Put Lemon and Baking Soda in a Glass and Place It in a Room You Frequent. Here’s Why.

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Introduction

You may have heard of simple, natural home remedies that involve common kitchen ingredients like lemon and baking soda. One such popular household hack is putting lemon and baking soda together in a glass and placing it in a room you spend a lot of time in.

This may sound like a curious DIY trick or a vague cleaning tip, but it has several scientifically supported benefits for your indoor environment, health, and mood.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain exactly what happens when you combine lemon and baking soda in a glass, why placing this mixture in your room can be beneficial, how to make it, variations to try, and important safety considerations.

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1. What Happens When You Mix Lemon and Baking Soda?

The Chemistry Behind the Reaction

Lemon juice is acidic, primarily containing citric acid. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a mild base.

When lemon juice and baking soda are combined, they undergo an acid-base reaction:

• The acid (citric acid) reacts with the base (baking soda), producing carbon dioxide gas (CO₂), water, and a salt called sodium citrate.

Reaction equation simplified:

Citric Acid + Sodium Bicarbonate → Carbon Dioxide + Water + Sodium Citrate

This chemical reaction causes fizzing and bubbling due to the release of carbon dioxide.

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2. Why Place Lemon and Baking Soda in a Room?

While the fizzing itself won’t last forever (it usually subsides in minutes), the residual effects and properties of both lemon and baking soda make this simple mixture useful in several ways:

a) Natural Air Freshener & Odor Absorber

• Baking soda is widely known for its ability to absorb odors. It neutralizes acidic and basic odor molecules, effectively reducing bad smells.

• Lemon has a fresh citrus aroma and contains natural antibacterial and antiviral compounds that can help cleanse the air.

• Together, they provide a simple, non-toxic way to freshen and deodorize indoor spaces.

b) Improves Air Quality

• Lemon releases essential oils with antimicrobial properties, which can reduce airborne bacteria and fungi.

• Baking soda can help neutralize volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and airborne pollutants, making the air cleaner.

c) Mood and Mental Boost

• The scent of lemon is known to stimulate the nervous system, improve alertness, and boost mood.

• Natural fragrances can reduce stress and anxiety, contributing to better mental health.

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3. How to Make Lemon and Baking Soda Glass Mixture: Step-by-Step Recipe

Ingredients

• ½ lemon (freshly cut)

• 1 tablespoon baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)

• A glass or small bowl

Instructions

1. Prepare the Lemon
   Cut half a fresh lemon into wedges or slices. Fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best aroma and effect.

2. Add Lemon to Glass
   Place the lemon slices or wedges in the glass.

3. Add Baking Soda
   Carefully add 1 tablespoon of baking soda directly onto the lemon slices.

4. Observe the Reaction
   The mixture will start to fizz and bubble due to the acid-base reaction releasing carbon dioxide gas.

5. Place the Glass in Your Room
   Put the glass in a room where you spend a lot of time—such as your bedroom, living room, or office.

6. Replace Regularly
   The fizzing will subside within minutes to hours. Replace the lemon and baking soda mixture every 1-2 days for continuous effect.

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4. Benefits of Using Lemon and Baking Soda Mixture in Your Room

a) Natural Odor Control

• Eliminates common household odors like pet smells, cooking odors, smoke, and mildew.

b) Chemical-Free and Safe

• Unlike commercial air fresheners with synthetic fragrances and chemicals, this natural remedy is non-toxic and safe around children and pets.

c) Cost-Effective

• Uses inexpensive, readily available kitchen ingredients.

d) Easy to Prepare

• Requires no special skills or tools.

e) Enhances Mood and Alertness

• Lemon aroma can improve mental clarity, reduce stress, and uplift mood.

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5. Scientific Evidence Behind the Benefits

• Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate): Extensively studied for its neutralizing effects on acidic and basic compounds, including odors and air pollutants. It’s a standard ingredient in many cleaning and deodorizing products.

• Lemon and citrus essential oils: Research shows lemon oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties. It also contains limonene, a compound with anti-inflammatory and mood-enhancing effects.

• Aromatherapy: Lemon scent is well documented to have a positive effect on mood and cognitive performance in aromatherapy studies.

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6. Variations and Enhancements You Can Try

Add Essential Oils

• Add a few drops of lemon essential oil or other citrus oils for a stronger scent.

Add Herbs or Spices

• Mix in dried rosemary, lavender, or cinnamon sticks for added fragrance and antimicrobial properties.

Use Different Citrus Fruits

• Try lime, orange, or grapefruit slices for variety in aroma and effects.

Make a Spray Cleaner

• Mix lemon juice and baking soda with water in a spray bottle to clean surfaces and freshen the air.

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7. How to Use This Mixture in Different Rooms

Bedroom

• Place by your bedside to enjoy fresh air and improve sleep quality.

Kitchen

• Use to neutralize cooking odors and keep the air fresh.

Bathroom

• Helps absorb moisture and reduce mold odors.

Office

• Boost alertness and reduce stress during work hours.

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8. Safety Tips and Precautions

• Do not ingest the mixture as baking soda can be harmful in large amounts.

• Avoid placing the mixture near delicate surfaces that may be damaged by acid or moisture.

• Replace mixture frequently to prevent mold growth.

• Keep out of reach of children and pets to avoid accidental ingestion.

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9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does the lemon and baking soda mixture last?

The fizzing reaction lasts minutes, but the odor-absorbing and air-freshening effects can last 1-2 days.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is preferred for better aroma and natural oils, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch.

Will this get rid of strong odors?

It can reduce mild to moderate odors. For strong odors, combine with other cleaning methods.

Is this safe around pets?

Yes, this mixture is safe, but avoid letting pets ingest baking soda or lemon.

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10. Other Uses of Lemon and Baking Soda

• Natural cleaner for kitchen and bathroom surfaces

• Stain remover for clothes and fabrics

• Mouth rinse for fresh breath (with careful dilution)

• Skin exfoliant (use with caution)

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Conclusion

Putting lemon and baking soda in a glass and placing it in a room you frequent is a simple, natural, and effective way to freshen the air, absorb odors, and boost your mood.

This kitchen chemistry hack harnesses the power of acid-base reactions, natural citrus oils, and odor neutralization to improve your indoor environment without chemicals or cost.

Try this at home and enjoy a fresher, cleaner, and more uplifting atmosphere in your living or working space!