Baking soda, also known as bicarbonate of soda, sodium bicarbonate, sodium bicarb, and soda ash, is a non-toxic substance with limitless potential for use around the home. Baking soda's chemical name is NaHCO₃, and can be made by a reaction known as the Solvay process, which is the combination of calcium carbonate, sodium chloride, ammonia, and carbon dioxide in water.

The ancient Egyptians were the first to utilize the salty deposit they found in the bottom of dried river beds for making glassware and ornaments. Even still today, baking soda makes up roughly 15% of glass.

The Romans were responsible for first using baking soda in cooking, using it as a leavening agent in bread. Today, baking soda is still used widely in cooking and baking, as it releases carbon dioxide when heated, causing the dough or mixture to rise. In Africa it has been used over the ages as a vital ingredient for preserving food and improving the quality of meat.

The Solvay process (the second artificial process for producing baking soda) was developed by the chemist Ernest Solvay in the 1860's which was a more environmentally friendly process for creating baking soda, for which there was a considerable demand.

The second method for sourcing baking soda is to mine Trona ore, which is an accumulation of mineral deposits found on lake beds. This ore is treated by heating then cleaning, and finally it is sent through a carbon dioxide solution before it is ready to be packaged.

It is also interesting to know that baking soda is a chemical which is created by our bodies, and is used by our bodies to regulate acidity, for example it is produced in saliva to neutralise plaque on teeth. It also helps to neutralise excess stomach acids which can cause stomach ulcers, and it is important to transport carbon dioxide from body tissues back into the blood stream where it can be expelled by the body.

Baking soda is so useful and versatile because of it's chemical properties. It has a flexible molecular structure which allows it to be used as a mild abrasive. It is also an attractant, which makes it most useful when cleaning as it picks up the dirt. Because baking soda is an alkali, is can be used to neutralise acidic substances, and deodorize. When mixed with vinegar, baking soda reacts and fizzes (entertaining for children!) which can be used when cleaning.

Because of baking soda's non-toxic biodegradable properties, it can be used safely in almost every room in the house as a pest control method, as a cleaner, cooking agent, and a first aid box component.