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If you’ve ever read a recipe or cleaning guide and wondered whether baking soda and bicarbonate of soda are the same thing, you’re not alone. These terms are often used interchangeably, but in both cooking and cleaning contexts the distinction matters — especially when you’re tackling stubborn dirt, odours or stains. For home cleaning professionals and DIYers alike, understanding what these products are, how they differ from baking powder, and how they work will help you achieve reliable results without damaging surfaces or wasting effort.
In this guide you’ll learn clear, practical differences between these compounds, how they perform as leavening agents, and exactly how to use them safely and effectively around the home.
What Is Baking Soda?
Baking soda is simply another name for sodium bicarbonate — a white, crystalline powder that acts as a chemical base. Chemically it reacts with acids to produce carbon dioxide gas, which in cooking causes doughs and batters to rise; in cleaning it helps loosen grease and neutralise odours. In the UK this product is almost always sold as bicarbonate of soda, not “baking soda”, but it’s the exact same chemical compound.
- Chemical name: sodium bicarbonate
- Main uses: leavening agent in cooking; cleaning and deodorising around the home
- Reactivity: reacts with acids to release carbon dioxide gas
Because of that reactivity, the powder is slightly alkaline and can break down fatty acids and grime — a property that makes it a great cleaning ingredient when used with water or mild acids like vinegar or lemon juice.
Here, basic cleaning science meets practical application — and it’s the reason why baking soda shows up in many stain-removal and general cleaning guides.
What Is Bicarbonate of Soda?
Bicarbonate of soda is the UK term for exactly the same thing as baking soda. In fact, if you look at ingredient lists on British supermarket products, you will almost never see “baking soda” on its own — it will always be labelled bicarbonate of soda.
- Also known as: bicarbonate soda, bi-carb (colloquially in cleaning circles)
- Associated cleaning uses: odour neutraliser, drain refresher, stain remover, oven cleaner
Because it’s the same compound as baking soda, all the cleaning and odour-removal methods you see in guides for “baking soda” apply directly to bicarbonate of soda.
Baking Soda VS Bicarbonate of Soda
These terms refer to identical substances with no chemical difference whatsoever. The distinction lies purely in regional naming conventions rather than composition or effectiveness.
Both work identically when mixed with an acidic ingredient like white vinegar or lemon juice. The resulting fizzing reaction occurs regardless of which name appears on your packaging. Whether your cupboard contains a box labelled “baking soda” or “bicarbonate of soda,” the cleaning power and chemical properties remain unchanged.
Is Baking Soda the Same as Baking Powder?
This is one of the most common questions home cleaners and cooks ask:
No — although the names are similar, baking powder is not the same as baking soda (bicarbonate of soda). This difference matters for cleaning because each reacts differently and has different chemical components.
- Baking soda / bicarbonate of soda: pure sodium bicarbonate
- Baking powder: contains sodium bicarbonate plus an acid-salt and a drying agent (often cream of tartar and starch)
Because baking powder contains added ingredients, it is not as effective for cleaning as pure bicarbonate of soda. The acid it contains is designed to react during baking — not when mixed with water or mild household acids in cleaning scenarios.
For practical purposes:
- Use baking soda for cleaning tasks.
- Reserve baking powder for recipes that explicitly call for it.
Why Bicarbonate (Baking Soda) Works for Cleaning
Bicarbonate of soda is useful in cleaning for several reasons:
- Alkalinity: The mild basic nature breaks down grease and organic residue.
- Abrasive action: The fine particles gently scour surfaces without scratching (when used carefully).
- Odour neutralisation: It reacts with acidic and volatile odour molecules to reduce smells.
- Gas release: When combined with acids like vinegar or lemon juice, it produces carbon dioxide — useful for loosening blockages or lifting gunk.
These properties explain why bicarbonate of soda is recommended in many household cleaning tasks — from freshening carpets and fridges to degreasing ovens.
Common Cleaning Uses for Bicarbonate of Soda
Below is a quick reference table that summarises effective cleaning applications and when to use bicarbonate of soda:
| Cleaning Task | Why It Works | How to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Clean oven with baking soda | Breaks down baked-on grease | Sprinkle, add hot water, leave, then scrub |
| Drain maintenance | Gas release helps push debris | 50–100g plus hot water |
| Carpet deodorising | Odour neutraliser | Sprinkle, leave 1-2 hrs, then vacuum |
| Surface stain removal | Gentle abrasive & alkaline | Make paste with water |
| Fridge odours | Neutralises smells | Bowl of powder left inside |
| Laundry brightening | Helps break down residues | ½ cup in wash cycle |
These methods reflect the practical use of bicarbonate of soda in cleaning — always use it thoughtfully and test in an inconspicuous spot if you are unsure about a surface.
How to Use Bicarbonate of Soda and Vinegar for Cleaning
A popular combination is baking soda and vinegar for cleaning.
This pairing produces carbon dioxide and an effervescent action that can help dislodge debris and grime. It’s particularly useful for:
- Clearing small blockages in drains
- Cleaning toilet bowls
- Lifting grime from grout
Pro tip: Apply bicarbonate of soda first, then pour vinegar over it. Let the fizz do the work for a few minutes before scrubbing or rinsing.
Note: The reaction is helpful for loosening dirt but doesn’t replace proper mechanical cleaning (e.g. brushing, scouring) — it complements it.
Safety and Surface Compatibility
Bicarbonate of soda is mild, but there are some surfaces where it should be used with caution:
- Aluminium: Can cause dulling over time due to alkalinity
- Marble & natural stone: Avoid acidic mixtures (like vinegar) even though bicarbonate alone is okay
- Polished wood: Avoid soaking with bicarbonate solutions
Always rinse thoroughly after cleaning and wipe dry to prevent residue buildup.
Key Differences — Quick Recap
To summarise:
- Baking soda = bicarbonate of soda (same chemical compound)
- Baking powder ≠ baking soda (different product with added acids)
- For cleaning, only bicarbonate of soda should be used
This clarity ensures you use the right product for effective results.
Frequently Asked Questions – Baking soda
What’s a baking soda substitute?
+Potassium bicarbonate is an effective baking soda substitute and works as a direct 1:1 replacement. Because it contains no sodium, add roughly one third of a teaspoon of salt for every teaspoon used to maintain the correct balance in recipes.
What is the sodium bicarbonate formula?
+The chemical formula of sodium bicarbonate is NaHCO₃. It is composed of one sodium atom, one hydrogen atom, one carbon atom and three oxygen atoms. This structure explains why bicarbonate of soda is effective in both cleaning tasks and baking applications.
Can I use bicarbonate of soda instead of baking powder?
+Yes, but adjustments are essential. Bicarbonate of soda is around three times stronger than baking powder, so you should use only one third of the quantity stated in the recipe and ensure an acidic ingredient is present to activate it.
What is the baking soda pH?
+When dissolved in water, baking soda has a pH of around 9, making it mildly alkaline. This alkaline nature is what gives it cleaning power, particularly against grease, odours and acidic stains on household surfaces.
