In this text, we answer the question of what happens when you mix vinegar and baking soda. Read on to understand the chemistry behind the reaction and how you can use this mixture for practical household problems!
What happens if you mix vinegar and baking soda?
We get that question sometimes, and it's not surprising because it bubbles quite a bit when you mix these two, that's for sure.
The bubbles that form are carbon dioxide, so it's a gas. It won't explode, and it's not a dangerous gas that's formed, but the reaction is immediate and quite strong.
This can be a gentle way to clear a minor blockage in, for example, the sink. Pour a couple of tablespoons of baking soda into the sink, add about a deciliter of vinegar or other acid (anything acidic works), and it will start to bubble. When the bubbling subsides, pour in a pot of boiling water, all at once. If the blockage isn't too big, the mechanical movement from the reaction between the baking soda and the vinegar can loosen the blockage, and then the boiling water will clear the rest.
If it doesn't work, it's probably time to clean the sink trap!
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1. What happens when you mix vinegar and baking soda?
When vinegar and baking soda are mixed, carbon dioxide gas is formed, causing an immediate and strong bubbling reaction.
2. Is the carbon dioxide gas that is formed when mixing vinegar and baking soda dangerous?
No, the carbon dioxide gas that is formed is not dangerous.
3. Can you use other acidic liquids than vinegar to clear a blockage in the sink?
Yes, other acidic liquids such as wine vinegar can also be used to create the bubbling reaction with baking soda.