Difference Between Baking Soda and Washing Soda

Baking Soda vs Washing Soda
 

People have a lot of confusion about the baking soda and washing soda. It is useful to know the differences between them when using. There are occasions where either of the compounds can be used, but sometimes use of one compound instead of the other may cause harm. Both compounds are salts of sodium, and they are naturally occurring.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is an essential ingredient for the bakery industry, and it is very common in our kitchens. Sodium bicarbonate is the chemical name of baking soda, and it has a chemical formula of NaHCO₃. It is a white powder. Baking soda acts as a leavening agent in baking. Bicarbonates normally produce carbon dioxide when reacting with acids. Likewise, baking soda is also releasing carbon dioxide. This is the underlying principle behind using baking soda in baking. In the presence of liquid and acid, baking soda undergoes a chemical reaction and produce carbon dioxide gas bubbles. These bubbles are trapped inside the dough and causing it to rise. Therefore, when baking, the dough will have a porous structure inside, making it soft and light. Other than the wide usage in bakery, baking soda has a variety of other uses too. Baking soda is weak alkaline. So it can be used to neutralize acids. This property of baking soda makes it a deodorizer. Other than in baking, baking soda can be added when cooking to neutralize the acidity. It is also added to balance the pH level  in swimming pools. Also, when added to detergents, it stabilizes the pH level, so it will enhance the detergent activity. Baking soda is an inexpensive, safe, and environmental friendly alternative cleaner in the household. Baking soda can be prepared by Solvay process.

Washing Soda

Washing soda is the common name for the chemical compound sodium carbonate. This is also known as soda ash. It has the chemical formula of NaCO₃. It is highly alkaline, and the alkaline property of washing soda helps to remove stain from clothes. Moreover, sodium carbonate is used in glass manufacturing, to neutralize acidity of water, as a water softener, as a food additive, etc. Other than the stated usages, there are a numerous number of benefits of washing soda in the household, industries or chemical laboratories. The advantage of using washing soda is that, it is not harmful or toxic to the environment. However, it can be harmful in large doses. Washing soda can be prepared by the Solvay process and Hous’ process.

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