The difference between baking soda and baking soda - Lifehacker

Photo: Natalia Kopylcova (Shutterstock)

Alongside the usual pet videos and pop culture memes, cleaning tips and demos have become a constant presence on our social media. Dramatic before and after photos of objects that were once clouded beyond recognition are now shiny and new thanks to a certain technique or product the poster swears by.

As you explore these new cleaning methods, many of which have been around for a long time, you may have bumped into someone using baking soda who had a few questions. Well, at least one thing: What is the difference between baking soda and baking soda? Brace yourself because you're about to find out.

What is the difference between baking soda and baking soda?

Before we get into their differences, here are some similarities between baking soda and baking soda:

• Both can be used for cleaning purposes.
• Both are affordable and considered environmentally friendly.
• Both are compounds that involve sodium.
• It should also never be inhaled
• Both can cause eye irritation.

And now the differences between baking soda and baking soda:

soda

• Chemical name : sodium carbonate
• Molecular _{formula :} Na2CO3
• Derived from : plant ash (that's why it's sometimes called "soda ash")
• Very alkaline (pH ~11)
• It should never be eaten or used in any type of cooking.
• Very corrosive - wear gloves when handling washing soda
• Powder with larger grains

sodium bicarbonate

• Chemical name : sodium bicarbonate
• Molecular _formula : NaHCO3
• Derived from : Nahcolite (mineral form of sodium bicarbonate)
• Slightly alkaline (pH ~8)
• It is often used in baking and other food preparation.
• Safe driving without gloves
• Powder with smaller grains

How to make baking soda with baking soda

Baking soda isn't as readily available in stores as baking soda, and if you live there (and don't want or can't buy it online) you can make your own using baking soda. This is like:

• Spread a (fairly) thin layer of baking soda evenly on a baking sheet
• Place in a 400F oven and cook for about 30 minutes.
• Stir the baking soda from time to time while it cooks (remember to spread it again in a thin layer before putting it back in the oven).

The tricky part is noticing when to change composition. According to the Nature's Nurture blog , baking soda is "dusty, crystallized, and clumpy," while baking soda is "grainier, more opaque, and doesn't clump as easily." The blog provides a photo to illustrate the difference, with baking soda on the left and baking soda on the right:

Photo: Nature's Nurture Blog

Keep in mind that this type of washing soda is also corrosive, so be sure to wear gloves when handling it after the conversion.

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