When you start using natural cleaning products, you quickly hear about baking soda , washing soda , and sodium percarbonate . These three white powders look very similar… but they don't have the same properties or uses. Confusing them risks not cleaning properly or, worse, damaging certain surfaces.
This article helps you remember who does what and to use each product in the right place.
Baking soda: versatile, gentle and indispensable
Baking soda is the best-known product of the trio. Natural and gentle, it is ideal for everyday cleaning.
What is its purpose?
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Deodorize (shoes, fridge, carpet)
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Clean gently
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Cleanse, but without being harsh.
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Proofing pastries (food grade)
Why use it?
Because it's non-irritating, economical, and ultra-versatile. It's an essential item to always have in a natural cleaning routine.
Compatible surfaces
Almost all of them: stainless steel, refrigerators, bathrooms, textiles…
Avoid using on aluminum (risk of tarnishing).
Washing soda crystals: the "strong" version of bicarbonate
Soda crystals are chemically related to bicarbonate, but more powerful and more alkaline. They degrease and remove stubborn stains where bicarbonate struggles.
What are they used for?
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Thoroughly degrease (oven, hobs, extractor hood)
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Unclogging and cleaning drains
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Fighting tartar
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Washing heavily soiled floors
Why use it?
Soda crystals effectively replace a large portion of conventional detergents.
Precautions
They are irritating to the skin: gloves are recommended.
Not recommended for use on aluminum, waxed parquet floors and fragile surfaces.
Sodium percarbonate: active oxygen for bleaching and stain removal
Sodium percarbonate is a mixture of sodium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide. When it comes into contact with water, it releases active oxygen: it is a powerful natural bleaching and stain-removing agent.
What is its purpose?
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Revive white laundry (replaces bleach)
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Removing stains from clothes, towels, and sheets
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Remove organic stains (blood, wine, perspiration)
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Disinfect and remove mold
Where to use it?
In the laundry room, for laundry only or heavily stained surfaces requiring disinfection.
Avoid using on delicate fabrics (wool, silk).
Quick recap: who to use in which situation?
| Product | Power | Key uses | Surfaces |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bicarbonate | ✦✦ | Daily cleaning, deodorizing | Almost everywhere |
| Soda crystals | ✦✦✦✦ | Degrease, unclog, descale | Resistant surfaces |
| Percarbonate | ✦✦✦✦✦ | To whiten, stain, disinfect | Laundry and organic stains |
Three products → three complementary functions. None of them are there by chance in the natural cleaning kit.
Mistakes to avoid
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Using percarbonate on dark laundry (risk of stains)
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Use washing soda crystals on delicate surfaces
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Thinking that baking soda can do everything (it is still a gentle cleaner)
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Mixing these products with vinegar: the two cancel each other out.
When used correctly, they replace the vast majority of conventional household products.
Where can I find quality products made in France?
At My Better Way , we offer natural, eco-friendly household products in kraft bags, with clear traceability.
These essentials are available in the shop:
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Baking soda (healthy and economical household cleaning)
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Soda crystals (powerful degreaser)
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Sodium percarbonate (bleach-free whitener)
Simple, effective products that respect both the planet and your home.
Conclusion: a clever trio for a healthier home
These three powders may seem similar, but each has its own purpose. Bicarbonate cleans and deodorizes, crystals take over on tougher surfaces, and percarbonate whitens and disinfects. Using them wisely means successful natural cleaning, protecting your home, and reducing your use of toxic products.
Do you want to switch to a simpler and safer cleaning routine?
Discover the My Better Way sticky recipes and adopt an eco-friendly, healthy and economical cleaning routine.
