Sodium carbonate \( \text{Na}_2\text{CO}_3 \) is commonly known as washing soda. It is used in cleaning and washing processes because it can soften water.
Step 1: Bleaching powder.
Bleaching powder is \( \text{Ca(OCl)}_2 \), which is used for bleaching purposes and is not related to \( \text{Na}_2\text{CO}_3 \).
Step 2: Baking powder.
Baking powder is a mixture of sodium bicarbonate \( \text{NaHCO}_3 \) and an acid. It is not the same as washing soda.
Step 3: Plaster of Paris.
Plaster of Paris is \( \text{CaSO}_4 \cdot \frac{1}{2} \text{H}_2\text{O} \), and it is used for making molds, not for cleaning purposes like washing soda.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Therefore, the correct answer is (C) Washing soda.