Are bicarbonate soda and baking soda the same thing? Continue reading to learn more.
Green cleaning is popular for many reasons. You can reduce the amount of harsh chemicals you use at home, save money, or live a lighter life on Earth. There are many reasons why you should make your cleaning products.
You’ve probably come across recipes for green cleaning online or in books that list bicarbonate or baking soda as key ingredients.
Don’t worry if you’ve spent time wondering if these two things are the same or not. I’ve got all the answers.
What is the difference between baking soda and bicarbonate of soda?
Bicarbonate of soda and baking soda are the same thing. In different parts of the globe, sodium bicarbonate is called something else.
Americans tend to refer to baking soda as bicarbonate soda. In the UK and Australia, baking soda is often referred to as bicarbonate. Bicarb is often used to shorten this. The substance is the same, but it’s called something else. If you see ‘baking powder’ in a cleaning recipe, then use bicarbonate soda. The results will be as expected.
What is Bicarbonate of Soda (Bicarbonate of Soda)?
The bicarbonate of sodium is a powdery white substance. It is completely safe for use as a mineral salt that occurs naturally.
In the early 1800s, bicarbonate was used by fishermen as a preserver. It was found to help prevent the spoilage of freshly caught fish. Around 1846, bicarb was found to be useful in baking for the perfect loaf. It was only a few short years later that it gained popularity as a cleaning agent. This is one of those natural products that does almost anything.
Bicarbonate of soda is a great cleaner and deodorizer. When it comes to laundry, bicarbonate of soda can keep white clothes whiter longer.
Would you like to learn more? You can find out almost all you need to know about cleaning using bicarbonate soda.
What about washing soda – is that the same as bicarbonate of soda?
Baking soda/bicarbonate is used to clean a lot, so it is assumed that washing soda would be the same. It is just called a different thing. Washing soda is different from baking soda/bicarbonate soda. In the US, washing soda is what we call soda crystals in the UK.
The chemical name for soda crystals (sodium carbonate) is sodium. The chemical name for bicarbonate soda is sodium bicarbonate. Both powders are white and look similar.
It would help if you did not put soda crystals into your food. Although they have the same name and look, soda crystals are different from bicarbonate soda. While bicarbonate can be used for baking and cooking, soda crystals/washing soap can be harmful if consumed.
Soda Crystals are more alkaline. When it comes to cleaning this product, it is better at removing grease and stains. Could you keep it away from food?
What is Baking Powder?
Baking powder is different from bicarbonate soda/baking soap despite the similarity in name. Baking powder is made from bicarbonate soda, cream tartar, and cornflour. It is only used for baking.
Baking powder contains bicarbonate, but it’s the other ingredients in baking powder that make it completely useless for cleaning once you add water. Keep them for your baking.
If you want to learn more, please read my post Can you clean with Baking Powder.
Check out my guide on how to make natural cleaning products. This guide is full of tips and recipes for green cleaning, as well as information about ingredients.