Washing Soda

A chemical compound used in the laundry for stains goes with the name washing soda. Other than laundry it is used for a number of other tasks. Although most of us are aware of its use for household purposes, it has numerous industrial uses as well. It is important to note, that it should not be confused with washing powder, also called detergents. At the same time, washing and baking soda are not the same. Although, there is a close relation between the two. Now that we know, what it isn't, we will find out what it is.

What is Washing Soda?

The scientific name of this compound is sodium carbonate. It is also known as soda ash in some areas and the chemical formula is Na₂CO₃. It is found as crystals in its most natural form. These crystals are known as crystalline heptahydrate. Sodium carbonate is known to have cooling alkaline taste. Many a time plant ash is used to extract washing soda. It is also produced synthetically in very large quantities. Table salt and limestone are used for the same. The process of extracting sodium carbonate from table salt and limestone is known as Solvay process. The ingredients vary depending on the process used to make this soda.

Uses of Washing Soda

One of the most prominent use is in the glass industry. It is combined with silica and calcium carbonate to produce glass. Such a glass is commonly called soda-lime glass. It is also commonly used in the brick industry. It is a wetting agent, which helps in reducing water content in clay, which makes clay molding into bricks an easier task. One can find the use of this soda also in the dye industry. It is used for chemical bonding between fiber and dye.

If you live in an area, which has hard water, then you can use it to soften hard water. Often, when soaps are used with hard water, they do not lather and hamper their cleaning ability. When washing soda is added to water, it does not form chemical bonds with calcium and magnesium ions in water. This in turn helps in cleaning process. A lot of people also use it to clean the surface of silverware. The dirt is easily removed from the surface. If you are battling molds, then you may want to use washing soda dissolved with water as a fungicide to get rid of molds.

It is also used in taxidermy to make hunting trophies. It is added to boiling water, to remove flesh from skulls and bones of the dead animal. Sodium carbonate has a strong base, therefore it is commonly used to neutralize acidic effects. When photographic films are made, washing soda is used to stabilize alkaline condition. It is also used as an additive to water in swimming pools to chemically neutralize water, which turns acidic due to regular chlorine addition.

Washing Soda Vs. Baking Soda

A lot of us have washing soda vs baking soda confusion. It is important to note, that washing soda has stronger base in comparison with baking soda. The pH level of washing soda is 11, which makes it alkaline. On the other hand, the pH level of baking soda is 8.1. Therefore, for delicate garments baking soda is preferred, as opposed to washing soda. Many times, it is seen that washing soda can cause the clothes to discolor as well. Therefore, for delicate and fast colored garments, it is best to use baking soda.

I hope this write-up has answered your questions about sodium carbonate. There are a number of brands available in the market, which manufacture sodium carbonate. Some brands are specific to particular provinces. While looking for sodium carbonate in supermarkets, go to the detergent sections.