The difference between caustic soda and washing soda can be easily felt among plants that start to grow. In some cases, both of these materials are the same, but in fact, they also have some differences.
If you are here to know more information about the difference between caustic soda and washing soda, we (Petroarkan) are here to help you and tell you more important and useful information about them.
What is the difference between caustic soda and washing soda?
Are you curious about the difference between caustic soda and washing soda? Don’t worry about it, we are here to help you and give you up-to-date information, which can help you.
The first thing which is so important is to know what caustic soda and washing soda are, which we want to explain here easily.

Caustic Soda
Caustic soda, also known as sodium hydroxide, is a chemical made up of sodium (Na), oxygen (O), and hydrogen (H), and its formula is NaOH. It is a white solid made of sodium ions (Na+) and hydroxide ions (OH-).
Caustic soda is a strong chemical that can break down fats and proteins, even at regular temperatures. It can cause serious chemical burns. It easily dissolves in water and can absorb moisture from the air.
Crystalline hydrates (NaOH·H2O) form from liquid solutions when the temperature is between 12. 3 and 618 degrees Celsius. Caustic soda is used a lot in factories because of how it works chemically. It is often used to make wood pulp and paper, clothes, drinking water, soaps, and cleaners for drains.
Washing Soda
Washing soda is another name for sodium carbonate, which is a chemical made up of two sodium atoms, one carbon atom, and three oxygen atoms. All types of this substance (including those with water) mainly appear as white, smell-free, and water-soluble salts that create basic solutions when mixed with water.
Sodium carbonate is used in many ways. It works as a cleaning product at home, especially for washing clothes, because it’s mainly used to make many kinds of dry soap. It cleans because it changes fats and grease into soaps that can mix with water.
The difference between caustic soda and washing soda for cleaning is that caustic soda can be more effective than washing soda because it has strong properties, and you can use it for different cleaning applications.
Differences between caustic soda and washing soda include:
- Structure and formula
- The price of these two materials
- applications
- Safety and handling
- process method
Is caustic soda the same as washing soda?
Maybe now you think about this question that are the caustic soda and washing soda the same? The answer to this question is “NO”, but let’s see the difference between caustic soda and washing soda.
Caustic soda and soda ash are both important basic chemical substances used in various industries, but they are different in how strong they are, how they react with other substances, and how they are used.
Caustic soda is a very strong and harmful chemical used in industries that need a powerful base, like making chemicals, soap, and treating water. On the other hand, soda ash is a gentler material often used in making glass, treating water, and producing detergents.
If you are looking to purchase high-quality caustic soda, you should pay attention to key factors and the quality of this material. Petroarkan is one of the great companies which you can count on.

Chemical Properties of Caustic Soda vs. Soda Ash
As you know, the Soda ash and caustic Soda formula is different and based on this fact, the Caustic soda, or sodium hydroxide, is a strong chemical that, when mixed with water, breaks apart into sodium ions and hydroxide ions.
It is a strong substance that reacts easily and can easily damage materials. It weighs 40 grams per mole and is usually seen as a solid, white crystal. It easily takes in water from the air.
But washing soda, or sodium carbonate, is a type of salt made from carbonic acid. In solution, it breaks apart into sodium ions (Na⁺) and carbonate ions (CO₃²⁻). Soda ash is a gentler alkaline substance compared to caustic soda.
It usually looks like a white powder that has no smell and can easily dissolve in water. However, it is not as strong in its acidity as caustic soda. Its molecular weight is 106 grams per mole.
Process of Caustic Soda vs Washing Soda
The ways to make caustic soda and washing soda are very different because they have different characteristics and uses. The main way to make caustic soda is by using a process called chlor-alkali.
In this process, a salty water solution is treated with electricity to produce chlorine gas, hydrogen gas, and sodium hydroxide.
Main methods include using diaphragm electrolysis, ion exchange membranes, and making caustic soda with washing soda and lime. Washing soda is made using a method called the Solvay process, where salt and limestone are combined with ammonia.

Why choose Petroarkan?
After looking at the difference between caustic soda and washing soda, it might be good to point out a trustworthy source for buying caustic soda around the world. Petroarkan is a well-respected company that makes and sells products.
They use good materials and the latest technology to create high-quality items. Companies can count on Petroarkan for good results from a perfect supply chain.
Every product is tested to check its quality before it is sent to customers around the world using trustworthy delivery services. Our professional experts can help you learn more about it.
Summation
difference between caustic soda and washing soda can depends on some factors which are important, but these two materials beyond their differences they have some similarities, too.
Both of these elements have some benefits, and they have their own chemical properties and processes, which knowing about them is a good thing, and the difference between caustic soda and washing soda can help you to use them better and in the right way.
FAQs
- Do caustic soda and washing soda differ in their applications?
Yes, you should know where to use these two different kinds of products.
- Can we use washing soda for cleaning?
Yes, but caustic soda is stronger than washing soda for cleaning.
- Do they have any differences in production methods?
Yes, their production method are different, and each of them has a unique method.




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