soda ash is a chemical compound known as an inorganic combination of sodium and carbonate. The chemical formula of soda ash is (Na2CO3). This substance is available in solid, crystalline, powdery and odorless form and has the property of absorbing moisture. In its solid state, its soda appears as a white powder. And when sodium carbonate dissolves in water, carbonic acid and sodium hydroxide are formed.   Some common applications of sodium carbonate include:   As a cleansing agent for domestic purposes like washing clothes. Sodium carbonate is a component of many dry soap powders. It has detergent properties through the process of saponification, which converts fats and grease to water-soluble salts (specifically, soaps) It is used for lowering the hardness of water It is used in the manufacture of glass, soap, and paper It is used in the manufacture of sodium compounds like borax