Sodium Carbonate

Sodium Carbonate is a chemical whose formula appears as Na2CO3. It presents as a white powder or white crystals and has a number of diverse uses in the manufacture of soaps, ceramics, glass and as a cleaning agent. Sodium Carbonate is sometimes referred to as Washing Soda, Soda Crystals or Soda Ash.

If you wish to buy Sodium Carbonate it is advisable to look for a reputable supplier who adheres to safety, quality and environmental regulations. Such Sodium Carbonate suppliers may hold accreditations to internationally recognised standards of working such as ISO 9001 Quality Standard, ISO 14001 Environmental Standard and IIP (Investors in People). If you have any queries about buying Sodium Carbonate your reputable supplier will be pleased to help you.

One of the most common uses of Sodium Carbonate is as a water softener and stain remover when washing textiles; it effectively removes grease and oil stains from clothing. Sodium Carbonate is also used in dyeing textiles where it acts as a fixative to ensure that the dye takes hold properly.

In some domestic appliances, Sodium Carbonate is used as a descaling agent. Such appliances include coffee machines and hot water boilers where the addition of Sodium Carbonate is used to remove the build-up of limescale on internal pipework. The system is then flushed out with clean water before re-use.

Sodium Carbonate is used in the food industry where it has been given the E Number E500. It is used as a raising agent and stabiliser in food preparation. It is also used in the manufacture of confectionary, particularly effervescent ‘sherbet’ type sweets. Sodium Carbonate is used in Chinese cooking and can be found in noodles and ‘dim sum’, a traditional Chinese dumpling snack.

Other uses of Sodium Carbonate include in the manufacture of glass and ceramics, as a developing agent in photography, to regulate the pH level in swimming pools, as an electrolyte for laboratory testing, in the manufacture of toothpaste and in the cleaning of silverware.

As when handling any chemical product, care should be taken when working with Sodium Carbonate. Always read the material safety data sheet (MSDS) supplied with the product before handling it. Wear appropriate protective clothing including eye protection, safety gloves, safety footwear and safety clothing. Keep Sodium Carbonate in its original container and with the lid tightly fastened. Store containers in a cool, dry area away from children and animals. Ensure that Sodium Carbonate is handled by competent persons.