Bicarbonate of Soda

Bicarbonate of soda, also known as baking soda or sodium bicarbonate, is a versatile white powder with a wide range of uses in baking, cleaning, and personal care. It’s a naturally occurring mineral found in water and some rocks around the world, but it’s also produced commercially.

Here’s a closer look at its properties and common uses:

• Chemical Compound: NaHCO₃
• Properties: Mildly alkaline, white powder, odorless, soluble in water
• Baking: Acts as a leavening agent in baked goods, reacting with acid to produce carbon dioxide gas which makes cakes, cookies, and bread rise.
• Cleaning: Mild abrasive that helps remove dirt, grease, and stains. It’s also a deodorizer that neutralizes odors.
• Personal Care: Used in some toothpastes for whitening, as a mouthwash, and to soothe skin conditions like sunburns and canker sores.

Important to Note: While generally safe, consult a medical professional before using bicarbonate of soda for medicinal purposes.