The great washing soda v vinegar debate

Austin_Allegro

Following on from the bleach v vinegar thread, what vinegar based tasks can be carried out equally well with washing soda (since washing soda would seem to be a lot cheaper than vinegar).

I'd suggest:

Using as a water softener in the washing machine
General cleaning use (in a spray bottle)

Any others where it matches/tops vinegar's frugal power? I don't think it has the same deodorising power, for example, and of course it can't be taken internally or on the body.

MATH

I only use soda cystals for making laundry gloop, for boosting the power of bio powder in the wash and overnight soaking of heavy stains.