When it comes to household cleaning and DIY projects, few ingredients are as versatile as baking soda, washing soda, and borax. These three white powders may look similar, but they have distinct chemical compositions, uses, and safety considerations.
If you’ve ever wondered:
- Can I substitute baking soda for washing soda?
- Is borax safe to use around pets?
- Which one is best for laundry, cleaning, or personal care?
Then this guide is for you! We’ll break down the key differences, benefits, and precautions for each product so you can use them effectively in your home.
1. What Are Baking Soda, Washing Soda, and Borax?
Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate – NaHCO₃)
- A mild alkaline compound (pH ~8.3).
- Safe for cooking, cleaning, and personal care.
- Reacts with acids (like vinegar) to produce fizzing (CO₂ gas).
- Commonly used in baking, deodorizing, and gentle scrubbing.
Washing Soda (Sodium Carbonate – Na₂CO₃)
- A stronger alkali (pH ~11).
- Made by heating baking soda to remove water and CO₂.
- Excellent for heavy-duty cleaning, degreasing, and laundry boosting.
- Not safe to ingest; can irritate skin.
Borax (Sodium Borate – Na₂B₄O₇·10H₂O)
- A naturally occurring mineral salt (pH ~9.5).
- Acts as a detergent booster, disinfectant, and insecticide.
- Effective for mold/mildew removal and water softening.
- Controversial due to potential toxicity if ingested (keep away from kids/pets).
2. Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Baking Soda | Washing Soda | Borax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Sodium Bicarbonate | Sodium Carbonate | Sodium Borate |
| pH Level | ~8.3 (Mild) | ~11 (Strong) | ~9.5 (Moderate) |
| Uses | Baking, deodorizing, gentle cleaning | Laundry booster, degreaser | Stain remover, disinfectant |
| Safety | Non-toxic, edible | Skin irritant, not edible | Toxic if ingested |
| Reaction with Vinegar | Fizzes (neutralizes acid) | No fizz | No fizz |
| Cost | Cheap | Affordable | Moderate |
3. Best Uses for Each
Baking Soda: The Gentle All-Purpose Helper
✅ Cooking – Leavening agent in baking.
✅ Deodorizing – Fridge, carpets, shoes.
✅ Mild Scrubbing – Sinks, bathtubs, cookware.
✅ Personal Care – Toothpaste, bath soak.
Washing Soda: The Heavy-Duty Cleaner
✅ Laundry – Boosts detergent, removes stains.
✅ Degreasing – Ovens, grills, greasy pans.
✅ Unclogging Drains – Mixed with boiling water.
✅ DIY Cleaning Solutions – All-purpose sprays.
Borax: The Multipurpose Disinfectant
✅ Laundry Whitener – Brightens whites.
✅ Mold/Mildew Remover – Kills spores.
✅ Pest Control – Ants, cockroaches.
✅ Homemade Slime – For kids’ crafts (with supervision).
4. Can They Be Substituted for Each Other?
- Baking Soda vs. Washing Soda
- Washing soda is more caustic, so it’s better for tough stains.
- You can make washing soda by baking baking soda at 400°F for 1 hour.
- Don’t swap them in recipes! (Washing soda is inedible.)
- Borax vs. Washing Soda
- Both boost laundry, but borax also disinfects.
- Borax is better for pest control; washing soda is stronger on grease.
- Borax vs. Baking Soda
- Never substitute borax for baking soda in food!
- Borax is harsher—better for disinfecting, not gentle cleaning.
5. Safety Precautions
⚠️ Baking Soda – Safe, but excessive use can disrupt pH balance in skin.
⚠️ Washing Soda – Wear gloves (can irritate skin and eyes).
⚠️ Borax – Toxic if swallowed; avoid around pets and kids.
6. Which One Should You Use?
- For cooking & personal care → Baking Soda
- For tough stains & grease → Washing Soda
- For disinfecting & pest control → Borax
Final Verdict
All three have unique strengths! Keep baking soda in the kitchen, washing soda in the laundry room, and borax for deep cleaning (with caution).
Now that you know the differences, which one will you try first? Let us know in the comments!
