The Power of FIZZ

Have you ever made a model volcano erupt? 

The kids LOVE it. Even The Boy, who has seen many mom-made volcanic eruptions, still loves the excitement of waiting for the fizz. The simple concoction of baking soda and vinegar is also a magical cleaning combo.

A couple of weeks ago I was rushing around the kitchen (like that's a surprise) and accidentally dropped the coffee filter basket (full of moist, used coffee grounds) on the floor. I pulled out the vacuum which picked up most the grounds but a brown stain remained on the carpet. I wish I had taken a before and after picture however it wasn't until the carpet started fizzing that I even thought about blogging this. I mean really, this is just every day life at my zoo. I just sprinkled baking soda on top of the stain and carefully poured the vinegar. Then watched the fizz. It's an exciting part of my day. I get really excited when the fizz turns coffee brown as it lifts the stain from the carpet. Pretty cool. After the fizz stopped, I blotted with a kitchen towel. Repeat if necessary.

Stain on the ground. Baking soda on the stain. Vinegar on the baking soda.

And the green grass grew all a round....wait. wrong song.

Today I cleaned my coffee maker using the old vinegar trick. I filled the water reservoir with vinegar and let it brew. After it was done brewing I sprinkled baking soda in the toilet and poured in half of the hot vinegar from the coffee pot. I let the fizz fester a moment and then scrubbed with a toilet brush. The remaining vinegar I poured into the baking-soda-filled-sink-drain. One pot of vinegar cleaned the coffee pot, the toilet and a sink drain. That's a multipurpose cleaner.


Baking soda and vinegar fizz also removes urine from couch cushions. Same principle as the removing carpet stains.The magic fizz will lift the stain...and the smell...to the top of the cushion. Sprinkle the offensive spot with baking soda, top with vinegar, watch it fizz and blot. Repeat until all urine smell is gone. The smell of vinegar will disappear once the cushion dries.


Who knew that the combination of two simple household staples could be powerful allies against dirt, grime and stains. The fizz is just a fun bonus.






Posted on Homestead Revival's Barn Hop and The Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop