Soda ash, also known as sodium carbonate, is an odorless, white powder that is stable, not toxic, explosive, or flammable. There are three grades of soda ash that are produced: dense soda ash, light soda ash, and washing soda. Dense soda ash is an anhydrous substance that is widely used in the manufacture of different products. Light soda ash is widely used as a pH regulator/buffering agent in multiple industrial processes. Washing soda is an anhydrous substance that is produced by combining light soda ash along with additional molecules of water. It is mostly used in soaps and washing detergents to improve their cleaning properties. Soda ash is used for numerous chemical reactions due to its high solubility. It is mostly used as an ingredient in the manufacture of dyes and coloring agents, synthetic detergents, and fertilizers. It is also an important chemical agent used in enameling and petroleum industries. Sodium carbonate is used to improve and treat the alkalinity of lakes that have been affected by rain. It is also used to reduce the acidity of emissions being generated from a power plant. Soda ash is replacing phosphates that were earlier being used in a number of household detergents. Many other cleaning products such as dishwashing soaps also contain varying amounts of soda ash in their formulations. Sodium carbonate is used to remove or de-clarify phosphates and sulfurs from a number of non-ferrous and ferrous ores. It is also used in recycling of aluminum and zinc. Soda ash is an important ingredient in the manufacture of glass, since it helps reduce silicaâ??s melting point. It is also a common addition to spa and pool treatment chemicals helping in reducing the acidity in water. Soda ash is also used in manufacture and sealants and glues, preparing pulp in paper manufacture, and sometimes in soil preparation as well.