- Bicarbonate of soda was discovered around 1784 by the French chemist Nicolas LeBlanc but it was not brought to the United States until 1839. In 1846, friends Austin Church and John Dwight began the first manufacturing plant, calling it Arm & Hammer Baking Soda.
- Soiled shoes on carpet.boots on carpet image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
Carpets attract soil bacteria--mostly from shoes--that are looking for a nice warm area in which to migrate. Soil from the outside contains a host of living microorganisms and can leave a smelly realm of bacteria as it sinks into the fibers. Sprinkling a bit of bicarbonate of soda forces the acidic pH balance of bacteria to neutralize, eliminating odors. - Mop full of mildew.mop head image by green308 from Fotolia.com
After using a mop and placing it in a corner, a noticeable rank smell can develop from the moisture that the mop head fibers hold. Mix one gallon of water and four tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda to make a mixture and soak the mop head for two hours. Place a teaspoon of baking soda in a 32-ounce spray bottle and fill with water to clean and disinfect any surface. - Make a paste out of bicarbonate of soda and water and scour rust off of a porcelain tub or sink. The chemicals in the water that cause the organic presence of rust will become balanced and dissipate when coming in contact with baking soda. Baking soda is also ground to a finite powder that will not scratch the surface.
- In addition to dissolving offensive smells and disinfecting surfaces, bicarbonate of soda can be effective in removing stains, dried food from dishes and to keep drains clean. Place an open container of baking soda in the refrigerator to reduce smells that are created by moisture in a sealed environment. A bowl of baking soda placed under sinks where pipes sweat will help keep this area smelling fresh.
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