The Many Uses of Baking Soda in Your Kitchen and Barbecue

What is Baking Soda

Baking soda is a dry chemical levener. That means that when used in baking or cooking, a chemical reaction takes place when it is used. Baking soda is added to your dry ingredients, then, when the wet ingredients are added the acidity in the wet reacts with the base in the baking soda. This creates carbon dioxide bubbles, lift, and lightness, in your baked goods. The other ingredients in the batter form protein bonds and create structure around these bubbles. Those are the little holes that you see in your breads, muffins, and cakes.

• Clean your fruit and vegetables with baking soda. Modern farming can leave a lot of different residues on your produce and many hands may have touched them as well. Clean your fruits and veggies by soaking them in a solution of 1 tsp. of baking soda to every 2 cups (473 ml) of water for about 15 minutes to remove most harmful things on the outside. You can also make a paste of baking soda and water to scrub the skins and rinds of any produce that has skin you eat.

• Sprinkle baking soda on your cutting board and use that instead of table salt to clean and deodorize your cutting board.

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• Pots and pans that have been scorched inside or out can be cleaned by sprinkling the afflicted surface with baking soda. On the inside, add water and bring to a boil, then, add some dish soap and scrub off the buildup. On the outside sprinkle with baking soda and add dish soap. Make a paste. Let it sit for a bit, then use a scouring pad to scrub.

• Be judicious and test an inconspicuous spot before going for it, but you can use baking soda to scrub countertops, appliances, and walls. Stainless steel surfaces can scratch when baking soda is used to clean them, check your manual or a small area that won’t be seen before attempting this.

• You can use baking soda to clean the interior of your fridge and microwave. Remember to rinse surfaces that have been cleaned with a clean and damp sponge to remove residue after.

• If you have an older dishwasher or have a load of particularly greasy dishes after a great barbecue dinner, sprinkle a little baking soda in the bottom of the dishwasher or add a sprinkle to your dishwater.

• To clean your dishwasher, you can add up to 2 cups (544 g) of baking soda into the bottom of your unit and place a bowl of vinegar in the top rack. Use the hottest cycle for a sparkling dishwasher. Always check your manufacturer’s manual before doing this.

• Use baking soda to clean your oven by making a thick paste with baking soda and water with a little dish soap. Spread that paste on every surface of a cold oven. Spray with vinegar and then let it sit for about an hour. Wipe your oven clean with warm water and a soft cloth. This may take a few passes if your oven is particularly dirty.

• Deodorize your kitchen sponge by soaking it in hot water and baking soda. This can extend the life of your kitchen sponge; however, kitchen sponges should be changed out every two to three weeks for sanitary reasons.

• If you have a mild clog, not a full backup but a slow drain, using 1 cup (272 g) of baking soda and 1 cup (237 ml) of vinegar will clean things out and deodorize your drain. If you have a full-on clog, it is highly recommended that you call a professional to come and have a look.

• Plastic containers like Tupperware can stain and smell. Remove those with ¼ cup (68 g) soda to 4 cups (946 ml) water, which will also remove lingering odors.

Baking Soda can Clean Up Outdoors Too

When it comes to cleaning your barbecue baking soda is not ideal for the exterior. It can scratch the finish on your stainless steel or cause staining if left or not rinsed away properly. We, at Napoleon, suggest using dish soap, warm water, and a soft cloth for the outside of your barbecue to clean off any greasy messes. Follow that with an oil-based polish or baby oil to ensure a fingerprint-resistant and shiny finish. For really tough greasy messes on the outside of your barbecue, you can use an acidic stainless steel cleaner and a soft cloth followed by a polish.

Inside your barbecue is a different story. The burners and sear plates, the tub, and grids are built to withstand high temperatures and loads of stress. You can clean the inside of your barbecue easily with the help of baking soda. Remove your cooking grids and sear plates, sprinkle baking soda throughout your grill’s interior, and then spray with a vinegar-water mixture.

Managing Odours

This is because smell is generated by acidic reactions like sour milk or base reactions like rotting fish. They are both caused by the process of decomposition. Baking soda being a base will react with the stink by bringing the offending substance closer to neutral by raising or lowering the acidity.

• Sprinkle baking soda under and in your garbage bag in the kitchen to keep things fresh.

• Leave an open box of soda in your fridge and freezer to absorb smell.

• Sprinkle baking soda onto soft surfaces and leave it to sit for around 15 minutes before vacuuming up. These surfaces include carpet, floor mats, pet beds, sofas, and drapery.

• When cutting fragrant vegetables, the scent can linger on your fingers. Make a paste with baking soda and water and rub it into your hands, then wash as normal with soap and water to remove onion and garlic scent from your digits.