking soda is an abrasive, so it can scrub off baked-on grease and grime. 

Washing soda, on the other hand, is a super fizzer, which makes it great for un-stinking your oven. 

If you have a self-cleaning oven, sprinkle washing soda on the bottom before you run the cycle. This will help loosen grime and make the whole process easier.

You can make a paste with washing soda and water in a regular oven and then use it to scrub away grime. Just be sure to rinse it well when you're done, so the washing soda doesn't leave any residue.

Both baking soda and washing soda are great for cleaning your oven, but each has its own unique benefits.

The Verdict

So, which one is better for cleaning? 

It really depends on your needs. If you need to scrub away tough, baked-on grime, go with baking soda. If you want to help loosen grime, or if you just want to de-stink your oven, for example, go with washing soda.

It all comes down to what you need to get the job done, so choose the cleaner that best fits your needs and get to work!