Bicarbonate of Soda vs Soda Crystals: What’s the Difference?

What is the difference between bicarb and soda crystals?

These are two products I always have in my cleaning cupboard, and I get asked about them all the time what’s the difference between bicarbonate of soda and soda crystals, and which one should you actually be using?

They might look similar, but they do very different jobs. Once you understand how to use each one properly, it makes cleaning so much easier and you’ll always reach for the right one.The Natural Powerhouse Duo

What Is Bicarbonate of Soda?

Bicarbonate of soda (bicarb) is a mild, gentle cleaner. It’s brilliant for:

• Neutralising smells

• Light cleaning

• Gentle scrubbing

It’s the one you reach for when you want to freshen rather than deep clean.

What Are Soda Crystals?

Soda crystals (washing soda) are much stronger and more powerful.

They’re designed for:

• Cutting through grease

• Deep cleaning

• Laundry boosting

• Unblocking and maintaining drains

Think of soda crystals as your heavy-duty option.The heavy-duty warrior!

The Key Difference (Simple Way to Remember)

• Bicarb = gentle & deodorising

• Soda crystals = strong & degreasing

If something smells go for bicarb.
If something is greasy or really dirty go for soda crystals.

When to Use Bicarbonate of Soda

Neutralising Odours

Bicarb is brilliant for absorbing smells.

Use it in:

• Fridges

• Carpets (sprinkle, leave, then vacuum)

• Shoes

• Bins

It tackles odours without being harsh.

Gentle Cleaning

Perfect for areas where you don’t want anything too strong.

• Sinks

• Worktops

• Inside the fridge

You can make a simple paste with water for a light scrub.

Freshening Soft Furnishings

Sprinkle onto carpets or upholstery, leave for 15–20 minutes, then vacuum. It lifts smells and freshens everything up.

Unclogging Drains (Light Maintenance)

Used with water, bicarb creates that fizzing reaction which helps lift light build-up and freshen drains.

When to Use Soda Crystals

Tackling Grease

This is where soda crystals really shine.

Use them for:

• Greasy pans

• Oven trays

• Extractor fan filters - Do check every few minutes as same can tarnish.

Just soak in hot water with soda crystals and the grease lifts off with very little effort.

Laundry Booster & Soak

Soda crystals are fantastic in the laundry.

• Add to your wash to boost detergent performance

• Use as a soak for heavily soiled items like tea towels, cloths or workwear

They help break down grease and lift stubborn dirt much better than bicarb.

Cleaning Washing Machines

Run an empty hot wash with soda crystals to clean the drum and remove build-up great for keeping everything fresh.

Drains and Blockages

For heavier build-up, soda crystals are much more effective than bicarb.

Pour down the drain with hot water to help break down grease and keep things flowing.

Outdoor Cleaning

Soda crystals are great for tougher outdoor jobs like:

• Patios

• Bins

• Outdoor surfaces

Anywhere that needs a bit more power.

What They Can’t Do

Bicarbonate of Soda Limitations

• Not strong enough for heavy grease

• Won’t remove stubborn limescale

• Limited for deep cleaning jobs

Soda Crystals Limitations

• Too strong for delicate surfaces

• Not ideal for deodorising fabrics

• Shouldn’t be used on aluminium or delicate materials

Can You Use Them Together?

Yes but they’re usually better used for different jobs.

The only time you might combine products is:

• Bicarb for a fizzing drain refresh

• Soda crystals on their own for deeper cleaning

My Simple Rule

If I had to sum it up:

• For smells and light cleaning → I reach for bicarbonate of soda

• For grease, laundry and tougher jobs → I go for soda crystals