Bicarbonate Soda vs Sodium Carbonate?

Chaos_Monkey

Hi all

Just wondering whether anyone knows the difference in the above (other than, presumably, one carbon atom)??

I've been using the Sodium Carbonate (Soda crystals) for cleaning etc, but I'm sure I've seen/heard that Bicarb of Soda/baking powder can be used for cleaning too.

Does anyone know if one is better than the other for cleaning? Or are people just referring to soda crystals when they talk about cleaning? I'm so confused! :huh:

Thanks in advance!!

Chaos
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Popperwell

Chaos_Monkey wrote: »

Hi all

Just wondering whether anyone knows the difference in the above (other than, presumably, one carbon atom)??

I've been using the Sodium Carbonate (Soda crystals) for cleaning etc, but I'm sure I've seen/heard that Bicarb of Soda/baking powder can be used for cleaning too.

Does anyone know if one is better than the other for cleaning? Or are people just referring to soda crystals when they talk about cleaning? I'm so confused! :huh:

Thanks in advance!!


Chaos
x

I have used BC for a few jobs including cleaning out thermos type flasks and somewhere I have a book that is devoted to BC for tasks around the house...just as vinegar is used for cleaning too.

Sixty Uses Of Bicarbonate Of Soda

Popperwell

I have just learned that SC is mainly used for washing but guess what...

Bircarb turns into Sodium Carbonate when it is heated up to 140 degrees.

j.e.j.

Washing soda crystals will cut through grease. It's also a good water softener for the washing machine. Bicarb I find is good for cleaning the fridge, deodorising, or as a mild abrasive cleaner on the cooker or bath tub, etc.

No idea about how many atoms it's got in it, I'm afraid

(Just as an aside I've an inkling the washing soda crystals you get in Oz have a slightly different texture to the stuff you get here. Is it more powdery?)

Popperwell

I have yet to buy washing soda but it gets mentions quite a bit on here so I may have to try it!

Chaos_Monkey

Popperwell - thanks for the link and interesting fact!

j.e.j - thanks for that, so it seems there IS a difference, after all! Yes, I do remember thinking that the soda crystals here have a different texture, but not in what way! It is quite powdery here though, so maybe that's it.

I did learn today not to use soda crystals dissolved in water on a mirror...it leaves a terrible residue if it's not rinsed off! I suspect that it's also caused the lino to feel tacky, despite it being clean. Used vinegar today instead, and it does seem better.

bargainbetty

I use bicarb with a dilute vinegar spray to get prety much everything clean. My flatmate uses proper soap, and he was amazed by the way it gets rid of soap scum. It leaves everything sparkly. I only use soda crystals for clearing drains as bicarb won't do that.

Vinegar in the washing machine instead of softener too - brilliant stuff.

Chaos_Monkey

I just use soda crystals in water in a spray for my bathroom (except the loo - I use non OS wet wipes for that).

Don't the bicarb and vinegar neutralise each other?

I'm a fan of vinegar instead of fabric softener, too!

j.e.j.

Chaos_Monkey wrote: »

Don't the bicarb and vinegar neutralise each other?

I only know it fizzes, and gets rid of blockages in drain pipes, etc..
Is bicarb very alkaline? Should have paid more attention at school :rotfl:

Popperwell

Would appear it is slightly alkaline...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_bicarbonate

That may explain why it is often included in indigestion remedies or people sometimes drink it diluted?

Isn't it an ingredient in Andrews Liver Salts?

Chaos_Monkey

Thanks, Popperwell!

I had a vague idea it would be alkaline.....not sure if it's efficiency will be affected if mixed with vinegar, though?

No idea what Liver Salts are, although they sound disgusting!