Soda Crystals Baking Soda

It is harsh. On painted walls, it stripped the paint. On aluminum pans, it turned them black (a chemical reaction). It will dry out your hands if you don’t wear gloves. Also, it is useless as a leavening agent—do not try to cook with this.

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are often treated like twins, but they are more like cousins with very different personalities. While they share a chemical foundation, understanding their unique strengths is the key to a truly "deep" clean. The Chemistry: A Tale of Two Alkalies soda crystals baking soda

Fine, soft, white powder. It feels silky. Unlike the aggressive crystals, this feels safe enough to put in your mouth (and indeed, you do). It is harsh

This is a mild alkali. It is gentle enough to be used in cakes as a leavening agent and safe enough to use as toothpaste. Its pH level is typically around 8 or 9. It will dry out your hands if you don’t wear gloves