Baking Powder vs. Baking Soda: What’s the Difference?

Baking Powder vs. Baking Soda: What’s the Difference?

By : angelina
If you love baking cookies, cakes and bread, you must know about baking powder and baking soda. Both ingredients may look similar and are often used interchangeably, but they have different characteristics and uses. Baking soda is one of the most versatile ingredients used to clean, disinfect and deodorise surfaces without leaving toxic fumes and hazardous chemicals behind. It is a natural cleaning ingredient used by many people across Sunshine Coast, QLD. On the other hand, baking powder has distinct properties and usages. If you have been using these ingredients interchangeably, explore the key differences shared below: Let’s Get Started!

Meaning


Baking Powder Baking powder is a blended mixture of baking soda (sodium, bicarbonate), dry acids and acidic salts. It is also white but contains tartaric acid or cream of tartar. Cornstarch is also found in baking powder, and it is added as a buffer to prevent the base and acid from activating when storing for a long period. The acid in baking powder reacts with sodium bicarbonate and produces carbon dioxide when mixed with a liquid. In simple words, baking powder is a complete leavening agent as it contains both sodium bicarbonate and an acidic ingredient. Baking Soda On the other hand, baking soda is chemically known as sodium bicarbonate, with a white crystalline powder texture. It is a leavening agent which is commonly used for baking cookies, cakes, breads and muffins. Baking soda activates when mixed with moisture or an acidic ingredient such as buttermilk or honey to produce carbon dioxide. This allows cakes to rise and become light and fluffy. However, professional bond cleaners Sunshine Coast advise not to mix baking soda with vinegar because it only creates bubbles, and carbon dioxide won’t help you remove stubborn stains and grime when sprucing up your home.

Chemical Composition


Baking Powder Contains Acid Components Baking powder is a sodium hydrogen carbonate or bicarb soda, but it is mixed with cream of tartar or, you can say, sodium aluminium sulphate. Unlike baking soda, it won’t create a fizz with sour ingredients, such as lemon or vinegar, because the acid-base combination results in a neutral pH. That’s one of the reasons why it is not as effective as baking soda when tackling stains and grime. Baking Soda is Basic Baking soda is also known as sodium bicarbonate or bicarbonate of Soda, the nicknames of sodium hydrogen carbonate, and the chemical equation is NaHCO3. When it comes to chemical composition, baking soda has a pH level of 8 and is alkaline in nature. It has a weak base which makes it gentle but also stronger than water as a cleaning product. Dishwashing detergents and chlorine bleach have stronger bases, so baking soda is considered as a natural and safe alternative to detergents and store-bought cleaning products.

Cleaning Uses


Baking powder is less effective Many people get confused between baking soda and baking powder when cleaning a house. According to professional bond cleaners Sunshine Coast, the baking powder won’t help you tackle dirt, grime and grease. It won’t even kill germs or absorb bad odours. You will have to use 4 times more baking powder for every 1 part of baking soda for cleaning purposes. Even then, it won’t deliver you the same results as baking soda. Baking Soda is a Versatile Cleaning Agent Baking soda is beyond its culinary usage. It is one of the most versatile eco-friendly cleaning agents. Due to its alkaline properties and mildly abrasive nature, it is often used to clean different stains and grime around the home. You can clean a carpet in an eco-friendly way and help you achieve great outcomes. Here are some of the best ways you can use baking soda for cleaning purposes:

1. Multipurpose Cleaning Agent


Mix baking soda with warm water to create a paste and clean almost all surfaces, such as windows, sinks, countertops, carpets, floors, etc. It is mild but can help you remove stains and grime without leaving scratches or discolouration behind. Tip: Consider the Do’s and Don’ts of cleaning your kitchen when using vinegar or other acidic cleaning agent.

2. Natural Disinfectant


You can sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda to kill germs and bacteria from carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture and other surfaces. It works wonders in tackling lethal germs and bacteria.

3. Natural Deodoriser


It can absorb unpleasant odours from almost all surfaces. You can plan an open box of baking soda in your fridge or create a paste with water to apply a coat on countertops. It can neutralize and remove unpleasant smells with ease.

4. Tile and Grout Cleaner


Due to its alkalinity, baking soda is a wonderful cleaning agent that can help you remove grime from natural stone surfaces and grout lines. Apply the paste and gently scrub to get rid of stains and mould. With baking soda, you can prepare the best grout cleaner for tile floors. If you are preparing a rented property for final inspection, hire professionals for a thorough bond cleaning Sunshine Coast

Conclusion


Understanding the distinction between baking powder and baking soda is crucial for successful baking and cleaning. While both are leavening agents, baking soda is basic, while baking powder has its own acid. However, baking soda serves as a versatile and eco-friendly cleaning agent with its alkaline and abrasive properties. It effectively tackles stains, odours, and grime in various areas of the home. So, use baking soda to clean your home.