Cleaning tips and demonstrations are a constant presence in our social media feeds. Dramatic before-and-after photos of objects, once tarnished beyond recognition, now shiny and new, thanks to a specific technique or product the poster swears by.
Many of the cleaning methods have been around for a long time, and you may have seen someone using washing soda. What is the difference between washing soda and baking soda? You're about to find out, so get ready.
What’s the difference between washing soda and baking soda?
There are a few things washing soda and baking soda have in common.
Both can be used for cleaning purposes
Both are affordable and considered environmentally friendly
Both are compounds involving sodium
Neither should ever be inhaled
Both can cause eye irritation
There are differences between washing soda and baking soda.
Washing soda
Chemical name: Sodium carbonate
Molecular formula: Na2CO3
Comes from: Plant ash (which is why it’s sometimes referred to as “soda ash”
Highly alkaline (pH value ~11)
Should never be ingested or used in any kind of cooking
Highly caustic: Gloves must be worn when handling washing soda
Powder with larger granules
Baking soda
Chemical name: Sodium bicarbonate
Molecular formula: NaHCO3
Comes from: Nahcolite (baking soda’s mineral form)
Mildly alkaline (pH value ~8)
Often used in baking and other food preparation
Safe to handle without gloves
Powder with smaller granules
How to making washing soda out of baking soda
You can make your own washing soda if you don't live in a place where you can buy it online. Here's how.
Spread a thin(ish) layer of baking soda evenly across a cookie sheet
Pop in a 400F-degree-oven and bake for about 30 minutes
While it’s baking, stir the baking soda every so often (remembering to spread it into a thin layer again before returning to the oven)
When the change in composition happens, it's difficult to pay attention. Baking soda and washing soda are both powdery and clumps together, according to the Nature's Nurture blog.
