Why should you stir baking soda before using it?

Thank you for using the Jiskha Homework Help Forum. Do you mean to stir the baking soda in the box before you do anything with it? I had never heard that so I sent the question to Arm & Hammer. If anyone knows, they should!

I found this tip on the Arm & Hammer website and it is possibly why you asked the first question!

- Anywhere that moisture is a problem, such as cupboards under sinks, place a bowl of baking soda to help control humidity. You'll need to occasionally stir the powder for maximum effective life.

If it has been sitting on the shelf long, absorbing moisture, that would be a good reason to stir it!

You should stir baking soda before using it because over time, the baking soda particles tend to settle and compact, making it difficult to measure accurately. Stirring the baking soda helps to distribute it evenly, ensuring that you get consistent results in your recipes.

To stir baking soda before using it, follow these steps:

1. Open the container or box of baking soda.
2. Take a utensil, such as a spoon or a whisk, and insert it into the baking soda.
3. Gently stir the baking soda, making sure to mix it thoroughly.
4. Continue stirring until the baking soda looks uniform and there are no clumps or compacted areas.
5. Once the baking soda is evenly distributed, you can proceed to measure and use it in your recipe.

By taking the time to stir the baking soda, you can guarantee that it will be properly dispersed and you will achieve the desired results in your baked goods or other applications.