What is the difference between baking soda and soda crystals?
Baking soda, at comment-economiser.fr, is one of our favorite products!
It must be said that it is not expensive, efficient and ecological.
And above all, its daily uses are countless.
But baking soda is not the only white powder with multiple virtues!
Soda crystals are also a super effective white powder for degreasing and deep disinfecting!
What is the difference between these 2 white powders that look alike? To see more clearly, we conducted the survey:
1. Differences between soda crystals and baking soda
Like baking soda, soda crystals are 100% natural.
And just like baking soda, soda crystals come in the form of small white grains.
But those of soda crystals are generally thicker. They almost look like little marbles.
Soda crystals are found in nature, in natron deposits, in Russia, in the Sahara, in Africa, in California and it appears on Mars too!
But they can also be made from sea salt and chalk. It is inexpensive and safe for the environment.
Note that if you mix the soda crystals with water and carbon dioxide, you get baking soda.
Compared to baking soda, soda crystals are more corrosive.
Therefore, they degrease, clean and disinfect even better than baking soda.
It is therefore important not to be mistaken, because care must be taken when handling soda crystals.
2. Precautions with soda crystals
The only concern is that soda crystals can be aggressive on the skin.
It is therefore recommended to wear household gloves when using them. This way, there is no risk of irritation to the skin.
As they are corrosive, they are not suitable for certain surfaces that are too fragile.
For example, it is not recommended to use them on parquet floors or raw or waxed wood furniture ...
... or on aluminum furniture, lacquered supports or induction ceramic hobs.
Likewise, they do not mix well with delicate and fragile laundry and clothes with bright colors that could rub off.
In these cases, soda crystals should be avoided in the washing machine!
3. Uses of SODA CRYSTALS
It will be understood: soda crystals are the "muscle man" of the household.
There is not much that can resist them! The spots had better watch out.
Soda crystals are particularly ultra degreasing. They have the particularity of saponifying fats.
That is to say, they transform the grease into ... soap which, when rinsing, mixes with water and leaves with the wastewater. Handy, isn't it?
The uses of soda crystals are numerous:
- Disinfects: pour a liter of hot water into a bucket or basin and add a teaspoon of soda crystals. And that's all ! Your disinfectant is already ready. It is ideal for disinfecting floors, kitchen worktops, bathrooms or any other resistant surface. With a simple gesture, it kills all bacteria ... and without having to put up with the foul smell of bleach or harmful chemicals. It is, for example, very effective for disinfecting trash cans. Find out how to do it here.
- Degrease: is there burnt and encrusted fat on your gas stove? Do not panic. Take out the soda crystals and mix 1 tablespoon in 1 liter of hot water. Generously moisten a sponge with your mixture and run it over the dirty surfaces. Leave on for 10 min. Then wipe with a clean sponge. And there you have it, not a trace of grease! And it also works if your cooking utensils are full of grease. Check out the trick here.
- Makes shine : if you want to make your dishes shine, fill a basin with hot water and put 70 g of soda crystals in it. Soak the dishes in it for 5 minutes. Remember to rinse it well. Your dishes will sparkle so much that they will be clean! Find out here how to make an ultra-degreasing washing-up liquid with soda crystals.
- Unclogs dirt: your stove burnt out? A moment of inattention and it quickly happened! To restore a burnt pan or pan, pour soda crystals on the bottom. Then add boiling water and leave to act for about 6 hours. All you have to do is wipe with a sponge and rinse. You will see, the burnt will peel off very easily. And your pan will be like new! Check out the trick here.
- Removes limestone: ah limestone, it is encrusted everywhere! On the bathroom floor, on the walls of the shower, on the walls or taps, indoor or outdoor tiles ... Fortunately, soda crystals are very effective in removing scale and limescale. To strip the lime, mix 2 tablespoons of soda ash in 2 liters of hot water. Dip a sponge in the mixture and rub the parts where the lime has become encrusted. Rinse and then wipe dry with a soft cloth. The result is nickel! And it also works for descaling the toilet. Discover the trick here.
- Softens: If you have hard water in your home, be aware that soda crystals can soften the water. As a result, your laundry is even more efficient and you use less. To do this, just add a handful of soda crystals to the washing machine drum with the dirty laundry. Be careful, this trick is not suitable for delicate laundry and colored clothes.
- Unclogs the sink: are your pipes clogged or even clogged? Wait before using chemicals! Mix in a container half a glass of soda crystals and a glass of white vinegar. Pour the mixture into the blocked sink and leave to act for 30 minutes. Then rinse it off with hot water. Check out the trick here.
- Peel off the wallpaper: pour a little water (2 liters) in a basin and add 3 tablespoons of soda crystals. Soak a sponge in the mixture and apply it to the wallpaper to moisten it. The strips of wallpaper will come off on their own! Check out the trick here.
4. Uses of SODA BICARBONATE
Baking soda is also a 100% natural product.
It is found for example in hot springs, thermal springs or when the water of certain lakes evaporates.
Moreover, in Antiquity, the Egyptians already used baking soda to brush their teeth.
Since the mid-19th century, baking soda has been obtained by a chemical process, in particular from soda crystals.
You may know that there are many different kinds of baking soda.
Edible baking soda can be used for beauty care, hygiene, teeth whitening, or digestion.
Household (or technical) baking soda is less pure (and cheaper). It is recommended for cleaning. And better to use gloves to handle them.
Its uses are very numerous. It is used much like soda crystals, but it is less corrosive and aggressive.
- Cleans: thanks to its small fine grains, bicarbonate is a mild abrasive. It disinfects, deodorizes, bleaches, degreases, cleans almost all surfaces without damaging them. It is also an excellent fungicide and an effective anti-mold which stops the development of fungi. Just sprinkle it on a damp sponge and run it over the dirty surfaces. Then rinse and wipe dry with a clean, dry cloth. And everything will be nickel chrome! For example, find out how to clean your sink with baking soda.
- Softens: if you want to use less detergent, add a cup of baking soda in the drum of the washing machine and 2 to 3 tablespoons of baking soda in the detergent or prewash compartment of the machine. Not only does it partly replace laundry, but it also acts as a softener for your laundry. As a result, you have perfectly clean, soft laundry and you save laundry costs. Rather interesting, no?
- Scrub: baking soda is very useful in cooking. For example, by making a paste with baking soda, you can scour the oven or the baking sheets. To do this, just pour a little water (or washing up liquid or soap) on the baking soda to obtain the desired consistency. Apply the mixture to the surface to be cleaned, leave to act for 5 minutes and rinse. The paste made with the baking soda can also be used as a washing-up liquid. Find out how to do it here.
- Removes lime: mix baking soda with equal parts salt. You get a great anti-lime product that is effective in cleaning the faucets or the walls of the shower. Put your mixture on a damp sponge. Run it through the taps, insisting on the traces of limestone and rinse. Wipe it down to make the taps shine and that's it. Find out how to do it here.
- Cleans the toilets: you can also use it to clean the toilet. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of baking soda on the toilet bowl. Add a little white vinegar. With a spray, it's easier. Use the toilet brush to scrub and flush. Find out how to do it here.
- Eliminates bad odors: bad smells in the fridge? Between fish and cheese, it doesn't always smell very good when you open the fridge! The solution is to put a cup full of baking soda in the fridge. If the sofa, rug, or carpet smells bad, sprinkle baking soda on the textiles. Leave on for 1 hour and vacuum. To avoid smells of tobacco and cigarettes throughout the house, put a little baking soda in the bottom of the ashtrays.
- Treats fungal infections: since baking soda is an antifungal agent, it can help you get rid of yeast infections on the feet. Before putting on your socks or stockings, sprinkle baking soda on the yeast infection. It will cleanse fungal infections by absorbing moisture and perspiration. You can also do a foot bath by mixing a liter of lukewarm water with 4 tablespoons of baking soda in a basin. Soak your feet in it for 15 minutes. Be aware that you can use this remedy as often as you want.
- Improves oral hygiene: bad breath can happen to anyone. Fortunately, baking soda can be of great help in regaining fresh breath. It helps get rid of meal residues stuck between the teeth. They are the ones that promote cavities. Thanks to its alkaline pH, bicarbonate neutralizes the acidity in the mouth. This allows it to fight against dental plaque and freshen breath. Find out the remedy here.
- Treats canker sores: Baking soda is also very effective in soothing pain due to canker sores as well as sore gums. For this, the best way to use it is by mouthwash. Just prepare a glass of cold water and add a teaspoon of baking soda to it. Mix and do your mouthwash for a few seconds before spitting out your remedy. You will immediately feel the difference. Find out the remedy here.
- Whitens teeth: To whiten teeth, it is better to sprinkle a little baking soda directly on the toothbrush. Then you brush your teeth like you would toothpaste. Be careful, this is a very effective remedy for whitening teeth and it should not be done too often. Otherwise, your tooth enamel could deteriorate. Check out the trick here.
- Helps to digest: the alkaline pH of bicarbonate helps digestion by regulating the acidity of the mucous membranes. As a result, digestion is easier and stomach aches disappear. For quick relief, just drink a full glass of water mixed with a spoonful of baking soda. Find out the remedy here.
You can also add a teaspoon of baking soda to the water for cooking starches or vegetables. Very practical for preparing cabbage for example! In addition, it allows you to keep the beautiful colors of your vegetables during cooking.
Where to buy baking soda and soda crystals?
You can find it in most supermarkets, DIY stores, or health food stores.
You can also order edible baking soda, technical baking soda, or soda crystals on the Internet.
Your turn...
Do you know any other differences between baking soda and soda crystals? Tell us in the comments if it worked for you. We can't wait to hear from you!
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Also to discover:
44 Amazing Uses of Soda Crystals.
50 Amazing Uses for Baking Soda.
