Practical tips for using baking soda in the kitchen

Practical tips for using baking soda in the kitchen

Baking soda, scientifically known as sodium bicarbonate, is an inexpensive and readily available substance that has many uses around the home, especially in the kitchen. Due to its alkalinity and strong cleaning properties, this substance can help you in various cases. In this article, we discuss some practical tricks of using baking soda in the kitchen:

1. Cleaning surfaces:

Stove and oven: To clean the stove and oven, mix some baking soda with water to form a paste. Apply the paste on the desired surfaces and leave it for 30 minutes. Then clean the surfaces using a sponge and warm water.

Microwave: To clean the inside of the microwave, dissolve two tablespoons of baking soda in a bowl of warm water. Place the bowl in the microwave and turn on high heat for 5 minutes. Once turned off, the steam inside the microwave helps loosen grease and stains, and you can easily wipe them off with a tissue.

Dishes: Baking soda can be used as a mild detergent for dishes, especially greasy dishes. Apply some baking soda along with dishwashing liquid to your sponge and wash the dishes.

Coffee maker: To remove deposits from the coffee maker, pour a mixture of baking soda and water in equal proportions into the coffee maker tank and turn it on for a full cycle without coffee. Then rinse the coffee maker several times with empty water.

2. Disinfect:

Sink: To disinfect the sink, sprinkle some baking soda on the sink and clean it with a damp sponge. Then rinse the sink with plenty of water.

Vegetables: To disinfect vegetables, soak them in a solution of water and baking soda (1:1 ratio) for 15 minutes. Then rinse with plenty of water.

Sponges and napkins: To disinfect kitchen sponges and napkins, soak them in a solution of warm water and baking soda (2:1 ratio) for 30 minutes. Then rinse and let them dry.

3. Cooking:

Baking cakes and pastries: baking soda is used as a leavening agent in baking cakes and pastries. Adding some baking soda to cake or pastry dough will make the cake puffy and have a soft texture.

Crisping food: To crisp fried chicken, fish or potatoes, you can soak them in a solution of water and baking soda (1:1 ratio) for 30 minutes before frying.

Eliminate unpleasant odors: Baking soda can eliminate unpleasant food odors, such as the smell of burnt eggs or garlic. To do this, pour some baking soda into the container and let it sit for a few hours.

4. Other uses:

Removing the smell of the refrigerator: To remove the unpleasant smell of the refrigerator, put a small container of baking soda inside the refrigerator.

Cleaning the trash can: To clean and disinfect the trash can, sprinkle some baking soda on the bottom of the trash can.

Washing fruits: To wash fruits, soak them for 10 minutes in a solution of water and baking soda (in a ratio of 1 to 1). Then rinse with plenty of water.

5. Unclogging pipes:

Baking soda can be used to remove minor blockages in sewer pipes. To do this, mix ½ cup of baking soda, ¼ cup of salt, and ½ cup of white vinegar. Pour this mixture slowly into the sewer pipe and let it stand for 15 minutes. Then rinse the pipe with hot water.

6. Cleaning stainless steel surfaces:

To clean stainless steel surfaces, mix some baking soda with water to form a paste. Apply the paste on the desired surfaces and clean it using a soft cloth.

7. Cleaning the iron:

To clean the iron, mix some baking soda with water to form a paste. Apply the paste on the sole of the iron and clean it with a damp cloth.

8. Polishing silverware:

To polish silverware, soak it in a solution of warm water and baking soda (2:1 ratio) for 30 minutes. Then rinse with plenty of water and dry them with a soft cloth.

9. Eliminating bad breath:

To get rid of bad breath, put some baking soda on your toothbrush and brush your teeth.

10. Making homemade toothpaste:

You can use baking soda to make homemade toothpaste. To do this, mix ½ cup of baking soda, ¼ cup of coconut powder and a few drops of peppermint essential oil. Use this toothpaste instead of regular toothpaste.

Frequently asked questions about using baking soda

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is an inexpensive and widely used mineral compound with many uses around the home, including cleaning, cooking, and health. Here are some frequently asked questions about using baking soda:

What is baking soda and what are its uses?

Baking soda is a mineral compound with the formula NaHCO₃ that exists as a white and odorless powder. This material has many uses due to its alkaline properties and high reactivity. Among the most important uses of baking soda are the following:

Baking: As a leavening agent in cakes, pastries, bread and other puffed products for puffing the dough.
Cleaning: for cleaning various surfaces such as gas stove, refrigerator, sink, bathroom and toilet due to its stain removal, disinfection and deodorization properties.
Health: For heartburn relief, teeth whitening, bad breath treatment, hair wash and more.
Use baking soda
Is baking soda harmful to health?

Baking soda in quantities

A little is harmless to humans. However, it is necessary to pay attention to the following points:

Excessive consumption: can lead to digestive problems such as bloating, diarrhea and heartache.
Prolonged contact: can cause skin dryness and irritation.
Allergy: People who are allergic to baking soda should not use it.
Safety tips about using baking soda:
Keep out of reach of children.
Avoid contact with eyes and open wounds.
Do not use if allergic.
Use gloves when using.
Store in a dry and cool place.