Originally developed as a substitute for quick-rising yeast, baking soda--or bicarbonate of soda--finds many other uses in the modern home. Reactive both with acids and bases, sodium bicarbonate aids in cleanup of many types of spills even in laboratory settings. Baking soda's dramatic chemical reaction when combined with common acids provides many of its most practical applications. Although heartburn sufferers often select a baking soda solution for quick relief, bicarbonate of soda may cause problems if taken internally; to be safe, consult a physician before ingesting baking soda mixtures for medicinal purposes.
Baking
Sodium bicarbonate reacts with acids to produce carbon dioxide. In baking, the usual acidic ingredient is cream of tartar. Mixing 1/4 tsp. baking soda with 5/8 tsp. cream of tartar substitutes for 1 tsp. of baking powder--a ready-to-use mixture. The chemical reaction begins as soon as the wet batter mixes, so don't over-stir.
Cleaning
Ancient Egyptians used a natural mineral called natron--containing 17 percent baking soda--as a cleanser. Pure modern baking soda works even better. Mixed into a wet paste and not completely dissolved, baking soda on a cloth scrubs like scouring powder but won't mar kitchen surfaces.
Deodorizing
Add 2 tbsp. baking soda to the kitchen sink drain to deodorize the sink trap. Run a stream of warm water through the drain for 2 minutes after the application. To deodorize smelly carpets and rugs, sprinkle baking soda over the fabric. Give the baking soda 15 minutes to work and then vacuum. Test for color fastness first by dabbing an inconspicuous part with a solution of 1/2 tbsp. baking soda in 1/2 cup water. An open box of baking soda in the refrigerator absorbs unwanted food odors.
Fire Extinguishing
Baking soda efficiently controls small grease fires and electrical fires. Throw baking soda at the source of the flames to cool and suffocate the blaze. Baking soda reacts with hot grease to create a layer of smothering foam, but grease fires in deep fryers could spatter and spread if doused with baking soda. Don't depend on the baking soda to put the fire out--call the fire department.
Toothpaste
Baking soda mixed into a damp paste with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide substitutes for toothpaste. The powder's mild abrasive effect removes plaque, and the chemical reaction deodorizes the breath. However, the tooth cleanser lacks the anti-cavity effect of fluoride toothpaste.
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