Baking soda. It does a lot of things in your home, but when you’re not using it for baking or cleaning, how do you store it?
What’s the best way to store baking soda so that it will be ready the next time you need to use it?
In this article, I’ll share with you 3 different ways to store baking soda. Hopefully, it will help you keep this friendly household helper fresher for longer.
Let’s begin.
Resealable Plastic Bags
Resealable plastic bags or ziplock bags are my go-to when storing baking soda. They’re readily available and fit easily inside the fridge.
I just write the expiration date on the surface of the plastic to make sure I know when to change my baking soda.
Glass containers with airtight lids
A glass container is another great option for storing baking soda. Glass is odor-free and won’t affect the taste or smell of your baking soda. It also looks great on most kitchen counters and comes in a variety of designs.
I personally prefer the clear ones. But feel free to use whatever suits your fancy. Just make sure the jar is airtight.
Airtight Plastic Containers
These bad boys are not just for picnics and meal preps. You can also store baking soda in one of these.
Most brands like Rubbermaid have airtight plastic containers. Again, just make sure it’s clean and odorless before you use it to store your baking soda. It’s a good idea to wash then dry it first before you use it.
Things to consider when storing baking soda
- Make sure the container is airtight, dry, and odorless. Baking soda naturally absorbs odors, so make sure that the container is as clean and dry as possible.
- The ideal temperature for storing baking soda is between 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit
- Always check the expiration date. Put a label on the container with the date to remind yourself when it’s time to throw away the baking soda. I like to use some tape and write the expiration date with a marker.
How to Tell if Baking Soda is Still Fresh
Here are some tips to know if your baking soda is still fresh:
- Check the expiration date: Baking soda typically has a shelf life of about two years from the date it was manufactured. Check the expiration date on the box or container to see if it’s still within this timeframe. If it’s expired, it’s time to replace it.
- Test its effectiveness: If your baking soda is still within its expiration date, but you’re not sure if it’s still fresh, you can test its effectiveness by mixing a teaspoon of baking soda with a tablespoon of vinegar. If it fizzes and produces a lot of bubbles, it’s still fresh. If there’s little to no reaction, it may have lost some of its potency.
- Check for clumping: Over time, baking soda can absorb moisture from the air and clump together. If you see clumps in your baking soda, it’s a sign that it may have absorbed too much moisture and may not be as effective.
- Look for discoloration: If your baking soda has a yellow or brownish tint, it may have started to degrade and lose its effectiveness. Fresh baking soda should be white or slightly off-white in color.
Common Storage Mistakes
Here are some of the most common storage mistakes people make when it comes to baking soda:
- Leaving it in its original cardboard box: Baking soda is often sold in cardboard boxes, but this packaging is not airtight and can allow moisture and odors to seep in, causing the baking soda to deteriorate more quickly. It’s best to transfer baking soda to an airtight container as soon as you open the box.
- Storing it near strong-smelling foods: Baking soda is known for its ability to absorb odors, so it’s important to keep it away from strong-smelling foods like onions or garlic. If you store baking soda near these types of foods, it can absorb the odors and affect the taste of your baked goods.
- Exposing it to heat and humidity: Heat and humidity can cause the baking soda to clump together and lose its effectiveness. It’s best to store baking soda in a cool, dry place away from sources of heat and humidity, such as the stove or dishwasher.
- Using a dirty measuring spoon: If you use a dirty measuring spoon to scoop baking soda out of the container, you can introduce moisture and bacteria to the baking soda, causing it to deteriorate more quickly. Always use a clean measuring spoon when measuring out the baking soda.
- Not replacing it often enough: Baking soda has a shelf life of about two years, but it can start to lose its effectiveness before that time if it’s not stored properly. It’s a good idea to replace your baking soda every six months to ensure that it’s still fresh and effective.
Do You Store Baking Soda in the Fridge or Freezer?
While it’s not necessary to store baking soda in the fridge or freezer, it can help extend its shelf life even further. Cool temperatures can help slow down any chemical reactions that could cause the baking soda to lose its effectiveness.
If you do choose to store baking soda in the fridge or freezer, it’s important to keep it in an airtight container to prevent any moisture or odors from seeping in. This is particularly important if you’re storing baking soda in the freezer, as the cold temperatures can cause any moisture to freeze and form ice crystals on the baking soda.
When you’re ready to use the baking soda, it’s important to let it come to room temperature before using it in your recipe. Using cold baking soda can affect the chemical reaction in your recipe, potentially leading to subpar results.
Overall, storing baking soda in the fridge or freezer is an optional step that can help extend its shelf life, but it’s not necessary as long as you store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Conclusion:
You can easily keep your baking soda fresh for years. Just give one of the storage methods above a try, and you’ll be using that box of baking soda for a long time. Unless you use it all for cleaning and baking, of course.
If you find this article helpful, check out my article on removing coffee stains from your carpet by using baking soda and vinegar.
Thank you for dropping by my blog.
Until next time!
-Baking Soda Guy
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Can I store baking soda in its original cardboard box?
A: It’s not recommended to store baking soda in its original cardboard box as it is not airtight and can allow moisture and odors to seep in, leading to quicker deterioration. Transfer baking soda to an airtight container once you open the box.
Q2: How often should I replace my stored baking soda?
A: Baking soda has a shelf life of about two years, but it’s best to replace it every six months to ensure it remains fresh and effective.
Q3: Is it essential to store baking soda away from strong-smelling foods?
A: Yes, baking soda’s ability to absorb odors can be a disadvantage if stored near strong-smelling foods like onions or garlic, as it may affect the taste of baked goods.
Q4: Can I store baking soda in the fridge or freezer to extend its shelf life?
A: While not necessary, storing baking soda in the fridge or freezer can help extend its shelf life. However, it’s crucial to keep it in an airtight container to prevent moisture and odors from affecting it.
Q5: Can I use baking soda that has clumped together?
A: If baking soda has clumped due to absorbing moisture, it may have lost some of its effectiveness. It’s best to use fresh, free-flowing baking soda for the best results.
Q6: Can I store baking soda in a container that previously held strong-smelling substances?
A: It’s important to ensure the container used to store baking soda is odorless and clean. Avoid using containers that previously held strong-smelling substances to prevent the baking soda from absorbing unwanted odors.
Q7: Can I mix baking soda with other substances for storage?
A: It’s best to store baking soda on its own and avoid mixing it with other substances or cleaning agents, as this could affect its properties and effectiveness.
Q8: Can I use expired baking soda for cleaning purposes?
A: Expired baking soda may have reduced effectiveness for cleaning purposes. It’s better to use fresh baking soda to ensure optimal cleaning results.
Q9: Can I store baking soda in a humid environment?
A: Baking soda should be stored in a cool, dry place away from heat and humidity, as excessive moisture can cause it to clump and lose its effectiveness.
Top Photo by Kaboompics .com from Pexels
Jar Photo by Universal Eye on Unsplash
