Cook or Clean

Baking soda is Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO3)-1 sodium, 1 hydrogen, 1 carbon, and 3 oxygen molecules.

Washing soda is Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3)-2 sodium, 1 carbon, and 3 oxygen molecules.

When heat is added to baking soda a chemical reaction occurs changing it to washing soda.

The heat causes the hydrogen molecule to be replaced by an additional sodium molecule.

Both baking soda and washing soda are useful around the house. Baking soda is used as a leavening agent for baking cookies, cakes, and other baked goods. You can use baking soda for cleaning, as a fire retardant and brushing your teeth.

Washing soda is a great laundry detergent booster as well as a cleaner in the bathroom, removing labels from glass jars or as an ingredient in homemade laundry detergent.

Baking soda costs about $.04 per ounce, while washing soda is twice the cost.

Making your own washing soda is simple and safe.

You will need a baking sheet.

Parchment paper, to protect your pan.

3.5 lbs of baking soda.

Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees

Line the baking sheet with parchment paper to protect your pan.

Spread the baking soda on the baking sheet to about ¾".

Bake for 1 hour.

Gently stir half way through the cooking process.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven.

Allow the washing soda to cool.

Store in an airtight container away from children. Just as all cleaning products should be stored.