Sodium Carbonate vs. Sodium Percarbonate — What's the Difference?

Sodium Carbonate and Sodium Percarbonate are both white solids that find common use in laundry and cleaning applications, yet they diverge significantly in chemical composition and specific usage. Sodium Carbonate, sometimes referred to as soda ash, is a sodium salt of carbonic acid and functions widely as a pH regulator by neutralizing acidic components. Sodium Percarbonate, on the other hand, essentially forms when Sodium Carbonate is combined with Hydrogen Peroxide and is widely appreciated for its utility as a bleaching and disinfecting agent.

Sodium Carbonate possesses a notable efficiency in water softening and, therefore, is commonly utilized in laundry detergents to neutralize hard water and subsequently enhance the effectiveness of detergents. Sodium Percarbonate, in its capacity as a bleach, is prominent not only in laundry detergents but also in various cleaning products, serving to both whiten laundry and disinfect surfaces, showcasing its broader spectrum of cleaning applications.

When it comes to environmental aspects, Sodium Carbonate is considered relatively benign and is safely utilized in various household and industrial applications. In contrast, Sodium Percarbonate releases oxygen and provides a somewhat eco-friendlier bleaching option compared to other bleaching agents, such as chlorine bleach, because it breaks down into water, oxygen, and Sodium Carbonate upon decomposition.

In the realm of household cleaning, Sodium Carbonate is often utilized as a general-purpose cleaner, effectively tackling grease and grime on surfaces, including cookware and stovetops. Sodium Percarbonate, with its bleaching and disinfecting properties, finds application in stain removal and surface disinfection, often being employed to sanitize kitchen and bathroom surfaces.

Handling and storage also bring forth variances between Sodium Carbonate and Sodium Percarbonate. Sodium Carbonate is typically stable under ordinary conditions of use and storage, with moisture absorption being a notable concern. Sodium Percarbonate demands more attentive storage conditions, needing to be kept away from moisture and stored in a cool, dry place since it has the tendency to decompose and release oxygen when exposed to moisture and heat.