Bicarbonate of Soda – what is it?

From glass-making to preserving the dead, Bicarbonate of Soda is a much more than an ingredient in a baker’s cupboard. But what is Bicarbonate of Soda, what is it not, and why should we use it to clean with?

Preserving the dead!

Bicarbonate of Soda has been used for centuries for a number of applications. The Ancient Egyptians used Natron which contains Bicarbonate of Soda, in the mummification process because of its dehydrating and deodorising properties. They mined it from the dry lakes beds by the River Nile and used it in a number of other applications including cleaning teeth, exfoliating the skin, curing indigestion, as well making soap and glass!

What is Bicarbonate of Soda?

There are many names for Bicarbonate of Soda including:

• Its official title - Sodium Bicarbonate
• The American name - Baking Soda 
•  Bread Soda – food grade Bicarbonate of Soda marketed as a bread raising agent
• The chemical formula - NahCO3

 

Those who paid attention in chemistry class will see that Sodium Bicarbonate is made from the elements sodium (Na), Hydrogen (H), carbon (C) and oxygen (O)! It is slightly alkaline with a PH of around 8, making it safe to handle and consume.

Bicarbonate of Soda is derived from the naturally occurring mineral nahcolite. It can be mined by dissolving the minerals in warm water, and evapourating it. Early methods of manufacture also include passing water through the ashes of burnt plants.

What it’s not!

Baking Powder is often confused with Bicarbonate of Soda, but not without good reason! Baking Powder contains Bicarbonate of Soda, but also other ingredients like cream of tartar and cornstarch which are designed to react with one another and make baking recipes rise.

Soda Crystals have a stronger alkalinity than Bicarbonate of Soda and consequently have stronger cleaning properties for removing stains and everyday cleaning tasks like cleaning a greasy BBQ.

Why should we use it in our homes?

Bicarbonate of Soda is a simple but effective cleaning product with no added chemicals. 

It has excellent deodorising properties. Try leaving an opened box in the fridge to absorb smells, or filling a sock with Bicarb, tying at the top and placing into trainers to leave them smelling fresh.

Bicarbonate of Soda also makes a great scouring paste for tough marks on tiles, sinks and other surfaces. Try it by dipping a damp cloth into the Bicarb and rubbing across marks.

The alkaline properties of Bicarbonate can also be used to react with acidic substances like White Vinegar. To clear blockages in drains, pour three tablespoons of Bicarb into the plug hole, followed by 100ml White Vinegar. The fizzing reaction will often dislodge a blockage and allow the drain to work properly again!

So there you have it, Bicarbonate of Soda is much more than a baking ingredient! Check out our video below showing more of the brilliant cleaning uses of Bicarbonate of Soda: 

NB Dri-Pak Bicarbonate of Soda is not food-grade and therefore not suitable for consumption.