As long as I can remember there has been a box of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda in my house. When I was young, my grandmother always kept a fresh box of this inexpensive product in the refrigerator as a natural deodorant. What I did not know is that baking soda (also known as Sodium Bicarbonate) has a very long history and numerous uses. This product is a naturally occurring mineral called nahcolite, which is a component of another mineral known as natron. The baking soda we commonly use is not normally harvested from mineral springs, but more likely produced through a chemical process.

This review is being written in conjunction with Earth Day, so I would first like to address the long history of Baking Soda as a cleaning agent. Baking Soda is an excellent non-toxic product that can be used to treat stains. The chemical products that are commonly sold for stain treatment may contain many harmful chemicals, and many of them also contain baking soda...which can be mixed at home for a fraction of the cost. Baking Soda was also the primary agent used to clean the copper skin on the Statue of Liberty. It can be used to clean many metals but should not be used on aluminum as it is a reactive metal. Baking Soda can be used as shampoo and has been used as a mild soap during ancient times. Many toothpastes claim to use Baking Soda as a whitener...it can also be used as a salt to brush your teeth. Because Arm and Hammer has such a long history, I trust this brand over others.

In terms of the natural deodorizing properties of Baking Soda, Arm and Hammer has been a staple in my home ever since I started doing my own shopping. Arm and Hammer makes a small disc product for use in deodorizing refrigerators, but the formula is still basically the same. I prefer to stick with what I know, keeping an open box of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda in my refrigerator and freezer. The odor and moisture absorbing properties of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda can also be applied to an open room or carpeting. If you sprinkle it on your carpet and vacuum you will get the benefit of odor control without the heavy fragrances.

Arm and Hammer Baking Soda has other uses, too. It can relieve bee stings, treat acne or even elevate the PH Balance in your swimming pool. Because Baking Soda is a primary ingredient in dry (ABC) Fire Extinguishers it is helpful to keep a box in the kitchen (not over the oven) to put out a grease fire. You can put a small amount (1/4 to 1/2 cup) of Baking Soda in your bathtub drain every couple of weeks to prevent hair from clogging the drain. If you have ever purchased freshener for the cat litter box, you will notice it looks like fragranced baking soda...skip the fragrance and use straight baking soda...it will save you a ton of money. By adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to your whites, you can increase the cleaning power of the bleach. These two cleaners work well with each other. You can even use baking soda to Dry Clean your dog. Sprinkle a bit on their coat and brush them out for a natural deodorant.

Arm and Hammer Baking Soda can be purchased at WalMart for around a dollar per box. It is very inexpensive and can do the job of many of the household cleaners that cost much more money. In addition, Arm and Hammer Baking Soda is good for the environment. Although I am far from an Environmentalist, my carbon footprint isn't a drop in the bucket compared with Mr. Gore. Environmental stewardship belongs to the individual. Any small contribution we can make will pay benefits in the long run. Arm and Hammer Baking Soda is one small way we can contribute to a cleaner planet while saving a few dollars in the process. I would highly recommend Arm and Hammer Baking Soda giving it five stars out of a possible five.

This review is part of Pambo's Earth Day Write Off.

Recommended: Yes