Comparing E524 - Sodium hydroxide vs E500I - Sodium carbonate

Synonyms
E524
Sodium hydroxide
Caustic soda
E500i
Sodium carbonate
washing soda
Products

Found in 393 products

Found in 716 products

Search rank & volume
#5258K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
#5457K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
Awareness score

×21.32
over-aware

×11.56
over-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Popular questions
  1. What is sodium hydroxide used for?

    In foods, E524 (sodium hydroxide/lye) is used as a pH regulator and processing aid—for peeling fruits and vegetables, curing olives, Dutch-processing cocoa, and creating the characteristic crust on pretzels and some noodles. Outside food, it’s widely used in soapmaking, cleaning, and pulp and paper production.

  2. Is sodium hydroxide a base?

    Yes—it's a very strong base (alkali) with a high pH and is highly caustic; in foods it's used only in small, controlled amounts.

  3. What is the chemical formula for sodium hydroxide?

    NaOH.

  4. What is the formula for sodium hydroxide?

    NaOH (composed of sodium cations, Na+, and hydroxide anions, OH−).

  5. How to make sodium hydroxide?

    Industrial sodium hydroxide is produced by the chlor-alkali process (electrolysis of brine), yielding NaOH, chlorine, and hydrogen. Do not attempt to make it yourself; for any food use, only purchase certified food‑grade lye.

  1. How to clean washing machine with vinegar and baking soda?

    To clean with sodium carbonate (E500i, washing soda), run an empty hot cycle with about 1/2–1 cup to degrease and soften scale, then wipe seals and run a rinse. If you also use vinegar, do it in a separate cycle—acid and alkali neutralize each other if mixed.

  2. Can you put baking soda in washing machine?

    If you mean sodium carbonate (E500i, washing soda), yes—add a small amount with detergent to boost cleaning and soften water, but it’s more alkaline than baking soda. Avoid on wool/silk and follow fabric and appliance instructions.

  3. How to make washing soda?

    Convert baking soda to sodium carbonate (washing soda, E500i) by heating it on a tray at about 200°C/400°F for 30–60 minutes, stirring until it turns dull and grainy. Let it cool and store airtight, as it’s hygroscopic.

  4. Can i put baking soda in washing machine?

    If you’re thinking of washing soda (sodium carbonate, E500i), yes—use sparingly as a laundry booster; it’s stronger than baking soda. Always follow garment care labels and avoid on protein fibers like wool and silk.

  5. Is baking soda good for washing fruits and vegetables?

    A mild baking soda (sodium bicarbonate, E500ii) solution can help remove dirt and some residues; rinse well. Sodium carbonate (E500i, washing soda) is more alkaline and not recommended for produce washing.