Borax vs. Baking Soda — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on November 19, 2023
Borax is a mineral compound often used as a cleaner; baking soda is a leavening agent for cooking.
Difference Between Borax and Baking Soda
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Borax, chemically known as sodium borate, is a naturally occurring mineral and salt of boric acid. It's commonly used in laundry and cleaning solutions. On the other hand, baking soda, whose scientific name is sodium bicarbonate, is a powdery substance frequently used in cooking, particularly as a leavening agent in baked goods.
Additionally, while Borax can be toxic if ingested in large quantities and should be kept away from food, baking soda is entirely safe for consumption. It's crucial to not mistake one for the other in household use; Borax for cleaning and baking soda for cooking.
When Borax interacts with certain substances, it can produce a cleansing effect, making it ideal for removing stains or boosting laundry detergents. In contrast, baking soda, when combined with an acid like vinegar, produces carbon dioxide gas which makes baked goods rise.
Comparison Chart
Chemical Name
Sodium borate
Sodium bicarbonate
Primary Use
Cleaning and laundry
Cooking and baking
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Edibility
Not safe to ingest
Safe to ingest
Texture
Often crystalline or powdered
Always powdered
Reactivity
Reacts to produce cleansing effects
Reacts with acids to produce carbon dioxide
Compare with Definitions
Borax
A mineral and salt of boric acid.
Borax is often added to laundry detergents for extra cleaning power.
Baking Soda
A neutralizer for acidic ingredients.
Baking soda can neutralize the vinegar taste in a dish.
Borax
An antifungal and insecticide agent.
Borax can be used to treat fungus issues on plants.
Baking Soda
A leavening agent for baked goods.
For fluffy pancakes, ensure your baking soda is fresh.
Borax
A cleaning booster in household chores.
She sprinkled Borax on the carpet stain before vacuuming.
Baking Soda
A sodium bicarbonate powder.
She added baking soda to the cake batter to make it rise.
Borax
An ingredient in some DIY slime recipes.
Kids love making slime with glue and Borax.
Baking Soda
An odor absorber in refrigerators.
To keep the fridge smelling fresh, place an open box of baking soda inside.
Borax
A flux for metalworking.
The jeweler used Borax to aid in the soldering process.
Baking Soda
A mild abrasive for cleaning.
Baking soda is a gentle choice for scrubbing pots and pans.
Borax
A hydrated sodium borate, Na2B4O7·10H2O, an ore of boron, that is used as a cleaning compound.
Borax
Cheap merchandise, especially tasteless furnishings
"today's glinty borax" (New Yorker).
Borax
A white or gray/grey crystalline salt, with a slight alkaline taste, used as a flux, in soldering metals, making enamels, fixing colors/colours on porcelain, and as a soap, etc.
Borax
(chemistry) The sodium salt of boric acid, Na2B4O7, either anhydrous or with 5 or 10 molecules of water of crystallization; sodium tetraborate.
Borax
Cheap or tawdry furniture or other works of industrial design.
Borax
(transitive) To treat with borax.
Borax
A white or gray crystalline salt, with a slight alkaline taste, used as a flux, in soldering metals, making enamels, fixing colors on porcelain, and as a soap. It occurs native in certain mineral springs, and is made from the boric acid of hot springs in Tuscany. It was originally obtained from a lake in Thibet, and was sent to Europe under the name of tincal. Borax is a pyroborate or tetraborate of sodium, Na2B4O7.10H2O.
Borax
An ore of boron consisting of hydrated sodium borate; used as a flux or cleansing agent
Common Curiosities
Can I eat Borax?
No, Borax is not safe to ingest.
Is baking soda a substitute for Borax in cleaning?
While both have cleaning properties, they serve different purposes and aren't direct substitutes.
What is the main ingredient in baking soda?
Baking soda is composed of sodium bicarbonate.
Can I use baking soda in my recipes?
Yes, baking soda is commonly used as a leavening agent in baking.
Why is baking soda used in refrigerators?
Baking soda absorbs and neutralizes odors, keeping the fridge fresh.
What happens if you mix vinegar with baking soda?
The mixture produces carbon dioxide gas, causing effervescence.
What is Borax used for?
Borax is primarily used for cleaning, laundry, and as an insecticide.
Is Borax the same as boric acid?
No, but Borax is a salt of boric acid.
Can Borax be used in gardening?
Yes, in moderation, Borax can be used as a micronutrient or to combat pests.
Is Borax safe for pets?
No, it can be toxic if ingested by pets.
Can Borax kill insects?
Yes, Borax can be used as an insecticide, particularly against ants.
Are there any health risks associated with Borax?
Ingesting large quantities can be toxic, and it can irritate the skin or eyes.
Can I use baking soda to clean surfaces?
Yes, baking soda can act as a mild abrasive cleaner.
Why do cookies rise with baking soda?
Baking soda releases carbon dioxide when heated, causing cookies to rise.
Is it safe to brush teeth with baking soda?
Yes, but it should be used sparingly as it's abrasive.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
