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What is baking soda?
Baking soda, also called sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydrogencarbonate or monosodium hydrogen carbonate, is an off-white powder soluble in water. It is made up of soda crystals and has the chemical formula NaHCO3. It is also sometimes called “Vichy salt” because it is one of the main components of Vichy water.
Sodium bicarbonate is found in organic stores and grocery stores, but also more and more in the DIY, hygiene or maintenance department of our classic supermarket. In recent years, it has made its way into the cupboards of many homes, because it has remarkable strengths and properties, without adverse health effects :
- baking soda is harmless to health: edible, non-toxic, non-allergenic, no preservatives or additives ;
- it is an ecological product because completely biodegradable ;
- there is deodorant ;
- there is non-flammable, that is to say that it cannot ignite, which makes it a good fire stop;
- c’est un mild abrasive which allows use in scrubbing and for polishing a material;
- there is fungal : it helps fight against fungal infections and molds;
- he is very economic because cheap.
Baking soda: the cleaning product that does it all
Advertising tends to make us buy as many very chemical, processed and unnatural products as there are items to clean and household chores to do: scrub, descale, degrease, stain, deodorize, shine, but also wash, bleach, remove mold, soften …
However, on its own, accompanied by a little water or alcohol vinegar (or white vinegar), baking soda can do these different household chores.
You can thus use it to clean stainless steel utensils, hobs, bathroom joints, tiles, floors etc. Since there is no risk of scratching anything, you just have to try it in place of your usual products to see how effective it is.
Baking soda: the deodorant par excellence
One of the great properties of baking soda is to deodorize very effectively: deposited in the fridge, on carpets or even on clothes, it rids them of bad smells. To use it as a deodorant, you just have to spread it on the surface that smells bad, wait a little for it to act, then remove it, vacuuming for example. For example, you can put some in the fridge, in your shoes, in the pipes when you go on vacation, in the cupboards etc.
Baking soda is therefore also an excellent deodorant. Deposit under the armpits like talcum powder, it cleanses the skin, rids it of smelly bacteria, and absorbs moisture. It can also be used in deodorant balm, by mixing it with a little water and essential oils.
Baking soda: a healthy product to add to your pharmacy
- Baking soda, anti bobo but not only!
Baking soda can also be integrated into the health routine of the whole family as its uses are multiple in this area. But be careful, the advice of a doctor is still more than recommended, and baking soda should not replace taking prescription drugs.
Mixed with a little water, baking soda can be used to soothe a coup de soleil, to whiten teeth, clean toothbrushes, relieve skin diseases like acne, eczema, herpes, wart or boil, have a fresh breath, treat yeast infections, calm stomach pains or difficult digestion …
Baking soda also has its utility against “minor ailments”, since it helps relieve blisters, canker sores, insect and nettle bitesBut also jellyfish burns. Dilute three volumes of sodium bicarbonate in one volume of water, apply to the wound then rinse when it is dry.
- Baking soda, effective against pesticides
More surprisingly, a scientist published in October 2017 showed that baking soda was the best product to use for washing fruits and vegetables and remove the most pesticide residue. To do this, soak your fruits and vegetables in a mixture of water and baking soda, then rinse them thoroughly with clean water.
Baking soda: an almost essential cosmetic product
Yes you read that correctly, this white powder which deodorizes your pipes can also be added to your cosmetic cabinet.
As we have seen, sodium bicarbonate makes an excellent natural deodorant, used pure, diluted in a little water or in the form of a paste with essential oils (be careful, they are almost all to be avoided during pregnancy).
Because it sanitizes the mouth and whitens the teeth, baking soda can also do a good toothpaste. Do not use it pure every day, however, as it is a bit abrasive.
- A very inexpensive dry shampoo, and a perfect aftershave
Sebum absorber, baking soda also makes a good dry shampoo, weapon n ° 1 against quickly regreasing hair: apply a little pure on your scalp using your fingers, upside down, then brush to remove most of it. Baking soda will dry the scalp in a healthy way, without releasing pollutants unlike dry shampoos sold on the market. A great tip for mom in a hurry who doesn’t always have time to wash her hair!
For the more natural and “no-poo“Or «low-poo» (literally “no shampoo” or “less shampoo”), baking soda can also be used in natural shampoo, diluted in a container of water to obtain a more or less liquid paste according to his preferences. For those who find it difficult to do without the foaming effect of classic shampoos, an effect due to silicone, which stifles the hair and is harmful to the environment, you can dilute a little baking soda in your usual shampoo , it will make your hair more shiny.
Baking soda can also be part of Monsieur’s beauty routine, since it an excellent softening pre-shave and aftershave (rinse-out). Baking soda can also be used as a scrub, soften feet with calluses, and help you fight blackheads, using it as a mask with lemon juice or honey.
Baking soda: a helping hand in the kitchen
Finally, note that baking soda can also be useful in the kitchen. Indeed, its anti-acid property is ideal for sweeten tomato sauces and jams. It also makes it possible to tenderize meats in sauce (bourguignon or blanquette for example), to accelerate the cooking of vegetables cooked in hot water, to make omelets, cakes and purees. more digestible and more ventilated, or to make stiffer and faster snow eggs.
Baking soda will also replace baking powder very well. in your pastries if you no longer have them in your cupboards, at the rate of a tablespoon instead of a sachet. Phew, the yogurt cake is saved!
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