Baking Soda For Cooking vs Cleaning

Last updated on June 24th, 2025

Baking soda has many uses, from cleaning to cooking to beauty. It seems that baking soda is making its way into every homemade recipe out there. But what is baking soda better for? Let’s clear the air and talk about it. Today, we will be exploring baking soda for cooking vs cleaning.

Baking Soda vs Washing Soda

What is Baking Soda?

Baking soda, scientifically known as sodium bicarbonate, is a versatile compound. Its chemical formula, NaHCO3, represents a simple yet powerful combination of sodium, hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen atoms.

As we know, it has a wide range of applications in cooking and cleaning. It has incredible effectiveness as both a leavening agent in baking and a cleaning agent in household tasks.

Using Baking Soda For Cooking Vs Cleaning

Baking soda – from the name you would think it’s mainly used for cooking. So, is cooking soda the same as baking soda? The answer is yes, but be careful when purchasing baking soda as there are different types.

Baking soda is known as a leavening agent used in recipes that need rising, such as cakes and muffins. A natural alkaline food, baking soda becomes activated when it is combined with an acidic ingredient and a liquid, like water or lemon juice.

Baking soda also has very high PH levels which means it can be a great cleanser and break down grease, dirt and stains. The best baking soda to buy for cleaning would be washing baking soda.

Baking soda is effective when cleaning stainless steel, stovetops, ovens, microwaves, floors – and when washing fruit and veg. It can also act as a deodorizer for bad smells in the kitchen, as it absorbs odors. It’s a popular natural deodorizer for refrigerators, trash cans, and other areas prone to unpleasant smells.

Baking soda can work great for prepping more savory ingredients, as well as cakes and bakery items.

One particular vegetable baking soda pairs well with is potatoes. A popular technique to get your potatoes to be crispy is to boil them in water that is mixed with baking soda. As baking soda’s PH level is high it raises the pH level of the water. This reacts with the outside of the potato and increases its starch content, which will result in the crispness of the potato after being cooked.

Can You Use Cleaning Baking Soda For Cooking?

Short answer: No.

Washing or cleaning baking soda should never be used for cooking or baking purposes. This product is specifically formulated for cleaning and is not safe for human consumption.

The primary difference lies in the concentration and purity of the substance. Cooking baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is food-grade and carefully regulated to ensure it’s safe for ingestion.

On the other hand, cleaning baking soda is a more concentrated form, often containing additional compounds that make it effective for household cleaning but potentially harmful if consumed. If you ingest cleaning baking soda, which is more potent, the reaction in your stomach can be far more intense. Excessive gas production could lead to severe bloating, discomfort, and in extreme cases, even cause the stomach to rupture.

It’s worth noting that even regular cooking baking soda should be used in moderation. Consuming large amounts can lead to digestive issues and imbalances in your body’s pH levels. I

Never assume that all baking soda products are interchangeable. Always check the packaging to confirm whether the product is intended for cleaning or cooking purposes. Follow the instructions provided on the package meticulously to ensure safe usage.

ARM & HAMMER Super Washing Soda Household Cleaner and Laundry Booster, Versatile Natural Home Cleaner, Powder Laundry Additive and Cleaner, 55 oz Box

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Can You Use Pure Baking Soda For Cooking?

Yes, pure baking soda is indeed safe for cooking and consumption. This versatile ingredient, also known as sodium bicarbonate, has been a staple in kitchens for generations due to its numerous culinary applications. Cooking-grade baking soda is specifically formulated to be food-safe and is regulated to ensure its purity for culinary use.

Take note to use it in moderation. Best to stick to the amounts specified in recipes and avoid consuming it directly in large doses.

Beyond its leavening properties, baking soda has other culinary uses. It can be used to tenderize meat, neutralize acidic foods, and even as a mild abrasive for cleaning fruits and vegetables.

Some people also use small amounts dissolved in water as a natural antacid, though this should be done sparingly and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda Made in USA, Ideal for Baking, Pure & Natural, 2.7lb Bag

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Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Baking Soda for Cleaning

This humble powder is a triple threat: deodorizer, stain remover, and gentle scrubber all rolled into one.

For Odors

Pop an open box in the back of your fridge, and watch (or rather, smell) the magic happen. But don’t stop there – sprinkle some in trash cans, litter boxes, or even your stinky gym shoes for a breath of fresh air.

For Stains

Mix it with a little water to form a paste, and you’ve got a gentle yet effective stain-fighting weapon. It works wonders on everything from coffee-stained mugs to grimy stovetops.

Pro tip: For extra stubborn stains, let the paste sit for a while before scrubbing – it’s like giving the baking soda a head start in the stain-fighting race.

For Scrubbing

Baking soda’s abrasive enough to tackle grime but gentle enough not to scratch most surfaces. Use it to clean sinks, bathtubs, or even that neglected oven (we won’t judge).

The best part? No toxic fumes or residue – just good, clean fun.

BONUS: Eco-Friendly and Budget-Friendly

Switching to baking soda for cleaning isn’t just good for your home – it’s great for Mother Earth and your wallet too. This natural cleaner is biodegradable and free from harsh chemicals, making it an eco-warrior’s dream. Plus, it’s way cheaper than those fancy cleaning products.

Who knew being green could save you some green?

Arm And Hammer Baking Soda Cooking Vs Cleaning

Arm and Hammer is a very popular brand. It is the brand most people reach for when they want to buy both cooking baking soda and cleaning baking soda.

Can Arm and Hammer be used for both cooking and cleaning?

Yes, Arm and Hammer is safe to consume and is also effective when used in homemade natural cleaning solutions.

Even though cooking baking soda is milder than cleaning baking soda, it is still strong enough to work as a cleanser on utensils and surfaces. It may not get the worst stains out as it is not as strong as cleaning baking soda, but it can still give it a run for its money!

Baking Soda Vs Washing Soda

Baking soda and washing baking soda sound similar, apart from their strength difference. But they do have some other differences that make them separate products.

It’s true that both can work effectively when cleaning utensils, laundry and surfaces. But cleaning baking soda can damage skin and your insides as it’s so strong. When cleaning it’s best to use rubber gloves to protect your hands from drying out and even appearing in rashes.

The complicated explanation for what makes baking soda and washing baking soda different is what chemicals they are made from. Baking soda is made up from 1 part sodium, 1 part hydrogen, 1 part carbon and 3 parts oxygen molecules. Washing baking soda is made up from 2 parts sodium, 1 part carbon, and 3 parts oxygen molecules. This is what makes washing baking soda harsher.

Here is a helpful article with some cleaning tips.

Tips and Tricks for Using Baking Soda

Storage Savvy: Keeping Your Baking Soda Fresh

Your trusty box of baking soda deserves some TLC. Keep it in a cool, dry spot – think pantry, not next to the stove where it’s hotter than a jalapeño’s temper. And here’s a pro tip: transfer it to an airtight container. This little move keeps moisture out and freshness in, ensuring your baking soda’s always ready for action.

Handling with Care: The Do’s and Don’ts

Alright, let’s talk handling. When you’re scooping out baking soda, use a dry spoon or measuring cup. Wet utensils are like party crashers – they’ll make your baking soda clump faster than you can say “sourdough.” And remember, a little goes a long way. Start with less than you think you need – you can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in the mix.

Maximizing the Magic: Usage Tips

Ready to level up your baking soda game? Here’s the scoop:

1. For cleaning, make a paste with water for extra scrubbing power. It’s like giving your sponge superpowers!
2. In baking, mix it with dry ingredients first. This helps distribute it evenly, avoiding those weird bitter spots in your cookies.
3. Got stale baking soda? Use it to freshen drains! It might not rise your cakes, but it’ll still tackle odors like a champ.
4. For the fluffiest pancakes ever, let your batter rest for 5 minutes after mixing in the baking soda. It’s like giving your pancakes a pre-griddle pep talk.
5. When using it as a deodorizer, sprinkle a thin layer rather than clumping it. More surface area means more odor-fighting action!

Baking Soda – Read First and Use with Caution!

Bottom line, there are two types of baking soda. One type is milder and uses for cooking and the other type is double the strength, can not be consumed but is fantastic at scrubbing away impurities in your home. It very important to make sure your using the right baking soda for each job.

Do you use baking soda more for cooking or cleaning?

If you would like to read more about baking soda, check these related posts on the blog:

• What Happens If You Use Baking Soda Instead of Baking Powder in a Cake
• Ammonia and Baking Soda Reaction
• The Difference Between Baking Soda and Meetha Soda

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