Baking soda is bicarbonate of soda, a top-quality leavening agent also known as sodium bicarbonate or sodium hydrogen carbonate.
In addition to carbon dioxide gas and bubbles, baking soda also yields a chewy texture that is essential to many baked goods—think of your favorite chocolate chip cookies.
Make an all-purpose cleaning spray: Make a mixture of ½ teaspoon dish soap, 1 teaspoon baking soda and 2 Tablespoons white vinegar in a spray bottle. Fill with warm water, shake and spray.
Deodorize, soften and whiten laundry: Add ½ cup baking soda to a load of laundry to help eliminate odors and naturally soften.