Pin this guide or share it with a friend who still uses bleach for everything. Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. Always read the manufacturer's instructions on the box of your specific brand of Soda Crystals before use.

| Feature | Soda Crystals (Washing Soda) | Bicarbonate of Soda (Baking Soda) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Sodium Carbonate | Sodium Bicarbonate | | pH Level | Very Alkaline (pH 11) | Mildly Alkaline (pH 8) | | Best For | Heavy cleaning, laundry booster, degreasing | Deodorizing, baking, mild scrubbing | | Edible? | No (toxic if eaten) | Yes (used in baking) |

So, what exactly are they? And why should you have a box under your sink? Let’s dive in. Chemically speaking, Soda Crystals are Sodium Carbonate Decahydrate (often labeled as "Washing Soda" or "Soda Ash" in the US).

If you have scrolled through TikTok looking for cleaning hacks or wandered down the laundry aisle of your local supermarket, you have likely spotted a box of Soda Crystals .

Never swap one for the other in recipes. Soda Crystals are too strong for baking and will ruin a cake (and make you sick). Why Are They So Good at Cleaning? Soda Crystals work through a process called saponification . When dissolved in hot water, they break down grease and fats into soap, which then rinses away easily.