What is the difference between washing soda and baking soda?

Author: Filiberto Spinka  |  Last update: Wednesday, September 10, 2025

The difference between baking soda and washing soda is water and carbon dioxide. Seriously. Baking soda's chemical makeup is NaHCO3 (1 sodium, 1 hydrogen, 1 carbon, and 3 oxygen molecules). Washing soda's chemical makeup is Na2CO3 (2 sodium, 1 carbon, and 3 oxygen molecules).

Can I use baking soda instead of washing soda?

You can use baking soda, but you may be left with a foamy mess and dirty clothes. Sodium bicarbonate is not effective like sodium carbonate for cleaning clothes. The bicarbonate(baking soda) is able to neutralize acids which might help to neutralize some stains but that is it.

Why is washing soda not used?

Except washing soda can prematurely wear clothes out due to its high alkaline content and it should t be used every wash or on silk/wool fabrics.

Is arm and hammer washing soda just baking soda?

It comes in a yellow box, made by Arm & Hammer, but it's NOT baking soda. If you're interested, washing soda is Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3), baking soda is Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO3), and borax is Sodium Tetraborate Decahydrate (Na2B4O7*10H2O), all different chemical compounds.

Is OxiClean the same as washing soda?

However, they should not be used interchangeably because they are not the same. OxiClean is a brand of cleaning products that often contain sodium carbonate, including washing soda. Unlike OxiClean, washing soda is entirely pure sodium carbonate and does not come with any additional additives.

Differences Between Baking Soda and Washing Soda

Is borax the same as washing soda?

Borax is a naturally occurring mineral typically used for brightening and whitening laundry. "Though both are widely used in cleaning or laundry, washing soda is more of a heavy-duty cleaner and laundry savior while borax is more multi-purpose," says Kathy Cohoon, director of franchise operations of Two Maids.

What is the common name for washing soda?

Sodium carbonate is commonly known as Washing soda. The chemical formula for washing soda is Na 2 CO 3 . It is a salt of carbonic acid that is also known as soda ash.

Is borax the same as baking soda?

Borax (sodium tetraborate) and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) aren't the same thing. They're both salts, and they're both popular as “green” household cleaning agents, but borax has a pH of 9.5, compared to baking soda's pH of 8. This makes borax considerably more alkaline than baking soda.

Can I mix washing soda and vinegar?

Do NOT mix the Super Washing Soda and vinegar into the same load thinking you'll save a step. You will be most disappointed when instead you end up with a frothy volcano erupting from your washing machine!

What does baking soda do to laundry?

Baking soda can be a beneficial laundry aid as it offers stain removal, odor elimination, fabric softening and detergent boosting potential. It's versatile and eco-friendly, and using a small amount in your wash load may leave your clothing cleaner, fresher and softer.

What are the disadvantages of washing soda?

Washing soda is safe to use for cleaning purposes. However, it should not be used for other purposes, as it's not edible, it shouldn't be inhaled and it can even cause harm to your eyes if you don't flush them with lots of water after exposure.

Is Nellie's laundry soda the same as detergent?

A: It is a detergent. Just some added thoughts if you don't mind. I tried it originally because I always found an unpleasing odor to the completed wash from the liquid detergent. There is nothing but a refreshing smell when I remove the wash using Nellies.

What does borax do for laundry?

Borax is often confused with other cleaning agents, but it stands out due to its ability to soften water, neutralize odors, and enhance the cleaning power of regular laundry detergents. The combination of these properties makes borax a go-to solution for many households looking to elevate their laundry game.

How do I make my own washing soda?

Pour baking soda on to a large tray and spread it out evenly. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 30 minutes to 1 hour. You can't overcook the soda, but you want to make sure all the water has gone. I give mine a stir once or twice if the layer is thick.

What is the most natural laundry detergent?

The best non-toxic laundry detergent is one that delivers cleanliness to your clothes while ensuring safety and sustainability.
  • NaturOli* (Our Top Pick)
  • Truly Free*
  • Ecos Free & Clear*
  • Meliora Unscented Powder Detergent*
  • Molly's Suds*
  • Aspen*
  • ATTITUDE*
  • Clean Cult*

Which is better for laundry, vinegar or baking soda?

Is vinegar or baking soda better for laundry? Vinegar and baking soda do different things in the laundry. Vinegar is more versatile, and since it's a liquid, it's easier to use in a washing machine. Baking soda will get rid of odors, but vinegar can do the same thing—and remove minerals too!

Is borax a washing soda?

Though borax and washing soda are chemically quite similar, they each have their own specialties. Because of the shape of their molecules, they have slightly different properties that make them useful in a number of different ways.

What happens when vinegar is added to washing soda?

Washing soda is sodium carbonate and the vinegar contains acetic acid. Therefore, when you mix them together, a reaction occurs to form carbon dioxide, water and a salt and you will end up with a frothy volcano erupting from the mixture.

Does washing soda clean toilets?

Washing soda is great at removing limescale, grease and soap scum, so it is perfect for use throughout your bathroom. To clean your toilet, simply sprinkle a couple of tablespoons of washing soda around the toilet pan and give it a scrub with your toilet brush, then flush.

Which is better for killing ants, borax or baking soda?

Unlike the insecticide-like qualities of borax, baking soda won't harm ants at all. When mixed with sugar or another sweet treat, the baking soda will become a highly sought food source for the little pests in your home. Instead of eliminating the ants, you'll only further encourage the infestation!

Is baking soda better than washing soda for laundry?

Baking Soda is more Versatile

While still alkaline, it is closer to neutral than washing soda, which means it is less effective and should only be used for mild cleaning. So, while it will clean and deodorize your clothing, it will perform a poor job of removing tenacious dirt.

Why is washing soda rarely used?

Because washing soda is more caustic than baking soda due to its high pH, it's mostly used in laundry to remove stains, soften water, and boost detergent efficacy. It's not used as liberally as baking soda because it's harsher.

What is washing soda called in us?

Sodium carbonate (also known as washing soda, soda ash and soda crystals) is the inorganic compound with the formula Na 2CO 3 and its various hydrates.

What is the test of lime water?

That is how we test for CO₂ by using Lime Water. The Lime Water is made up of Calcium Hydroxide and when it mixes with CO₂ it turns cloudy. This is a good way to test whether CO₂ has been produced as part of a reaction by channelling it through a tube into Lime Water to see whether it turns cloudy.

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