Why Baking Soda is called Cleaning king of house
Before we know why Baking Soda is called Cleaning king of home, let us see what Baking Soda is.
What is Baking Soda?
Sodium bicarbonate used in cooking, for cleaning, or in toothpaste. Sodium bicarbonate or sodium hydrogen carbonate is the chemical compound with the formula NaHCO3. Sodium bicarbonate is a white solid that is crystalline but often appears as a fine powder
What is Difference between Baking Soda and Baking powder?
Baking soda and baking powder both help create a reaction that causes dough to rise. This chemical reaction is dependent on the interaction of a base and an acid.
Baking soda
Baking soda is the common name for sodium bicarbonate, which is a base. When combined with an acid plus some moisture, such as buttermilk, the reaction releases carbon dioxide bubbles, causing dough to expand.
Baking powder
Baking powder contains sodium bicarbonate, but it also contains the acid necessary to produce the chemical reaction, usually in the form of cream of tartar. It only needs to be combined with moisture to begin working.
This chemical reaction has the effect of neutralizing the acid. So if you want the acid in your dough to retain its strength and flavor, such as when using buttermilk in pancakes, always use baking powder instead of baking soda. The only acid that will be neutralized will be the one contained in the baking powder, instead of the one in your dough that is working to create acidic flavors. On the other hand, if you want to reduce the acidity in your dough — say, when using a sourdough starter to make a sweeter dish — opt for baking soda.
Both baking soda and baking powder work quickly, so if you're making anything out of a batter or dough that relies on them for leavening, it's best to cook them right away. However, when working with whole grain dough, it helps to let the dough rest for a while before use (so the whole grains will have a chance to absorb enough moisture). So if you're using a whole grain dough that also requires baking soda or baking powder, wait until after the dough has had a chance to rest for at least 15 minutes before adding the leavening agent.
1. Unclog the drain.
Instead of enlisting the help of a plumber or high-priced drain solution, some baking soda can do the trick. Simply mix 1/3 c. of baking soda with 1/3 c. of vinegar, and pour down a clogged drain immediately. Flush it out with hot water, ridding your drain of gunk and grime.
2. Treat insect bites.
With mosquito season in full swing, we all want quick and effective relief. One homemade treatment includes mixing three tbsp. of baking soda with one tbsp. of water. Mix the two into a paste, and apply onto your mosquito—or any other type of insect—bite.
3. Soothe Your Feet
Dissolve 3 tablespoons of baking soda in a tub of warm water and soak feet. Gently scrub. You can also make a spa soak for your feet.
4. Make a Bath Soak
Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your bath to neutralize acids on the skin and help wash away oil and perspiration, it also makes your skin feel very soft. Epsom salts are pretty miraculous for the bath too; read about the health benefits of Epsom salt baths.
5. Cut tough grease from pots.
When doing the dishes, there are some tasks that regular dishwashing liquid just isn’t cut out for. To get rid of tough stains, simply sprinkle the dirty surface with baking soda. Pour one c. hot water and 1/3 c. vinegar onto the baking soda, watch it fizz, and then simply start scrubbing!
6. Wash your veggies
Many of you are likely growing fresh vegetables out in your garden, and once ready to be picked, they will make their way onto the kitchen table. But not before a proper scrub, of course! Place your veggies in a plastic bowl, and cover them with cool water. Add three tbsp. of baking soda to the water, and let the vegetables soak for 10 minutes. Use a vegetable brush to scrub away the dirt, rinse, and you’re done.
7. Deodorize your underarms.
Your deodorant stick is sitting in front of you, empty, and you have somewhere to be ASAP. You don’t want to head out without underarm protection, so simply head over to the kitchen for a quick fix. Make sure your underarms have been thoroughly washed beforehand, and dried properly. Pat on as much baking soda as you’d like, and you’re ready to go about your day.
8. Freshen your mouth.
No mouthwash in sight? After brushing your teeth at night, simply swish a mix of water and baking soda in your mouth. This will make it harder for bacteria to form. Be warned: this shouldn’t be a permanent solution, but a temporary one, as too much baking soda can corrode your teeth.
9. Rid your home of ants.
Ant infestations: they’re pretty common during the summer months. To rid these pesky insects from your home, simply sprinkle some along any ant trail you’ve spotted in your home, or along any cracks and crevices from which ants enter. This won’t kill the ants, but remove the scent trail, keeping the ants at bay.
10. Hair care
Never thought to incorporate baking soda into your beauty routine? Simply add a tsp. of it to your shampoo, lather it into your hair, and rinse. This process will rid your hair of any build-up, so it’s worth doing every few weeks.
11. Make Toothpaste
A paste made from baking soda and a 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution can be used as an alternative to commercial non-fluoride toothpastes. You can also just dip your toothbrush with toothpaste into baking soda for an extra boost.
12. Use as an Antacid
Baking soda is a safe and effective antacid to relieve heartburn, sour stomach and/or acid indigestion
13 Clean Brushes and Combs
For lustrous hair with more shine, keep brushes and combs clean. Remove natural oil build-up and hair product residue by soaking combs and brushes in a solution of 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a small basin of warm water. Rinse and allow to dry.
14. Keep flowers fresh
To preserve the life of your fresh-cut flowers, a sprinkle of baking soda will do! Just add some into a vase full of water before adding in the flowers.
15. Extinguish fires
While we would hope that you’d never need to, baking soda is great at putting out fires in the home. How? Known as sodium bicarbonate, baking soda produces carbon dioxide in high temperatures. The carbon dioxide replaces the surrounding oxygen, thus smothering the fire
