Baking soda and baking powder ingredients no pantry would dare to be without.
They hold the reputation of miracle workers in the kitchen, responsible for those fluffy pancakes, crispy cookies and perfectly risen bread.
But their magic extends beyond culinary endeavours.
These substances have potent cleaning capabilities that make them worthy of a spot in your cleaning arsenal.
So, which one is more effective when it comes to cleaning?
Are they interchangeable or does each have its unique niche?
How are Baking Powder and Baking Soda Different?
On a basic level, baking soda and baking powder differ in their chemical composition and taste.
Baking Soda
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate or bicarb soda, is a base mineral that reacts when it comes into contact with acids.
The reaction leads to the production of carbon dioxide gas, which can produce bubbles in baking or in cleaning, can help to dislodge grime and dirt.
Baking soda’s alkaline nature enables it to react with acids in stains and dirt, making it a more potent cleaning agent than baking powder.
It’s such an awesome cleaning agent that house cleaning experts recommend it as a green alternative when you want to make your home spotless and fresh-smelling.
Notes on Taste
If you’ve tried baking soda to whiten your teeth, you’ll know it has a salty and slightly bitter aftertaste.
In recipes, baking soda is usually mixed with acidic ingredients to produce a gas-forming chemical reaction.
pH Level of Baking Soda
Baking soda is an alkaline substance, meaning it has a pH level higher than 7 (which is considered neutral).
The pH of a saturated solution of baking soda in water at room temperature (25°C) is approximately 8.3.
This alkalinity is what allows baking soda to neutralize acids, making baking soda the better choice for cleaning.
Baking Powder
On the other hand, baking powder is a mixture that contains baking soda, leavening agents (usually starch) and an acidifying agent (like cream of tartar).
Simply put, baking powder is still baking soda with a fluffy texture and additional acidic ingredients.
When moistened, baking powder undergoes a chemical reaction that releases carbon dioxide gas, much like baking soda.
This double action — an initial reaction when wet and a secondary reaction when heated — makes baking powder an excellent leavening agent in baking.
However, when it comes to cleaning, the presence of acidic ingredients in baking powder often makes it less effective than baking soda.
Notes on Taste
Baking powder has a base and an acid, but it doesn’t mean it tastes bitter and sour simultaneously.
In fact, baking powder has a neutral taste, at least compared to baking soda.
pH Level of Baking Powder
Baking powder is generally neutral in pH.
This is because it’s a mixture of a weak acid (often cream of tartar or a similar acid salt) and a base (baking soda or a similar alkali).
When dry, these two components don’t react with each other.
However, when baking powder is mixed with a liquid, the acid and base react to produce carbon dioxide — allowing baked goods to rise.
Best Ways to Use Baking Soda for Cleaning Purposes
Baking powder may be more popular among home bakers, but baking soda is the darling of home cleaners.
Google ‘natural cleaning ingredients’ and you’ll see that baking soda is the star in almost every homemade cleaning recipe.
Natural Deodorizer
Sprinkle baking soda in your trash bin, shoes or refrigerator to remove unpleasant smells.
Baking soda neutralises both acid and basic odours for a natural deodorisation.
Kitchen Scrub
Make a paste of baking soda and water to scrub away tough kitchen stains.
It’s non-abrasive, making it safe to use on stainless steel sinks and cookware and to clean your stovetop.
Bathroom Cleaner
The same baking soda paste used in the kitchen can be used to clean toilets, bathtubs and sinks.
It removes grime and leaves surfaces shining.
Carpet Cleaner
Sprinkle baking soda over your carpet, let it sit for 15–20 minutes and then vacuum it up to remove household odours and freshen up your carpet.
Laundry Booster
Add 170g of baking soda to your laundry to brighten colours, soften fabrics and remove unpleasant odours.
Drain Cleaner
Pour 170g of baking soda down a clogged drain, followed by 170g of white vinegar.
Wait 15–20 minutes and then rinse with hot water.
The chemical reaction between baking soda and white vinegar can help to break up clogs.
Silver Polish
Add a paste of baking soda and water to clean sterling silverware with a damp cloth.
Rinse off and dry for a natural and non-toxic silver polish.
