Bicarbonate of Soda is considered a versatile product for good reason. Here are just some of its many uses.
As a Produce Wash
Forget the pricey, fancy produce washes on the market. A simple baking soda–and-water soak for 12 to 15 minutes is enough to remove 80 and 96% of certain pesticides from apples — better than tap water alone or bleach. Baking soda helps degrade certain pesticides so they can be washed away.
As a Natural Cleaner
A mixture of baking soda and water can be used as an effective, nonabrasive cleaner. One use: to wipe away old food residues from the inside of a refrigerator. You can also sprinkle baking soda down the drain with hot water to freshen up your pipes, clean your tubs, sinks, and shower curtain, and buff out scuff marks from floors. Oh, and don’t forget, it’s a top-notch deodorizer. Sprinkle baking soda on a carpet, let it sit, and vacuum it — and the offending stink — up.
To Safely Clean Pots and Pans
When cooked food stays stuck to the pan, add baking soda to the pan, fill it with hot water, and soak it for 15 to 30 minutes. The baking soda will help lift the crusty food pieces.
To Wash Clothes
Adding ½ cup of baking soda to the rinse cycle will freshen up clothes — without all the chemicals in other products.
To Help Ease Heartburn
For the occasional heartburn episode, add ½ teaspoon to ½ cup of water and drink. The alkaline baking soda will neutralize excess acid.
Care for Bug Bites
You know that annoying itchiness from bug bites? Rather than reach for a hydrocortisone cream, you can find relief by applying a paste of baking soda (mix baking soda with a little water until you get the right consistency) to the bite several times a day.
To Care for Your Teeth
During Pregnancy Morning sickness happens. Along with the discomfort of queasiness, the stomach acid that goes along with vomiting can wear away at your tooth enamel. If you’re saddled with occasional or regular vomiting, rinse your mouth with 1tsp of baking soda mixed with water.
You can also do this when sickness (like food poisoning) is causing vomiting.
Treat Nail Infections
If you have a mild nail infection, you may consider a baking soda–and-water soak, as baking soda has antifungal properties.
Ease Discomfort from mouth sores
Swishing your mouth with a combination of baking soda, salt, and water can help ease throat discomfort. This mixture may also help prevent mouth sores from getting infected. Just be sure to gargle the solution — don’t swallow it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bicarbonate of Soda
Q: Are baking soda and bicarbonate of soda the same thing?
A: Yes.
Q: Can baking soda be consumed?
A: Absolutely. It’s a popular ingredient in recipes, particularly baked goods. It can also be consumed as an antacid.
Q: Are baking powder and baking soda the same thing?
A: No, so don’t use baking powder as a substitute for baking soda when you’re baking! Baking powders contain sodium bicarbonate and two acids to help the dough rise at multiple times throughout the baking process. (Remember, bicarbonate of soda needs to be combined with an acid, while baking powder does not, as it has these built in.) For instance, one brand of baking powder contains sodium acid pyrophosphate, cornstarch, sodium bicarbonate, and monocalcium phosphate.
As a Produce Wash
Forget the pricey, fancy produce washes on the market. A simple baking soda–and-water soak for 12 to 15 minutes is enough to remove 80 and 96% of certain pesticides from apples — better than tap water alone or bleach. Baking soda helps degrade certain pesticides so they can be washed away.
As a Natural Cleaner
A mixture of baking soda and water can be used as an effective, nonabrasive cleaner. One use: to wipe away old food residues from the inside of a refrigerator. You can also sprinkle baking soda down the drain with hot water to freshen up your pipes, clean your tubs, sinks, and shower curtain, and buff out scuff marks from floors. Oh, and don’t forget, it’s a top-notch deodorizer. Sprinkle baking soda on a carpet, let it sit, and vacuum it — and the offending stink — up.
To Safely Clean Pots and Pans
When cooked food stays stuck to the pan, add baking soda to the pan, fill it with hot water, and soak it for 15 to 30 minutes. The baking soda will help lift the crusty food pieces.
To Wash Clothes
Adding ½ cup of baking soda to the rinse cycle will freshen up clothes — without all the chemicals in other products.
To Help Ease Heartburn
For the occasional heartburn episode, add ½ teaspoon to ½ cup of water and drink. The alkaline baking soda will neutralize excess acid.
Care for Bug Bites
You know that annoying itchiness from bug bites? Rather than reach for a hydrocortisone cream, you can find relief by applying a paste of baking soda (mix baking soda with a little water until you get the right consistency) to the bite several times a day.
To Care for Your Teeth
During Pregnancy Morning sickness happens. Along with the discomfort of queasiness, the stomach acid that goes along with vomiting can wear away at your tooth enamel. If you’re saddled with occasional or regular vomiting, rinse your mouth with 1tsp of baking soda mixed with water.
You can also do this when sickness (like food poisoning) is causing vomiting.
Treat Nail Infections
If you have a mild nail infection, you may consider a baking soda–and-water soak, as baking soda has antifungal properties.
Ease Discomfort from mouth sores
Swishing your mouth with a combination of baking soda, salt, and water can help ease throat discomfort. This mixture may also help prevent mouth sores from getting infected. Just be sure to gargle the solution — don’t swallow it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bicarbonate of Soda
Q: Are baking soda and bicarbonate of soda the same thing?
A: Yes.
Q: Can baking soda be consumed?
A: Absolutely. It’s a popular ingredient in recipes, particularly baked goods. It can also be consumed as an antacid.
Q: Are baking powder and baking soda the same thing?
A: No, so don’t use baking powder as a substitute for baking soda when you’re baking! Baking powders contain sodium bicarbonate and two acids to help the dough rise at multiple times throughout the baking process. (Remember, bicarbonate of soda needs to be combined with an acid, while baking powder does not, as it has these built in.) For instance, one brand of baking powder contains sodium acid pyrophosphate, cornstarch, sodium bicarbonate, and monocalcium phosphate.
