Baking Soda Basics: Why It’s the King of Household Bases

Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, a mild base with powerful everyday uses.
In water, it reacts to form hydroxide ions, giving it its basic properties.
When mixed with acids like vinegar or lemon juice, it fizzes as carbon dioxide gas is released.
Its alkaline nature helps neutralize odors by balancing acidic molecules.
In baking, it makes cakes and cookies rise by producing bubbles of gas in the batter.
Baking soda soothes heartburn by neutralizing excess stomach acid.
It gently scrubs surfaces without scratching, making it a natural cleaning agent.
Its pH of around 9 makes it safe yet effective as a household base.
Baking soda can soften water, boosting the effectiveness of soaps and detergents.
From deodorizing fridges to whitening teeth, it’s the multitasking champion of bases.