Differences Between Baking Powder And Baking Soda

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Differences Between Baking Powder And Baking Soda

By : Jessica Williams
Baking soda and baking powder are popular household commodities primarily used for baking edibles. However, baking soda is also a natural and effective sanitising agent used extensively for green house cleaning or bond cleaning in Adelaide. Both these ingredients are leavening agents, which is why it isn’t surprising that people can accidentally try to use baking powder for cleaning and not get good results. If you plan to perform green cleaning, knowing the differences between baking powder and baking soda is essential. Thus, here is a complete guide outlining both ingredients as cleaners and the key differences like cleaning power, odour absorption, abrasive properties and more. Read on.

Baking Soda as a Cleaner

Baking soda is a versatile sanitiser and deodoriser that acts as a scouring powder due to its mildly abrasive and fine particles. It can quickly dissolve dust, dirt and grime and act on grease stains by breaking bonds of fats and proteins. You can use baking soda for rust stains because it reacts with ferric oxide and turns it into water-soluble salts that are easy to wash off. Baking soda is a natural cleaning product you can use to perform end of lease cleaning in Adelaide and get your bond back, as it can sanitise almost any surface in your house without damage.

Baking Powder as a Cleaner

Compared to baking soda or other natural cleaners like white vinegar, lemon and salt, baking powder is not an effective cleaner. It is a leavening agent, but its composition consists of starch and other ingredients, making it non-beneficial for house or bond cleaning in Adelaide.

Why is Baking Soda a Better and more Effective Cleaner Than Baking Powder?

Since baking powder has additional ingredients like corn starch, cream of tartar and more, it is not used for cleaning purposes. Baking soda, on the contrary, has the power to tackle most spots and stains without hassle or exposing household members to dangerous chemicals and volatile organic compounds. Therefore, if you plan to use these ingredients for routine house cleaning or end of lease cleaning in Adelaide, here are the reasons why you should choose baking soda over baking powder. Baking Soda Absorbs Odours Unlike baking powder, baking soda is a natural deodoriser with the ability to neutralise and absorb most household odours. You can sprinkle it on carpets, floors, refrigerators, trashcans and other surfaces before cleaning to remove unpleasant smells of mould, mildew, food messes and oil stains etc. Baking Powder Has No Abrasive Properties Baking soda is a mildly abrasive product perfect for scrubbing off grime, build-up and stains, whereas baking powder is a soft and smooth powder with no abrasive properties. Therefore, baking soda is the best choice if you want to tackle crayon stains, scuff marks, spills, and other messes. Baking Soda Works Well With White Vinegar White vinegar is an effective and efficient cleaning acid, and when used with baking soda, it reacts to produce carbon dioxide gas and effervescence. This reaction helps dissolve grime and gunk from drains, flat surfaces, sinks etc. Using baking powder with white vinegar won’t have the same effect and lead to a bigger mess than you had on hand. Baking Soda has a Better Product Life Another key difference between baking soda and baking powder is shelf life, as the former can retain its effectiveness longer. Baking powder has a shorter life span because of its acidic components. Therefore, baking soda is commonly kept in homes for cleaning purposes, whereas baking powder is usually used for baking and rarely for house cleaning.

Best Ways To Use Baking Soda For Cleaning

Baking soda is a green cleaner everyone must have to perform routine house cleaning or bond cleaning in Adelaide. Here’s how to use it like a professional cleaner for optimum results.
  • Make a runny cleaning paste with baking soda, dishwashing liquid and little water. Use this paste to clean the oven, sink, tiles, refrigerator and other fixtures in your home.
  • Dip a damp microfibre cloth or sponge in baking soda and scrub away scuff marks, crayon marks, light stains etc.
  • Pour a cup of baking soda into a drain, followed by white vinegar, then boiling water to unclog and sanitise dirty drains.
  • Mix baking soda and an essential oil of choice in a bowl. Sprinkle this mixture on carpets, curtains, bedding and upholstery, then vacuum after 5 minutes to freshen the surfaces instantly.

Wrapping Up

When it comes to cleaning, baking soda easily takes the win over baking powder. Both are great ingredients for baking, but only baking soda has the power to remove grime, absorb odours and tackle other hygiene issues in your home. Therefore, understand the key differences between baking soda and baking powder above to sanitise your home effectively and efficiently.