Benefits and Uses of Baking Soda: The Amazing Functions

Otherwise known as sodium bicarbonate, this versatile household staple has been used for a multitude of purposes over the course of several centuries. From baking and cleaning to personal care, this inexpensive, widely accessible substance comes forth with a list of benefits and manifold uses that can make life much easier.

Now, let us look into the impressive advantages and uses of baking soda and why it deserves a front place in every home.

What is Baking Soda?

Baking soda is an alkaline, white, crystalline powder. Its chemical name is sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃), which has popularized it for use in baking as a leavening agent. The end product of this reaction between the baking soda and acid is carbon dioxide gases, which make the dough rise and give it a light and fluffy texture.

Not limited to the kitchen, its uses are endless, proving baking soda to be something one should always have on hand.

Baking Soda in Baking

The most common use of baking soda is, of course, baking. This is a component of several recipes in making various baked goods light and full of air.

Leavening Agent

Mixing baking soda with an acidic ingredient results in CO2 gas. This formed gas creates bubbles within the dough or batter and thus makes it rise and fluffy. Some everyday baked goods relying on baking soda include cookies, cakes, muffins, and pancakes.

Tenderizing Meat

Another use of baking soda is as a meat tenderizer. Sprinkle it on the meat and let it sit for some time before cooking, as this breaks down the proteins to tenderize the meat for it to be more juicy.

Baking Soda as a Cleaner

Baking soda works as such a great cleaner because of its mild abrasiveness and natural deodorizing ability. It can perform a number of cleaning functions at home.

Kitchen Cleaner

Baking soda cleans a surface in the kitchen by removing stains and grease. Apply it to a dampened sponge or cloth, scrub it down on countertops, sinks, and stovetops, and it will clean them. It can be used to clean the inside of your oven and microwave.

Deodorizer

It is a good deodorizer; baking soda works effectively against unpleasant odors. An open box of baking soda in the fridge, pantry, or even in the closet absorbs all smells. Sprinkle on carpets, let it sit for a few minutes, then vacuum up to kill carpet odors.

Laundry Booster

Add baking soda to your wash and supercharge your detergent. It softens water to let the soap do its job more easily. Baking soda also deodorizes and whitens.

Bathroom Cleaner

Clean bathroom surfaces—sinks, tubs, and toilets—with baking soda. It will help to remove soap scum, mildew, and hard water stains. Use a paste of baking soda with water for problematic stains.

Baking Soda for Personal Care

Due to its gentle, effective properties, baking soda has become very popular in a lot of homemade personal care products.

Natural Deodorant

It can be a natural deodorant, especially when it manages to effectively reduce body odor. Apply some very small bits of it to your underarms to ensure that you feel fresh throughout the day. Mix with some coconut oil or cornstarch to get a paste as homemade deodorant.

Teeth Whitening

Baking soda is always added to most toothpaste and teeth whitening products. Its mild abrasiveness allows it to scrub off surface stains from teeth, leaving you beaming with a brighter smile. For white teeth, brush them once a week with a paste made from water and baking soda.

Skin Exfoliant:

Use baking soda as a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture. Make a paste with water and massage it onto your skin in circular motions. Rinse out very well, then apply moisturizer.

Hair Cleaner

It will help to clarify your hair and scalp from product buildup. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with your regular shampoo and wash your hair as usual. It leaves your hair clean and refreshed.

Baking Soda for Health

Baking soda offers several health benefits and can be used as a natural remedy against several ailments.

Heartburn Relief

Baking soda is fast acting to give relief from heartburn and acid indigestion. Just mix half a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink it to counterbalance stomach acid. The usage, however, shall be seldom and not long-term.

Sothe Skin Itchiness

It can be a cure for most itches from insect bites, rashes, and poison ivy. Add one cup to your bathwater and soak for 20 minutes. You can also make a paste with water and apply directly to the affected area.

Soak for Feet

A baking soda soak will relax your tired feet, soften calluses, and actually help to neutralize foot odor. Mix three tablespoons of baking soda into a basin of warm water and soak your feet for 15-20 minutes.

Other Uses of Baking Soda

Its versatility will extend into several other useful ways within both the home and garden.

Fire Extinguisher

Baking soda can smother small grease fires in the kitchen. In case of a break out, quickly throw baking soda on the flames.

Pest Control

Baking soda can help keep pests like ants and cockroaches at bay. Just sprinkle it in areas where you suspect pest activity. When ingested by insects, baking soda disrupts their digestive system, hence killing them.

Garden Maintenance

It is a natural way to keep your garden healthy. Apply it for checking the pH level in the soil, against fungal diseases of plants, and as an insecticide. Mix baking soda with water to produce a liquid which, when sprayed on plants, prevents powdery mildew and other fungal infections.

Conclusion

Baking soda is such an incredible multi-purpose thing that has multiple benefits associated with its use. From baking to cleaning, and from personal care to health, the uses are endless. Its natural, non-toxic properties make this compound very safe and efficient for most purposes around the house.

With baking soda integrated into your everyday routine, you will be able to simplify your life, save some money, and reduce reliance on chemical-laden products. So, next time you're in the store, grab a box of baking soda and all the other ways it can help improve your life.