Washing Soda is the common name for

Washing soda is the common name for sodium carbonate, specifically in its decahydrate form (Na2CO3·10H2O) [2]. It is a sodium salt of carbonic acid and is widely used as a cleaning agent for domestic purposes, such as laundry, due to its ability to dissolve grease and loosen dirt [1]. Chemically, it is distinguished from 'soda ash', which refers to the anhydrous form of sodium carbonate. One of its primary functions is softening hard water by precipitating calcium and magnesium ions as insoluble carbonates, thereby preventing them from interfering with soap action [1]. While sodium bicarbonate is known as baking soda, sodium carbonate is the chemical identity of washing soda. It is also utilized in the manufacture of glass, soap, paper, and sodium compounds like borax [1].

Sources

1. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Acids, Bases and Salts > Uses of washing soda > p. 32
2. [2] https://www.khanacademy.org/science/in-in-class-10-chemistry-india/x87dd2847d57ee419:in-in-acids-bases-and-salts/x87dd2847d57ee419:in-in-chemicals-from-common-salt/v/washing-soda