ANNAM - Baking Soda is pure sodium bicarbonate (chemical formula NaHCO3), a fine white crystalline powder with mild alkalinity. It is a versatile, widely used household ingredient valued for culinary, cleaning and deodorizing applications. In cooking it acts as a chemical leavening agent: when combined with an acid (for example yogurt, lemon juice or vinegar) or exposed to heat, it releases carbon dioxide gas that helps batters and doughs rise. Outside the kitchen it functions as a gentle, non-scratching abrasive for cleaning, a neutralizer of odors and mild pH adjuster. Many people use baking soda for laundry boosting, stain treatment, fridge and carpet deodorizing, and simple personal-care tasks like a tooth-cleaning or foot-soak aid. Baking soda is commonly sold in food-grade form for culinary use, but because it contains sodium, large oral doses are not recommended and people with sodium-restricted diets or medical conditions should consult a healthcare professional before using it medicinally. Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to keep it free from moisture and odors.

For everyday use in the kitchen follow recipe measurements and mix baking soda into the dry ingredients so it distributes evenly; it will activate when it meets an acidic ingredient or heat. For cleaning make a paste of baking soda and a little water to gently scrub surfaces, or sprinkle dry onto carpets and upholstery, let sit to absorb odors for 15–30 minutes, then vacuum. To deodorize place an open container in the refrigerator or sprinkle a small amount into shoes or trash bins and remove after a few hours; for laundry add a small amount to the wash to help neutralize odors and boost cleaning power. For personal-care uses use sparingly (for example a pinch in a mouth rinse or a short foot soak), rinse thoroughly after use and stop if irritation occurs. Always test on a small, inconspicuous area before applying to delicate surfaces and keep the product out of reach of children and pets.