Baking soda is pure sodium bicarbonate, whereas baking powder also contains an acid, such as cream of tartar, and cornstarch. Baking soda is a raising agent that contains one or more acid ingredients, such as cocoa powder or buttermilk. Baking powder is better for recipes that contain little or no acid ingredients.
Bicarb soda has 3 to 4 times the power of baking powder, so if you need baking powder and only have bicarb soda on hand, you will need to increase the acidity. For example, if the recipe needs a teaspoon of baking powder, substitute it with ½ tsp of bicarb soda and include an additional tsp of lemon juice or vinegar.
Pantry staples baking soda and bicarbonate of soda are different names for the same thing. In Australia, we mostly refer to it as bicarbonate of soda but overseas - especially in America - it's referred to as baking soda. They aren't interchangeable, but bicarbonate of soda and baking powder are both leavening agents.
Baking powder is a mix of bicarbonate of soda, cream of tartar and cornflour that is used in baking only. Whilst baking powder does contain bicarbonate of soda, it is the presence of these other ingredients that render baking powder completely ineffective at cleaning as soon as you add water.
Remove dirt, dust grease and grime from surfaces
Bicarbonate of soda is an alkaline substance, making it perfect for cleaning all kinds of surfaces. However, it's best to avoid using it on aluminium and certain ceramics.
Adding vinegar and baking soda together creates a fizzy chemical reaction that can help dissolve stains and loosen up gunky messes. This makes them a handy cleaning combo, even though the actual solution left behind is basically salt water!
What is baking soda? Baking soda and bicarb soda refer to the same thing. Australia, New Zealand and the UK use the term bicarb soda, while the US refers to it as baking soda.
Baking powder isn't suitable for cleaning because it's a mix of different ingredients that are less effective when it comes to cleaning. Baking powder is in fact a mix of bicarbonate of soda and cream of tartar and cornflour.
The best substitute for baking soda is baking powder. However, baking soda is three to four times more powerful than baking powder, so if you need baking powder and only have bicarb on hand, you will need to increase the amount of acidic ingredients in your recipe to offset bicarb's power.
Since baking soda is an ingredient of baking powder, baking powder is technically the best substitute for baking soda.
The active ingredient in both baking soda and baking powder is sodium bicarbonate, or NaHCO3.
Bicarbonate of soda is ineffective against most bacteria including salmonella E. coli and staphylococcus. Use caution when applying bicarb to aluminium cookware, and avoid if possible. Allowing bicarb to sit on the surface for too long can cause it to oxidise and change colour.
Also, make a simple routine part of your weekly cleaning: Sprinkle the toilet with cup of baking soda. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then spray or squirt with vinegar (a mild acid) to moisten. Scrub with a bowl brush and flush away [source: Niagara County].
When baking soda is mixed with vinegar, the acid breaks down baking soda, releasing carbon dioxide gas that can help lift dirt from the surfaces being cleaned.
It Tenderizes Meat
It's all about tenderization. Treating small pieces of meat with a baking soda solution before cooking is a technique seen quite often in Chinese cooking, especially in stir-fries.
Abbreviated colloquial forms such as sodium bicarb, bicarb soda, bicarbonate, and bicarb are common. The word saleratus, from Latin sal æratus (meaning "aerated salt"), was widely used in the 19th century for both sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate.
Aussies: This one's a classic and is used to describe Australians worldwide. Ozzies: A variation of Aussies; this one is more commonly used by Americans. Roo: Short for kangaroo, this term is used affectionately to refer to Australians.
Once the washer is filled, before the wash cycle starts, drop in a cup of vinegar. Let it dilute for a moment, then add a half of a cup of baking soda. Run the washer, and dry as normal. Your towels will be recharged and like new, or better than ever!
It is safe to leave baking soda (and vinegar) to work overnight to unclog a drain. Always flush this mixture down with boiling water—no matter how long you leave it sitting in the drain.
For really tough black mold removal, mix two parts baking soda with one part white vinegar and one part water. Stir the mixture until it becomes a thick paste. Spread your mixture liberally onto the surface and let it dry. Scrub away the black mold and stains, and wipe down with water.
Mix baking soda, a few drops of dish soap, and enough water to make a cleaning paste. Apply the paste liberally, let it sit for 20 minutes, then scrub the grout with a toothbrush and rinse.
Unfortunately, with more baking soda, a lot of it reacts, but some of it (the excess) is left behind, unreacted. This lingering baking soda affects the flavour, which seems "sharper" and too much baking soda might cause your cakes and cookies to taste soapy even.
So, if you're prone to mild tummy woes or just want to boost your overall well-being, Brandon recommends dissolving a teaspoon of baking soda in an eight-ounce glass of water in the morning to help maintain a healthy pH balance throughout the digestive system for optimal digestion, minimized acid reflux, and healthy ...