The Wonderful World of Baking Soda

Ah baking soda - that magical yellow box hiding behind years of freezer burnt mystery packages. You're able to sleep much better at night knowing that the odors in your fridge and freezer are being kept in check by that comforting little symbol of freshness.

But did you know that there is so much more that can be done with baking soda? So much more! Baking soda should be one of the main items in any home because of it's multiple uses and functions. Not only that, but it's very cheap and it won't expire. Here are just a few of the reasons that baking soda is so incredibly awesome:

Baking: This is a no brainer - hence the name "Baking" soda. But why do certain recipes require baking soda? If you've ever skipped even that one teaspoon in a recipe, you know how how essential it is. But why? Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a base. When mixed with a liquid that is more acidic (buttermilk, cream of tartar, etc) it releases carbon dioxide (in the form of bubbles) that helps raise or leaven baked goods. Essentially, baking soda is so wonderful because of it's basic properties and how it reacts with other acids and bases.

Unclogging drains: This same acid/base reaction will work to unclog drains in a chemical free and environmentally safe fashion. If you have a clogged or stinky drain, use a funnel to pour about 3/4 cup of baking soda down the drain. Follow with about 1/2 cup vinegar and cover the drain. Leave it covered for about 15 minutes, then rinse by pouring hot water down the drain. As soon as the vinegar touches the baking soda, you'll see and hear the reaction - it's actually very cool. This is the same premised behind those volcanoes we all made in elementary school for a science project - just add red food coloring for a fun experiment.

Odor Killer: To understand how baking soda neutralizes odors, we first need to understand what is causing the odor. The answer: strong acids and bases. When organic material decomposes or rots, chemical reactions release strong acids or bases that often have a smell attached to them (these smells are called esters, but I understand if you prefer not to know that much detail). Sodium bicarbonate, while a base itself, has the ability to neutralize these strong acids and bases and restore pH levels. It essentially eats the odors and restores all that is good in the world.

Carpets: But this isn't just true for odors in a fridge or freezer. It also works for fabrics like carpet and upholstry. Instead of paying extra for carpet fresheners that contain more chemicals and scents that only cover up odors, sprinkle baking soda on carpet and upholstry. The added bonus: it keeps working after it's in the vacuum.

Cleaner: Baking soda is also abrasive and doesn't readily dissolve in water, meaning it is an excellent scrubbing agent. It's basic nature also makes it very gentle. Sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge and scrub away on almost every surface (you should always test a small spot first to ensure no damage will be done, just in case). This can be used on everything from the microwave to the dishwasher to dishes. For extra scrubbing and cleaning power, add coarse salt and dishsoap. Add a 1/2 cup to your next load of laundry to help your laundry soap neutralize odors and boost it's cleaning power. It also soaks up spilled grease and oil. Sprinkle the mess with baking soda, let it sit to absorb the mess, then wipe up with a damp rag.

Health: As a base, baking soda naturally works to neutralize acid, as seen earlier with how it works to neutralize odors. But it can also be used for bodily acid such as heartburn and upset stomach. There is a caution here however, in that ingesting too much of anything is harmful, especially when it comes to something like a base. Always carefully read instructions on the package first.

It can also be used in place of toothpaste - dip your toothbrush into some baking soda and scrub away at those pearly whites. It works as a gargle to help get rid of bad breath as well. It can be mixed with water into a paste that works as a gentle facial scrub, but can be used on any part of the body. Add it to shampoo (squirt some shampoo in your hand and then sprinkle on some baking soda) to help get rid of residue from styling products or anything else that might be hiding in your mane. Sprinkle in the bath to soothe irritated skin (rashes, sunburn, bug bites, etc) or to help get rid of oily residues. It can even be used in place of deoderant by sprinkling some under your arms. This same premise can be used to relieve chafing skin as well.


Basically, anything smelly, oily or dirty can be deoderized or cleaned with baking soda. No other chemicals or cleaners necessary. And did I mention it's cheap (I did actually, second paragraph)? Next time you're in the store, go ahead and stock up. It will slowly replace all other cleaners you have, creating more pantry space and saving the environment.

It really is a wonderful world when baking soda is involved.