Editing Sodium carbonate (section)

===Other applications===
Sodium carbonate is also used as a relatively strong [[Base (chemistry)|base]] in various fields. As a common alkali, it is preferred in many chemical processes because it is cheaper than [[sodium hydroxide]] and far safer to handle. Its mildness especially recommends its use in domestic applications.

For example, it is used as a [[pH]] regulator to maintain stable alkaline conditions necessary for the action of the majority of photographic [[Developer (photography)|film developing]] agents. It is also a common additive in [[swimming pool]]s and [[aquarium]] water to maintain a desired pH and carbonate hardness (KH). In [[dyeing]] with fiber-reactive dyes, sodium carbonate (often under a name such as soda ash fixative or soda ash activator) is used as [[mordant]] to ensure proper chemical bonding of the dye with cellulose (plant) fiber. It is also used in the [[froth flotation process]] to maintain a favourable [[pH]] as a float conditioner besides [[CaO]] and other mildly basic compounds.