| Baking Powder Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Baking Powder |
| Scientific Name: | Sodium bicarbonate |
| Colors | White |
| Shapes | Powdery |
| Taste | Slightly salty, alkaline taste |
| Health benefits | Mouthwash, Removes Plaque, Antibacterial Activity, Improve Certain Cancer Treatments, Treats Hyperkalemia, May Treat Calluses, Feet Care, Deodorant, Improve Exercise Performance, Minimizes Metabolic Acidosis, Reduces Swellings, Whiten Your Teeth, Relieve Itchy Skin and Sunburns, Maintains Fresh Breath, Soothe Canker Sores, Treat Heartburn, Relieves Cold & Flu, Reduces Bladder Infections, Slow the Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease, |
Baking soda is much uncomplicated; in fact, it only consists of one ingredient, sodium bicarbonate. Sodium bicarbonate is a base that reacts when it comes in contact with acid substances such as buttermilk, vinegar or yogurt. The reaction produces carbon dioxide as evidenced by the bubbles you see. There are two types of baking powder: Single-acting and Double-acting. The first makes carbon dioxide bubbles as soon as you make the mixture, while double-acting produces additional bubbles when your mixture is heated in the oven. This is because of the calcium acid phosphate, which lets out a small amount of carbon dioxide when the water is added, but much more when the mixture is heated. It makes cakes and breads rise, and are superior to yeast because the chemical reaction is instantaneous.
Health benefits of Baking Soda
Baking soda is a chemical compound with the formula NaHCO3. It is a white crystalline (having crystals) powder. It is an antacid and was used in the past to relieve acid indigestion, a digestive problem where there is too much acid in the stomach. When there is too much acid, it causes heartburn, a painful feeling in the stomach. It reacts with acids to produce carbon dioxide gas. It also reacts with bases to reduce their harmful effects. Following are top health benefits of using baking soda which have been proved instantly by scientific evidence.
1. Removes Plaque
Baking soda not only cures skin and infections, it is also beneficial for teeth. Research suggests that use of baking soda dentifrices (agents to clean and polish teeth) is very effective in removing plaque from the teeth. (1)
2. May Treat Calluses
Calluses are actually hard, rough patches of skin that are produced by longtime friction or pressure. Actions that typically cause calluses are frequent walking, gardening or sports. Though calluses aren’t necessarily serious, they can cause pain and discomfort when applying pressure. Interestingly, research has found that soaking calluses in a baking soda bath may help soften them, remove any scales and reduce discomfort. (2), (3)
3. Improve Certain Cancer Treatments
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. It is often treated with chemotherapy, which works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. Normally, cancer cells grow and divide at a rapid rate .Certain research discovered that baking soda could help chemotherapy medicines work more effectively. Baking soda may make the environment for tumors less acidic, which benefits chemotherapy treatments. Though, the proof is limited to preliminary indications from animal and cell studies, so more human-based research is required. (4), (5), (6), (7), (8)
4. Minimizes Metabolic Acidosis
Baking soda is quite beneficial in minimizing the risk of metabolic acidosis in various health disorders such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders etc. It also provides relief in case of renal tubular acidosis.(9), (10)
5. Deodorant
Surprisingly, human sweat is odorless. Sweat only gains an odor once it is broken down by bacteria in your armpits. These bacteria convert your sweat into acidic waste products that give sweat its odor.
Baking soda helps to eliminate the smell of sweat by making the odors less acidic. Try patting baking soda onto your armpits and you may notice the difference.(11), (12), (13)
6. Antibacterial Activity
Bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans are related with tooth decay and poor teeth health. Use of sodium bicarbonate based oral products may help in decreasing the levels of this bacterium and protect the teeth from decay.(14)
7. Whiten Your Teeth
Baking soda is an ancient popular home remedy for whitening teeth. Many researchers have found that toothpaste containing baking soda is better for whitening teeth and removing plaque than toothpaste without baking soda.
This is likely because baking soda has mild rough properties that let it break the bonds of molecules that stain the teeth. It also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that can help fight harmful bacteria.(15), (16)
8. Reduces Swellings
Bees and wasp stings are painful and they are automatically followed with swellings on the affected parts. Use a solution that consists of baking soda and water to relieve the pain and reduce the swelling caused by insect stings. The solution should contain a high ratio of baking soda as compared to water, preferably 3:1.
9. Treats Hyperkalemia
Hyperkalemia is ailment caused due to high levels of potassium in the blood. This may be caused due to surgery, injury, burns, acidosis etc. Baking soda may be used for treating hyperkalemia that is caused mainly due to acidosis or increased levels of acidity.(17)
10. Maintains Fresh Breath
There are various reasons why a person may not have a fresh breath. Among all the reasons the presence of bacteria in the mouth is the main reason for having an unpleasant breath. Baking soda offers an instant solution to this kind of problem. Mixing a teaspoon of salt with sodium bicarbonate in water is a home remedy that has been proved to work effectively in restoration and maintenance of fresh breath. Gargle this solution every morning to ensure that the bacteria working on the food particles in the mouth are completely eliminated.
11. May Improve Exercise Performance
Baking soda is a popular supplement among athletes. Researchers show that baking soda can help you perform at your peak for longer, particularly during anaerobic exercises like high-intensity training and sprinting.
During high-intensity exercise, your muscle cells start producing lactic acid, which is responsible for the burning feeling you get during exercise. Lactic acid also lowers the pH inside your cells, which may cause your muscles to tire. Baking soda has a high pH, which may help delay fatigue, allowing you to exercise at your peak for longer. (18), (19), (20), (21), (22)
12. Soothe Canker Sores
Canker sores are small, painful ulcers that can form inside your mouth. Unlike cold sores, canker sores do not form on the lips and aren’t transmissible. Research has found that baking soda mouthwash is wonderful for soothing pain caused by canker sores.(23), (24)
13. Treat Heartburn
Heartburn is also known as acid reflux. It is a painful, burning sensation that rises in the upper region of your stomach and can spread up into your throat. It is caused by acid refluxing out of the stomach and up your esophagus, the tube that connects your stomach to your mouth. A few common causes of reflux are overeating, stress and eating greasy or spicy foods.
Baking soda can help treat heartburn by neutralizing stomach acid. Dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of cold water and drink the mixture slowly. It is the wonderful cure.(25),(26)
14. Relieves Cold & Flu
Common cold and flu are very common across all age groups across the world. A healthy diet and good health care prevent and protect the human body from these ailments. Baking soda is beneficial in providing relief from cold and flu. A nasal wash done with a solution made by mixing lukewarm water, salt and baking soda helps to clean the mucus from the nose. This may be repeated two to three times in a day.
15. Slow the Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease
People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) slowly lose function of their kidneys. The kidneys are incredibly important because they help remove excess waste and water from the blood. At the same time, they help balance important minerals like potassium, sodium and calcium. Research shows that baking soda may help slow the progression of CKD. (27), (28), (29), (30)
16. Reduces Bladder Infections
Baking soda may help in reducing the risk of bladder infections. Bladder infection cases are common and caused by bacteria that breed well in the bladder. This is because these microorganisms thrive in environments which are dump and acidic. Prevent this kind of infection or treat it as it strikes by taking a solution that consists of baking soda and a cup of water.
17. Relieve Itchy Skin and Sunburns
Baking soda bath is often suggested to calm itchy skin. These baths are particularly effective at soothing itches from bug bites and bee stings.
Moreover, baking soda may help soothe itching from sunburns. It seems more effective when combined with other ingredients like cornstarch and oatmeal. To make a baking soda bath, add 1–2 cups of baking soda to a lukewarm bath. Make sure the affected area is soaked thoroughly. (31), (32), (33), (34), (35), (36)
18. Feet Care
Use of baking soda along with essential oils may help in protecting feet from microbial infections and bad odor. Research study recommends that aromatic powder oil compound containing baking soda, arrowroot, and essential oils inhibit the yeast, fungal and bacterial growth on the feet.(37)
19. Mouthwash
Mouthwash is a great addition to a good oral hygiene routine. It reaches corners of your mouth and crevices of your teeth, gums and tongue that may be missed during brushing.
Many use of baking soda as a replacement for mouthwash. It can help freshen your breath and provides antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.(38), (39), (40)
Other Benefits
- Relieve Skin Irritation: Add a cup of baking soda to bathwater to soften your skin and relieve skin irritations
- Relieve insect bites: Make a simple paste of water and baking soda and apply as a salve onto affected skin.
- Relieve Diaper Rash: Put two tablespoons of baking soda in your baby’s bathwater to help relieve rashes.
- Pamper your feet: Soaking your feet in a baking soda solution will help soothe and soften tired feet. Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda into a small tub of warm water and soak.
- Simple Floor Cleaner: This is great for tile floors: Use 1/2 cup baking soda in a bucket of warm water to help mop and clean floors.
- Cut grease naturally: Add a heaping scoop of baking soda to your normal dish soap and let soak for a while. Baking soda helps gut grease and make it easier to clean
- Remove oil and Grease: Sprinkle baking soda on top of oil and grease stains in your garage. Scrub with a wet brush.
- Unclog Drains: Forget the Drano. Use baking soda and vinegar to unclog your drains.
- Deodorize Garbage Cans: Simply sprinkle some baking soda on the bottom of your trash cans to help keep bad smells away.
- Carpet Deodorizer: Sprinkle baking soda on your carpet and let sit overnight. Sweep up what you can and then use a vacuum to suck up the rest.
- Freshen Coat Closets: Place an open box on the shelf in your closet to keep odors at bay and freshen the air and fabrics.
- Remove Odors from Your Hands: Simply rub your hands with baking soda and water to get rid of strong odors like garlic or onion.
- Keep Flowers Fresher Longer: Keep cut flowers fresh longer by adding a teaspoon of baking soda to the water in the vase.
- Keep Ants Out: Mix up equal parts of baking soda and salt together. Then, sprinkle the mixture wherever you see the ants coming in.
Other Ways to Use Baking Soda
Besides drinking baking soda, there are numerous other ways to use this interesting and valuable natural substance. Here are just a few ideas but for a complete list of all the wonderful ways to use baking soda, check out:
a. In Kitchen
1. Cleaning Coffee and Tea Pots
Remove coffee and tea stains and eliminate bitter off-tastes by cleaning coffee maker parts, and coffee and tea pots in a solution of 1/4 cup Baking Soda in 1 quart of warm water. For persistent stains, try soaking overnight in the Baking Soda solution and detergent. You can even remove the unsightly stains from your favorite cups and mugs, by sprinkling Baking Soda on a sponge and scrubbing the stains away!
2. Deodorizing Cutting Boards
Cutting board may smells like the garlic you chopped up yesterday. Use Baking Soda to clean and deodorize your cutting boards because it is a food safe cleaner! Sprinkle Baking Soda on a damp sponge, scrub and rinse clean! Now you are all set to chop those onions!
3. Deodorizing Dishwashers
Not ready to run the dishwasher, due to the smell of the tuna you had for lunch? Sprinkle a handful of Baking Soda on the dishes or in the bottom of the dishwasher to absorb these odors, so you can wait until the washer is full!
4. Sweeten Drains and Garbage Disposals
To deodorize your drains and disposal, pour Baking Soda down the drain while running warm tap water. Baking Soda neutralizes both acid and basic odors for a fresh drain. When you are replacing a box from the Fridge or Freezer, pour the contents of the old box down the drain to get extra mileage from the Baking Soda.
5. Extinguishing Fires
Always keep Baking Soda on hand in the kitchen for an unexpected grease or electrical fire. Keep it away from the stove so you can reach it in case of a stovetop fire. Throw Baking Soda at the base of the flames as an initial step in controlling small kitchen or electrical fires. (Do not use Baking Soda in deep fat fryers, as it may splatter.)
6. Fruit and Vegetable Scrub
Baking Soda is the safe way to clean dirt and residue off fresh fruit and vegetables. Just sprinkle on a damp sponge and scrub. Then rinse.
7. Deodorize Garbage Can
Keep those garbage smells to a minimum by sprinkling Baking Soda in the garbage between layers of garbage as they gather. Occasionally wash out and deodorize garbage cans with a solution of 1 cup of Baking Soda per 1 gallon of water.
8. Food Safe/Surface Safe Cleaning
Baking Soda is the ideal all-purpose cleaner for the kitchen. Just sprinkle Baking Soda on a damp sponge or cloth and wipe clean, rinse thoroughly, then dry. Try it on counters, sinks, cutting boards, microwaves, plastic containers, back splashes, oven tops, range hoods and more! Your kitchen will be fresh and clean.
9. Microwave Cleaning
Use Baking Soda to clean and deodorize your microwave, without scratching. Use a solution of 4 tablespoons of Baking Soda to 1 quart of water. Wipe down microwave and rinse with clear water.
10. Deodorizing Plastic Containers
Keep your plastic food storage containers and thermos smell fresh. Wash them with Baking Soda sprinkled on a damp sponge. For lingering odors, just soak items in a solution of 4 tablespoons Baking Soda solution in 1 quart warm water.
11. Polish Silver Flatware
Baking Soda can shine all your silver in no time at all! Use a Baking Soda paste made with 3 parts Baking Soda to 1 part water. Rub onto the silver with a clean cloth or sponge. Rinse thoroughly and dry for shining sterling and silver-plate serving pieces!
12. Cleaning Pots & Pans
No more heavy scrubbing pots and pans! Baking Soda enters and helps lift off baked-on, dried-on foods. Shake on a generous amount of baking soda, add hot water, and dish detergent, let sit for 15 minutes and wash as usual.
13. Deodorizing Recyclables
Keep those recyclables smell fresh until collection day. Sprinkle Baking Soda on top as you add to the container. Also, clean your recyclable container periodically by sprinkling Baking Soda on a damp sponge. Rinse and wipe clean. You can also wash the container with a solution of 1 cup of Baking Soda per 1 gallon of water.
14. Removing Scuff Marks
Get rid of those scuff marks on your no-wax floor. Just sprinkle Baking Soda on a damp sponge, rub clean and rinse. Baking Soda will remove the scuff mark, but will not scratch your floor!
15. Freshen Sponges
Soak stale-smelling sponges in a strong Baking Soda solution to keep them fresh.
16. Hand washing Dishes
Boost the performance of your hand dishwashing liquid detergent. Add 2 heaping tablespoons of Baking Soda to the dish water to help cut grease and food on dishes, pots and pans. For cooked-on foods, let them soak in the Baking Soda/detergent water first, then use dry Baking Soda on a damp sponge or cloth as a scratch less scouring powder!
17. Helps fight minor kitchen fires!
a. For small cooking fires (fry pans, broilers, ovens, grills), turn off the gas or electricity if you can safely do so. Stand back and throw handfuls of Baking Soda at the base of the flame to help put the fire out–and call the Fire Department just to be safe! To avoid re-ignition, do not attempt to move the item until thoroughly cooled. To be sure, let the Fire Department handle this. (Don’t use Baking Soda in deep fat fryers; it may splatter.)
b. For small electrical fires (small appliances, heaters, outlets), unplug appliances if you can safely do so. Stand back and toss handfuls of Baking Soda at the base of the flames to help put the fire out – and call the Fire Department to be sure the fires out! (Remember – don’t use water on electrical fires, as shock or electrocution could result!)
b. Bathroom
1. Cleaning Bathroom Floors
Baking Soda dissolves the dirt and grime from a bathroom tile or no-wax floor quickly and easily. Mix 1/2 cup Baking Soda in a bucket of warm water, mop and rinse clean for a sparkling floor.
2. Relief for Acid Indigestion
Baking Soda is safe and effective as an antacid to ease heartburn, sour stomach and/or acid indigestion, when used as directed. Refer to the Baking Soda package for instructions.
3. Refreshing Bath Additive
Just add 1/2 cup of Baking Soda to your bathtub of water to make your bath even fresher. Relax! while the Baking Soda neutralizes acids on the skin and washes away oil and perspiration. It also makes your skin feel silky smooth.
4. Cleaning Brushes and Combs
Clean natural oil build-up and hair product residue from combs and brushes by soaking them in a solution of 1 teaspoon of Baking Soda in a small basin of warm water. Rinse and allow drying.
5. Denture/Oral Appliance Soak
Dentures and other oral appliances, like retainers and mouthpieces may be soaked in a Baking Soda solution made of 2 teaspoons Baking Soda dissolved in a small bowl of warm water. The Baking Soda loosens food particles and neutralizes odors so that dentures or retainers taste fresh! You can also brush dentures and appliances clean with Baking Soda.
6. Deodorant
Dust Baking Soda underarms as needed to feel fresh all day. For additional wetness and deodorization protection, try Deodorant Antiperspirant, the only one with genuine Baking Soda to eliminate odors, not just cover them up!
7. Facial Scrub
Try Baking Soda as an invigorating, yet gentle, facial scrub. Apply a paste of 3 parts Baking Soda to 1 part water in a gentle circular motion after washing face with soap and water. Rinse clean for a fresh-scrubbed face!
8. Soothing Foot Soak
Soak your tired feet in a solution of 3 tablespoons of Baking Soda in a basin of warm water. Your feet will smell fresher and be refreshed too!
9. Hair Care
For squeaky clean hair, use a teaspoon of Baking Soda mixed in your palm with your favorite shampoo. Shampoo as usual and rinse thoroughly. The Baking Soda helps remove the build-up from conditioners, mousses and sprays to give you naturally clean hair.
10. Hand Cleanser
Scrub away ground-in dirt and neutralize odors on hands using a paste of 3 parts Baking Soda to 1 part water, or 3 parts Baking Soda to 1 part liquid hand soap. Scrub and rinse clean.
11. Refreshing Mouthwash
One teaspoon of Baking Soda in half a glass of water is the recipe for a fresh mouth and fresh breath. Swish the solution through your teeth and rinse. Baking Soda neutralizes the odors on contact, without leaving a tell-tale cover-up scent!
12. Soothing Irritated Skin
Baking Soda can calm the sting of sunburn, windburn and other minor burns. Just soak a washcloth in a Baking Soda solution (4 tablespoons in 1 quart of water) and apply to the affected area. Or make a Baking Soda paste with 3 parts Baking Soda and 1 part water and apply to the area.
13. Soothing Poison Ivy and Rashes
Soothe the itchy skin of poison ivy, oak or sumac or prickly heat in a comforting Baking Soda bath. Add 1/2 cup of Baking Soda to a bath of water or make a paste (3 parts Baking Soda to 1 part water) for more localized rashes and irritations.
14. Toothpaste
Baking Soda is a gentle dentifrice that helps keep teeth clean and white. Dip a damp toothbrush in some Baking Soda sprinkled into your palm. Brush as usual and rinse.
15. Freshen Laundry Hampers
Sprinkle Baking Soda generously over dirty clothes in the hamper to keep the hamper fresh until you are ready to wash. And when you wash, add 1/2 cup Baking Soda with your detergent to freshen your laundry and help liquid detergents work harder!
16. Septic Care
Regular use of Baking Soda in your drains can help keep your Septic System flowing freely. We recommend adding 1 cup of Baking Soda per week to help maintain a favorable pH in your Septic Tank.
17. Shower Curtains
Clean and deodorize your shower curtain by sprinkling Baking Soda directly on a damp sponge or brush. Scrub the shower curtain and rinse clean. Hang it up to dry.
18. Surface-Safe Cleaning
For safe, effective cleaning of tubs, tile and sinks-even shiny fiberglass and glossy tiles-try sprinkling Baking Soda lightly on a damp sponge. Scrub sink, tub and tile as usual. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry. A sparkling bath and no harsh chemicals around your family or on your hands!
c. Living Room
1. Freshen and Deodorize Carpets
Sprinkle Baking Soda on carpets and rugs to eliminate the day-to-day odors that settle in carpets. Wait 15 minutes or longer for tough odors, and vacuum up. For extra freshening power, try specially formulated Carpet & Room Deodorizer. It penetrates deep into carpet fibers to eliminate odors and it leaves a fresh, clean fragrance.
2. Deodorize Pet Bedding
Eliminate odors from pet bedding by sprinkling liberally with Baking Soda, wait 15 minutes (or longer for stronger odors), then vacuum up. Baking Soda is non-toxic and safe to use around your pets!
3. Dry Baths for Dogs
Help your dog stay fresh smelling by giving them periodic dry baths. Rub dry Baking Soda into their fur, then comb or brush it through and out. Baking Soda is non-toxic and safe for use around your dog. It is a quick way to a fresh dog!
4. Freshen Carpet Spills
Clean and deodorize spills, even pet accidents, on your carpet by soaking up as much of the spill as possible. Clean the stain according to the carpet manufacturer’s directions and allow drying. When the area is dry, sprinkle liberally with Baking Soda and let sit for 15 minutes before vacuuming it up.
5. Freshen Ashtrays
Place 1/2 inch of Baking Soda in the bottom of the ashtray to eliminate stale tobacco odors. Replace the Baking Soda when you empty the ashtray.
d. Laundry Room
1. Chlorine Bleach Booster
Use Baking Soda to help your liquid chlorine bleach work harder. Add 1/2 cup of Baking Soda with your usual amount of liquid bleach. Your whites will be whiter and your clothes will be cleaner and fresher.
2. Liquid Laundry Detergent Booster
Baking Soda helps your liquid laundry detergent work harder for you, because it helps maintain the optimal pH balance necessary for detergents to work well. Add 1/2 cup of Baking Soda to your wash with the usual amount of liquid detergent. For the power and freshness of Powder and Liquid Laundry Detergents!!
3. Cat Litter Deodorizer
Use Baking Soda to freshen your cats litter box. Use 1/4 inch on the bottom of the pan, then fill as usual with litter. To freshen in between changes, sprinkle Baking Soda on top of the litter, after cleaning.
4. Deodorizing Your Wash
To remove the stubborn smells in your clothes while you wash, add 1/2 cup Baking Soda to the rinse cycle. It neutralizes the odors, leaving your clothes smelling fresh and clean, not perfumey! Baking Soda is especially effective on sour smells and perspiration odors.
e. Pool Care
1. Camping Necessity
Baking Soda, the best friend for a camper! Take it along for its versatility—just what you need when space is at a premium. It is a dish washer, pot scrubber, hand cleanser, deodorant, toothpaste, fire extinguisher, first aid treatment for insect bites, sun burn and poison ivy, and even more.
2. Cleaning Lawn Furniture
Use a Baking Soda solution of 1/4 cup Baking Soda in 1 quart of warm water to clean and deodorize patio and pool furniture. Simply wipe with the Baking Soda solution and rinse clean. For tougher stains, sprinkle Baking Soda directly on a damp sponge, scrub and rinse.
3. Cleaning Pool Tools
Baking Soda cleans plastic and vinyl pool toys and removes any mildew odors as well! Use a solution of 1/4 cup Baking Soda in 1 quart of warm water. Wipe down and rinse. Smaller items may be soaked in the solution and then rinsed clean. For really dirty toys, sprinkle Baking Soda on a dampened sponge, scrub and then rinse clean.
4. Deodorizing Musty Towels
To remove the sour smells that towels sometimes have, add 1/2 cup Baking Soda to the rinse cycle when you are washing the towels. The Baking Soda will neutralize the odors, leaving the towels smelling fresh and clean.
5. Pool Care
Baking Soda can be an integral part of your pool maintenance routine, as it is used to maintain optimal pH levels which contribute to improved water clarity and swimmer comfort.
f. Garage
1. Cleaning Batteries
Baking Soda can be used to neutralize battery acid corrosion on cars, mowers, etc., because it is a mild alkali. Be sure to disconnect the battery terminals before cleaning. Make a paste of 3 parts Baking Soda to 1 part water; apply with a damp cloth to scrub corrosion from the battery terminal. After cleaning and re-connecting the terminals, wipe them with petroleum jelly to prevent future corrosion. Please be careful when working around a battery–they contain a strong acid.
2. Cleaning Cars
Use Baking Soda to safely clean your car lights, chrome, windows, tires and vinyl seats and floor mats. Use a Baking Soda solution of 1/4 cup Baking Soda in 1 quart of warm water. Apply with a sponge or soft cloth to remove road grime, tree sap, bugs, and tar. For stubborn stains use Baking Soda sprinkled on a damp sponge. Rinse and dry with a soft towel. You will get a clean car, with a scratch less non-toxic cleanser.
3. Deodorizing Cars
Eliminate bad odors by sprinkling Baking Soda directly on fabric car seats and carpets. Wait 15 minutes (or longer for strong odors) and vacuum up the odors with the Baking Soda.
4. Remove Oil and Grease Stains
Use Baking Soda to clean up light-duty oil and grease spills on your garage floor or in your driveway. Sprinkle Baking Soda on the spot and scrub with a wet brush. For heavy duty or stubborn stains, try using Super Washing Soda in the same way.
5. Deodorizing RV Water Tanks
Sweeten your RV water tank periodically by flushing with 1 cup Baking Soda dissolved in 1 gallon warm water. Drain and flush the tank before refilling (do not use Baking Soda in your drinking water). The Baking Soda will remove stale odors and help remove mineral build-up that makes water taste off.
6. Cleaning Grills
To clean up your grill for your next barbecue, try sprinkling dry baking soda on a damp brush. Scrub and rinse clean. The Baking Soda works well for the light duty clean-up related with exterior surfaces, such as knobs and trays, and it will not scratch shiny surfaces. For tough stains and burned-on foods, try using Super Washing Soda in the same way.
Method to Store Baking Soda At Home
Generally, pure baking soda has a long shelf life. This is beneficial since it can be bought in large quantities. You, therefore, need not worry about the condition of the portion left after cooking. Adding baking soda while cooking food items such as lentils, beans speeds up the cooking. Adding baking soda to onion helps it to brown faster.
Accidents and injuries are common at home and this is why it advisable to stock a container of sodium bicarbonate which is used as a first aid.
Kids Experiments
Make an Erupting Volcano
This is an old favorite that’s a staple at Science Fairs—it’s so popular because it’s so reliable and easy! You can do this in the sink just to see the ‘lava’, or make the volcano as directed below.
Supplies needed:
- cardboard
- Plaster-of-Paris
- 4 oz. plastic cups
- red food coloring
- water
- Baking Soda
- hand dishwashing liquid
- vinegar or citric acid (sour salt)
Making the Volcano:
Step 1: On a baking sheet or other easily cleaned surface, shape cardboard into broad cone shape, using a 4 oz. cup to form the “crater” at the top of the volcano.
Step 2: Use the Plaster-of-Paris over the cone to form the volcano. Do not get plaster in the crater. Allow volcano to dry completely.
Step 3: Paint or decorate volcano as desired. If you would like your volcano to stand up to repeated eruptions and clean-ups, consider using non-water soluble paints.
Making the Eruption:
Step 1: Mix 1/4 cup vinegar with dishwashing liquid, water and red coloring in a plastic cup
Step 2: Put 1 tsp. Baking Soda in an empty plastic cup. Place this cup inside the volcano crater.
Step 3: Quickly pour vinegar/dishwashing liquid/water mixture into the Baking Soda cup in the crater. Enjoy the lava as the volcano erupts!
Explanation:
The Baking Soda reacts with the vinegar (or citric acid) in the mixture and produces a gas, carbon dioxide (CO2). As the gas is released it bubbles through the dishwashing liquid, creating the bubbly, red lava.
Variations:
Experiment with different mixes of vinegar/dishwashing liquid/water solutions or slurries of the Baking Soda. Vary which component is added to the crater first, to create different visual effects.
Recipe
1. Vegan and Gluten-free Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup solidified unrefined coconut oil
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons unsalted natural peanut butter
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup almond flour (not almond meal)
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons almond milk (or water)
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
DIRECTIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F then line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment (or a large bowl using a hand mixer) combine coconut oil and coconut sugar.
- Mix on high for 1 minute then add peanut butter and vanilla extract. Continue to mix for another 30 seconds.
- With the mixer running add the almond flour first. Next add the oat flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Continue to mix for about 20 seconds, until a dough forms.
- Using a spatula, scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl in between mixing to assure all of the ingredients are combined. Add two tablespoons almond milk and allow mixing for 15 seconds.
- If the dough appears dry and crumbly, try allowing it to mix for longer. If it’s still crumbly, try adding a tablespoon of milk. Stir in the chocolate chips at the end with a spatula.
- Use a scooper or a spoon, scoop out about 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of dough at a time. Arrange them on the baking sheet with about 2 inches in between each.
- Gently press each dough ball down. Bake in the oven for 12-13 minutes, until edges are light golden brown.
- Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the balls before baking and bake from frozen when ready to eat.
2. Small 6 Inch Yellow Cake
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup + 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- Small Batch Chocolate Frosting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease one 6-inch round cake pan then line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla (it will look curdled).
- Add the flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk, adding the flour in 3 additions and the milk in 2 additions (begin and end with dry ingredients).
- Transfer the batter to the pan. Bake 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out with a few crumbs (no wet batter). Cool for about 15 minutes, run a knife along the edge of the pan to loosen, and invert onto a cooling rack. Cool right-side-up.
- Frost with Small Batch Chocolate Frosting.
3. Cheetos Cookies
Ingredients:
- 4 cups whole Cheetos puffs, divided
- 1-1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp cream of tartar
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/4 cup shortening
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 1/8 tsp orange gel food coloring (optional)
Directions:
- In a food processor, pulse Cheetos until finely ground (alternatively place in a zip top bag, seal, and crush with a rolling pin).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, half of the crushed Cheetos, cream of tartar, salt, and baking soda.
- In a large bowl, beat together the butter, shortening and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add egg (and food coloring if using) and mix until creamy. Add the dry ingredients, and stir until just combined.
- Place the remaining Cheetos crumbs into a shallow bowl. Using a small cookie scoop, make tablespoon-sized dough balls. roll in the crumbs, and place on a tray or plate. Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Preheat oven 350 degrees, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Place cookies on pan 2 inches apart and bake for 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container.
4. Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Lemon Blondies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
- 1-1/2 cups white whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Line an 8×8 in baking pan with tin foil and lightly grease. Set aside.
- In a large bowl with a handheld electric mixer OR a stand mixer, beat butter and sugar together until completely creamed. Beat in eggs one at a time, lemon juice, and zest until smooth and creamy. Add flour, baking soda, and salt to wet mixture and beat until a sticky dough forms. Fold in white chocolate chips.
- Spread batter into prepared pan, smoothing top with a spatula. Bake blondies at 350F 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool blondies completely on a wire cooling rack. Once cooled, slice into squares and enjoy!
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