Baking soda is an alkaline substance that reacts to acidic substances - which includes most liquids - and carbon dioxide is generated from this reaction. Baking soda is a versatile ingredient that can be used in cooking, for personal hygiene and for scientific projects as it becomes effervescent when activated by the right acids.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Activate Baking Soda in the Kitchen
Step 1. Dissolve the baking soda in the water
The baking soda will melt and you can use the water in many ways.
- For example, you can drink it to neutralize stomach acids and relieve heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux. Dissolve a tablespoon of baking soda in a glass of water and then drink it.
- Water enriched with baking soda also has mild antiseptic properties. However, remember that baking soda is high in sodium and can cause side effects, such as stomach cramps.
- If you have high blood pressure, are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor to find out if you can take baking soda.
Step 2. Add baking soda to the dough
It is a very effective leavening agent for recipes that include an acidic ingredient, such as vinegar, buttermilk, yogurt, sour cream, cocoa, fruit, chocolate, honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, orange or lemon juice.
- When bicarbonate interacts with an acidic substance, such as those listed above, it generates sodium carbonate and carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide bubbles cause baked goods to rise. Follow the dosage indicated by the recipe (if you are following a recipe in English, be careful because "baking soda" and "baking powder" are not the same thing: the first is baking soda, while the second is baking powder).
- Sour cream, yogurt, and molasses also create an effervescent reaction in baked goods. Add a teaspoon of baking soda or follow the recipe instructions.
- Adding baking soda will trigger an instant reaction if any of these acidic ingredients are present. Once placed in the oven, biscuits, cakes and muffins will rise, obtaining a soft and light consistency at the end of cooking.
Step 3. Add the molasses to the baking soda
In addition to improving the consistency of the dough, the mixture of molasses and baking soda has been reported to help cure cancer. Consult your doctor to learn more about the topic.
- Mix 1 cup of water with 1 teaspoon of black molasses and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. The water must be at room temperature.
- If you want you can use B grade maple syrup (dark) or alternatively Manuka honey instead of black molasses.
- Consider different alternative treatments and do not assume that a solution is really effective based on the experience of a few.
Method 2 of 3: Activate Sodium Bicarbonate with Acids
Step 1. Add the vinegar to the baking soda
Vinegar is an acid, while baking soda is a basic substance. This is why, if you mix them, you will get a reaction that in chemistry is called acid-base. Vinegar is probably the most used ingredient to activate baking soda.
- The reaction can turn baking soda into a powerful cleanser. For example, you can use the mixture of vinegar and baking soda to clean the kitchen sink.
- Add 60ml of warm (tap) water and 30ml of vinegar to 60g of baking soda to determine if baking soda is still effective. If it becomes sparkling immediately, it means it is still usable.
- The vinegar will trigger an intense effervescent reaction, due to its degree of acidity, when you add it to the baking soda. Specifically, it is the acetic acid contained in the vinegar that triggers the chemical reaction.
Step 2. Activate the baking soda with the lemon
Lemon or its juice creates an alkalizing effect when mixed with baking soda and activates it.
- Pour a teaspoon of baking soda into a glass of mineral water and add the juice of half a lemon. Stir thoroughly before drinking. Some recipes suggest adding mint leaves or a pinch of salt as well.
- This blend has multiple beneficial potentials. According to some reports, it can be used to fight acidosis and to improve kidney health. It appears that the two ingredients combined also help the body to excrete toxins and burn fat.
- This blend of lemon juice and baking soda can also be helpful in improving digestion and fighting gastroesophageal reflux. It also helps detoxify the liver and contains several nutrients that are beneficial to the body, such as vitamin C. However, it is important to consult your doctor before using any type of natural remedy.
Step 3. Activate the baking soda with fruit juices
Lemon juice is probably one of the most commonly used acidic juices to activate baking soda, but it's not the only one available.
- You can try using orange juice: add it to baking soda and you will get an effervescent effect caused by the release of carbon dioxide. Alternatively, you can use a fruit puree. Keep in mind that citrus fruits are more acidic than most other fruits.
- Juices that react on contact with baking soda include grape juice, lime juice, and mixed fruit juices. Ketchup can also cause baking soda to react as it contains vinegar.
- The acid reaction will cause an effervescent effect, thus indicating that the baking soda is still fresh and effective.
Method 3 of 3: Creative Uses of Baking Soda
Step 1. Use baking soda for healing purposes
Baking soda can be used to relieve pain from insect bites or contact with poison ivy.
- Make a pasty mixture of baking soda and water, then smear it on the inflamed skin. Baking soda is effective against mild irritation and itching. It is also useful against sunburn. Fill the bathtub with warm water, add 120g of baking soda and soak to soothe the skin.
- You can also use baking soda to neutralize stomach acids and relieve stomach ailments, such as indigestion, heartburn, and ulcer pain. It should be considered only as an occasional remedy, not as a real cure, it is therefore necessary to consult your doctor before use.
- Dissolve half a teaspoon of baking soda in half a glass of water, drink and repeat every 2 hours. If you are over 50, never exceed the dose of 3 half teaspoons per day. In any case, whatever your age, never exceed the dose of 7 half teaspoons in the course of 24 hours.
Step 2. Use baking soda for skin cleansing
It is also an excellent cleaner for the body, not just for the surfaces of the house.
- Try adding baking soda and apple cider vinegar to the bath water.
- Take a foot bath with hot water and bicarbonate for a regenerating and exfoliating effect.
- Wash your hands with a mixture of 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water to get rid of dirt naturally.
Step 3. Apply baking soda to your teeth
You can use it as a substitute for toothpaste to clean and deodorize your teeth and mouth.
- Add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to 1 teaspoon of baking soda to make a natural toothpaste. The hydrogen peroxide will activate the baking soda.
- Some toothpastes contain baking soda. The researchers found that those toothpastes are more efficient at removing plaque, as the baking soda is mildly abrasive. Blend 6 parts baking soda with 1 part sea salt using the blender. Blend the two ingredients for 30 seconds to obtain a useful remedy for the health of teeth and gums.
- Baking soda is also useful for whitening teeth. Crush a strawberry, add half a teaspoon of baking soda, mix and spread the mixture on your teeth. Leave it on for 5 minutes and repeat the treatment at most once a week to avoid damaging your tooth enamel.
Step 4. Use baking soda for your personal hygiene
You can use it as a natural deodorant and add it to your shampoo to add shine to your hair.
- Pour 60 g of baking soda into a bowl, add 10 drops of essential oil and mix to get a totally natural deodorant. You can also use it to create an exfoliating scrub by simply mixing 60g of baking soda with 15ml of olive oil.
- The baking soda will react on contact with sweat or skin oils and neutralize bad odors.
- Try adding a dime-sized amount of baking soda to your usual dose of shampoo to make your hair shinier.
Step 5. Clean the sink and taps with baking soda and vinegar
Combined with baking soda, the vinegar will turn into a very powerful cleaning agent.
- Wet the sink. Sprinkle it with baking soda and scrub it, then line it with the vinegar-soaked kitchen paper. Wait 20 minutes before rinsing.
- With this same method you can also clean the taps and silverware.
- If you want to make a bathroom cleaner, use 400g of baking soda, 120ml of liquid soap, 120ml of water, and 30ml of white vinegar.
Step 6. Use the vinegar and baking soda to unclog the sink
The two ingredients combined together can also be used to clean the pipes.
- Fill a pot of water, boil it, then pour it down the sink drain. Immediately after that, pour 120 g of baking soda down the drain and let it sit.
- Now pour 250ml of vinegar and 250ml of boiling water down the drain. Plug the sink and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes. The chemical reaction that will occur when the vinegar comes into contact with the baking soda should be able to remove the dirt that blocks the pipes. Fill the pot again, boil the water and pour it down the drain.
- If you want to make a descaling solution, use 250ml vinegar and 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Mix the two ingredients in a saucepan; when the effervescent reaction subsides, pour it into a bottle.
Step 7. Try building a rocket, but be very careful
If since childhood you dreamed of building a rocket, you can use vinegar and baking soda.
- Take a piece of paper and pour the baking soda over it. Wrap the paper into a cylinder and seal it at the ends. Pour the vinegar into an empty plastic bottle. Insert the paper cylinder into the bottle, then plug the bottle, shake it and place it on the ground.
- The chemical reaction generated by the contact between the two substances should raise the bottle from the ground. The reaction will generate gases and transform the bicarbonate into water and carbon dioxide.
- Alternatively, you can create a volcano by pouring vinegar over baking soda that you placed in an outdoor-built snow mountain. Notice how long it takes to erupt.
Advice
- Keep an open packet of baking soda in the refrigerator to neutralize odors. Since many smells are highly acidic, the baking soda reacts to neutralize them naturally. Keep in mind that you will need to replace the packaging quite frequently.
- The baking soda should be kept in a cool and dry place. If stored correctly, it has an almost infinite shelf life.
