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10+ Fun and Easy Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiments

They explode, they erupt, they are messy and boy are they fun! What could cause so much excitement? That’s right, baking soda and vinegar experiments. Go beyond the old baking soda and vinegar volcanoes and discover a world of new experiments to thrill your kids!

Chemistry for Kids – Sodium Bicarbonate and Vinegar Reactions

What you will discover in this article!

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We love science experiments around here, but, often for my own sanity, we keep things easy, by just playing with variations of our favourite physics or chemistry reactions. One of our all time favourites is the simple baking soda and vinegar experiments.

Immediately, I am sure you are thinking of the old fashion Baking Soda and Vinegar Volcanoes we all built as children. We love that experiment too, but you can do lots of other things with this awesome reaction that don’t involve a whole lot of paper mache construction.

A quick note for those not in North American. Baking Soda is also known as Sodium Bicarbonate in many parts of the world.

The Science

These activities explore the popular baking soda and vinegar reaction, which is a simple acid-base chemical reaction. Vinegar or Acetic Acid has the chemical formula CH 3 COOH. Baking Soda, is a base also known as Sodium Bicarbonate or Sodium Bicarb, has the chemical formula ‎NaHCO 3 . During this reaction the products are sodium acetate (CH 3 COONa). Sodium acetate is made of 1 sodium ion, 2 carbon atoms, 3 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms. The other products are water (H 2 O) and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ). Carbon dioxide is the gas that causes the bubbling during the reaction.

Here is the chemical formula of this reaction

CH 3 COOH (l) + NaHCO 3 (s) → CH 3 COONa (aq) + H 2 O (l) + CO 2 (g) acetic acid (vinegar) + sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) -> sodium acetate + water + carbon dioxide

Is the reaction endothermic or exothermic?

It takes energy to break the chemical bonds in baking soda and vinegar. When this happens energy is released when the carbon dioxide, sodium acetate, and water are formed. Since more energy was needed to break the baking soda and vinegar apart, the temperature goes down . This is called an endothermic reaction. That means Baking Soda and Vinegar reactions are endothermic.

Now we know the science, let’s dig into some fun experiments!

Here are our top 10 favourite baking soda and vinegar experiments that the kids love doing over and over and over again! The best part, most of these are super easy science experiments. Great for those afternoons when you need a quick, fun project that will appeal to any age.

Measuring Chemical Reactions – Fireworks Experiment

Baking soda and vinegar is the perfect reaction to start learning some basic chemistry principles including how to measure a chemical reaction. In this experiment we have a fun Fireworks inspired reaction (great for July 4th), followed by a deep dive into chemistry as kids learn how to measure a chemical reaction with simple kitchen supplies.

Bottle Rockets

Building Bottle Rockets is such a fun activity for all ages, but especially as a year end celebration or summer camp activity. With this activity we are exploring the pressure and physics caused by a contained baking soda and vinegar reaction. And the results are spectacular!!

Greenhouse Effect Experiment

This powerful experiment demonstrates the heat capturing properties of greenhouse gases. An excellent project to do for Earth Day or as part of a unit study on environmental sciences and climate change. Create the Greenhouse Effect in a jar .

Hatching Dino Eggs

One of our most popular activities with everyone from the very young to the young at heart are these little Dino Eggs. Everyone dreams of hatching their very own dinosaur baby and in this fun activity you make it happen with a fizzy, fun and gorgeous chemical reaction.

Erupting Rainbow Rocks

Erupting rainbow rocks are a gorgeous, colourful science experiment that is so easy to do. Be prepared for lots of squeals of excitement and gasps of wonder as the rainbow of colours magically appear in the fizz!

Erupting Black Hole Science

We love studying space around here, and this is a fantastic activity for your star gazers and aspiring space travelers. Inspired by the first photographs of a black hole, we created this fun and interactive Space STEM Activity – Erupting Black Holes !

Magic Color Changing Oobleck

Imagine changing the colour of something, simply with chemistry. This Colour Changing Oobleck activity was not originally meant to be a baking soda and vinegar reaction, in fact we were simply setting out to test pH. Then we saw those fizzy little reactions as our Oobleck changed colour. Accidental discoveries in science are so much fun!

Baking Soda vs Baking Powder

Got a budding scientist on your hands that wants to run their very own science lab? This is a fantastic activity for kids to put their investigation skills to the test. Make sure you use test tubes and beakers for the best lab experience. Don’t forget the lab coat. Your young scientists will love this investigative activity exploring the differences between baking soda and baking powder .

Balloon Science

Like our bottle rockets, in this activity we are capturing the CO2 gases that result from a baking soda and vinegar reaction. Using our STEM skills we tested different ratios to see how it affects the inflating of our balloons. We have done this experiment for Groundhog Day and Halloween . It is great fun and can be easily adapted for any theme and is super easy to do.

Volcano Slime

After years of failure we finally found success making slime with contact lens solution and baking soda. Well it didn’t take long for the kids to start asking… what would happen if we added vinegar? And our Erupting Volcano Slime was born!

Puking Pumpkin Volcano

Take your fall Halloween celebrations to a new level of “EEEWWWW” with Puking Pumpkin Volcanoes ! This simple activity always delights the kids.

Apple Volcano Experiment

This Apple Volcano is perfect for Back to School and Fall Science. Kids love Apple Science Experiments, and this colorful one is always popular.

Christmas Tree Chemistry

This is a great Christmas STEAM activity , but if you need something for a different time of year, simply switch out your Silicone Molds to change the theme of this activity for any holiday or event. We’ve done it for Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day, Dinosaur themed and more. Kids get to decorate their Christmas Tree then make it erupt in a colourful chemical reaction.

Invisible Ink

Another fun use of acids and bases is to make invisible ink . This is such a fun experiment with big wow moments for kids!

Art from Science Galaxy Project

Combine these incredible chemical reactions with a fun art project in this easy activity that is perfect for STEAM club or to celebrate the night skies. We had so much fun making these Galaxy art prints .

Have a great time exploring the amazing reaction between baking soda and vinegar! Your kids are going to have a blast!

Ready to dig into more Chemistry learning in a fun, interactive way? Try our Periodic Table of Elements BINGO game!

Have fun learning and exploring with chemistry!

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Learn about Reactions with This Vinegar and Baking Soda Experiment

Take a peek in your pantry. Do you have baking soda and vinegar? If so, you and your kids have the basic supplies for a bubbly science experiment! 

These two products are staples in many households because they are essential cooking ingredients. , Baking soda helps baked goods rise, and a pinch or two will balance the acidity in dishes like tomato soup. Vinegar is a common ingredient in salad dressings and sauces, and a splash will elevate any dish in need of a bright, tangy flavor.

But can you mix vinegar and baking soda together? You sure can—and the result is a wonderful at-home science experiment. Vinegar and baking soda create a very effective cleaner for dishwashers, washing machines, clogged sinks, and even tile grout because of the chemical reaction that occurs when the two substances interact. You can harness this same reaction for an exciting chemistry activity!

The Science behind the Reaction

A baking soda and vinegar reaction is simple and safe for budding scientists of all ages. Older children may be curious about why the reaction occurs—here’s the rundown:

When combined, baking soda and vinegar undergo an acid-base reaction. Acids and bases are aqueous solutions (meaning they’re substances dissolved in water) that exist at opposite ends of the pH (potential of hydrogen) scale, which spans from 0 to 14. Acids measure between 0 and 7 and bases measure between 7 and 14, while a pH of 7 indicates a neutral substance. In simple terms, bases have the potential to gain hydrogen ions (an ion is a type of atom, one of the tiny building blocks that make up all matter), while acids have the potential to donate hydrogen ions to another substance.

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, has a pH level of 9, making it a base. Vinegar, which is acetic acid dissolved in water, has a pH level of 2–3, making it an acid. , Baking soda is made up of sodium, hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen atoms. Vinegar is made up of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen atoms.

When you mix baking soda and vinegar together, two hydrogen atoms move from the vinegar to the baking soda to create a salt called sodium acetate. The remaining atoms create a new acid—but it breaks down quickly into water and carbon dioxide gas.

It’s Time for an Experiment

Your kids can witness an acid-base chemical reaction right in your kitchen. This baking soda experiment for kids combines vinegar and baking soda, then uses the resulting carbon dioxide gas to inflate a balloon. This same reaction is behind science projects like fizzy potions and DIY volcanoes .

Children of all ages can participate in every step of this experiment, but younger kids may need help from an adult. You know your kid scientists’ abilities best!

Vinegar and Baking Soda Experiment

• ⅓ cup baking soda
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 empty plastic water or soda bottle
• 1 uninflated balloon
• 1 funnel 
• Use the funnel to fill the uninflated balloon with baking soda. Kids can help pour the baking soda while an adult holds the funnel and balloon. 
• Pour the vinegar into the empty plastic bottle. Fit the opening of the balloon over the mouth of the bottle, trying not to spill any baking soda out of the balloon.
• Once the balloon is securely attached to the bottle with no gaps for air to escape, lift the balloon and let the baking soda fall into the vinegar below.
• Watch as the baking soda and vinegar react—the mixture will bubble and fizz. As the reaction takes place, the balloon should begin to expand and fill with carbon dioxide gas!

Using the Scientific Method

The balloon experiment is an excellent way to show your children the wonders of chemistry from the comfort of home. You can build on their learning by teaching them to follow the scientific method. This process is what scientists around the world use to construct and test their hypotheses (what they think will happen in an experiment).

Help your children navigate the following steps:

• Identify a problem or question: Ask your kids, “What do you think will happen to the balloon when we combine vinegar and baking soda?” 
• Form a hypothesis : Encourage your children to guess how the vinegar and baking soda will react—and how that reaction will affect the balloon. Help them frame their hypothesis using the “if _____, then _____” format. For example: If the baking soda and vinegar mix, then bubbles will form and the balloon will expand.
• Conduct the experiment : Follow the steps in the experiment above to test their hypotheses. 
• Collect and analyze the results: Help your kids monitor how the experiment plays out. Older children can make notes, while young ones may want to take photos or draw pictures of the experiment.
• Provide a conclusion: Ask your kids if their hypotheses were correct. If they were, great! If not, ask them how the experiment differed from what they expected. Remember: Science is all about making wrong guesses and learning from them. Help your young chemists understand that an incorrect hypothesis is just as good as a correct one.

You and your kids can apply the scientific method to all kinds of at-home science experiments. There are plenty of family-friendly activities to grow your children’s interest in chemistry. For example, you could test whether a substance is acidic or basic using cabbage and water , or using carbon dioxide gas to create a miniature “snowstorm.”   

If your kids have a passion for experiments, sign them up for a science-based subscription box from Little Passports. The Science Junior box , designed for five-to-eight-year-olds, helps early elementary schoolers explore the wonders of science firsthand. Science Expeditions teaches children ages eight and up about more advanced scientific topics, such as aerodynamics and solar energy. Each month you’ll receive a box full of activities and discoveries to help your budding scientists flourish and grow.

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Fun & Easy Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiments for Kids

Krystal DeVille

August 1, 2023

One of the simplest but satisfying DIY science experiments is the baking soda and vinegar reaction.

From volcanoes to bottle rockets, this experiment packs a punch. Fun for kids (and adults) of all ages, the baking soda, and the vinegar experiment are fun ways to learn about chemical reactions.

Table of Contents

How Baking Soda & Vinegar Reaction Works – a Simple Explanation

When baking soda and vinegar come together, a chemical reaction occurs. Chemical reactions are a process where two different things come together to make something new.

In this chemical reaction baking soda and vinegar make bubbles of carbon dioxide gas. The chemical reaction is what makes the mixture fizz.

How The Reaction Works – A Complex Explanation

Baking soda and vinegar experiments are an endothermic, acid-base reaction. Baking soda is the base , and vinegar is the acid .

What’s a Base:

In chemistry, a base is a chemical species which donates electrons, takes protons, or releases hydroxide (OH-) ions in an aqueous solution. Bases display specific characteristic properties which may be utilized to help identify them. ( Definition from ThoughtCo.com )

They are usually slippery to the touch (e.g., soap), may taste bitter, react with acids to form salts, and catalyze particular reactions.

What’s an Acid:

An acid is a chemical species which donates protons or hydrogen ions and/or takes electrons . Most acids have a hydrogen atom ensured that may discharge (dissociate) to give a cation and an anion in water.

The higher the concentration of hydrogen ions generated by an acid, the greater its acidity and the lower the pH of the solution. ( Definition from ThoughtCo.com )

When baking soda and vinegar are mixed, it releases an unstable substance called carbonic acid. The carbonic acid breaks down into carbon dioxide gas and water. As the gas quickly leaves the water, the substance fizzes.

The process is endothermic, which means the reaction absorbs heat from its’ environment. This energy is what activates the chemical reaction. Endothermic reactions are cold, which is why the baking soda and vinegar mixture becomes cold to touch.

Kids Science Activity With Baking Soda and Vinegar

Now that we have the reason for the reaction with baking soda and vinegar, let’s get into the fun part, science experiments!

Easy Baking Soda and Vinegar Reaction

This first one will be very straight forward with only a few things needed. Your basically just mixing the chemicals together with different ratios each time and documenting with ratio gives the biggest reaction.

Supplies Needed

Here is what you will need for a successful baking soda and vinegar reaction:

• Baking Soda. (This is a big bag of baking soda we used from Amazon)
• White Vinegar. (This is the bottle of White Vinegar we used fro Amazon but you should be able to find it easy at a supermarket too)
• A Container (I.E., a plastic bottle or a water cup)
• Food Coloring (optional, but it can add fun to the experiment. Using different food colorings (Amazon link) is a great way to compare experiments). You can also find this at just about any supermarket as well.
• Table Spoon or Measuring Cup (this will depend on your container’s size and how big of a reaction you want to see).

Step By Step Process

Now, here’s how you do it:

Fill your container with baking soda. If your container is on the smaller side, I recommend one tablespoon of baking soda.

If you are using a large container, you could add more baking soda. Experiment with different amounts to find out what creates the most fizz.

Now, you’ll need to add vinegar. The more vinegar, the more explosive the reaction (unless you add TOO much).

A 12 to 1 ratio of vinegar to baking soda is a good place to start. So, if you used one tablespoon of baking soda, add 12 tablespoons of white vinegar.

Watch your creation fizz and bubble! Try experimenting with different ratios of vinegar and baking soda to add to the learning experience.

Notice the reaction times of the baking soda and vinegar when you change the amounts used. How are they similar? How are they different?

Rainbow Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiment

This experiment was more for my five-year-old daughter but it turned out my eight-year-old son loved it too.

I thought this one was going to get a little messy so we took it outside. It’s also a good idea if your kids are in play clothes just in case they get a little wild with this STEM experiment.

If you’re already going to have everything out from doing the basic experiment from above you might as well do this one too; my kids loved this one!

• Baking soda & Vinegar (of course right!?) (Both links go to Amazon)
• A baking sheet to spread the baking soda. A baking sheet works well.
• Food coloring.
• A small dropper like this one from Amazon, bright color droppers.
• This is optional because we wanted to see how half the baking sheet would react with Pure Citric Acid. (Amazon link)

Fill the baking tray up with baking soda. Make sure to put a smooth layer covering the pan evenly.

Add droplets of food coloring in different spots. Use different colors to surprise your kids when doing to experiment.

Use a thin layer of baking soda to cover up the food coloring droplets. This layer doesn’t need to be that thick.

Take the baking sheet outside or in a safe area, use the dropper with vinegar to find the area with the food coloring. Kids will find it fun to discover where the different colors are on the baking sheet hiding in the baking soda.

Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon Experiment

This is another fun chemistry science experiment kids will love! Watching a balloon fill up from a chemistry got a big reaction from my kids.

• A plastic bottle. We used a water bottle, (16oz).
• Baking Soda & Vinegar (Amazon links). A 12 to 1 ratio of vinegar to baking soda is a good place to start.
• A balloon of any color.
• A funnel to easily fill the ballon with baking soda.

Use the funnel to add baking soda inside the balloon. We also tried it the other way of filling the balloon with vinegar but the kids spilled some vinegar that way.

Fill the plastic bottle with vinegar.

Secure the lip of the balloon on the top of the plastic bottle. Make sure not to spill any of the baking soda in the bottle yet or the chemical reaction will happen before you fully secure the balloon.

My kids had a bit of trouble getting the balloon on so you’ll have to help with this step.

Tilt the baking soda inside the balloon into the bottle of vinegar!

If you’d like to check out another fun kids’ chemistry experiment, click to see our, Exploding Colors Experiment with Baking Soda & Vinegar. Also, our 6 Simple Chemistry Experiments for Kids That You Can Do at Home .

Baking Soda Rocket

This is a fun one my kids really enjoyed. You can see when the rocket took off, and it caught them off guard.

You can build a rocket from stuff you have at home already, but we decided to buy a kit with the rocket already. If you want to check out the baking soda rocket kit, we ended up getting, you can follow this link to see the current price.

The kit will come with instructions but you’re going to set your base on solid grown, away from anything you don’t want messy.

Put vinegar in the bottle. Then add the baking soda. Quickly push the cork down into the opening. Set the rocket down, and a few seconds later, the rocket will take off.

Safety Tips

Remember to use basic safety precautions when trying this experiment. At large amounts, this can be somewhat explosive (in a good way). If you have limited space, try using smaller amounts of each substance.

If you are trying for a HUGE reaction, go outside. Eye protection is highly recommended when performing this experiment, especially at high volumes.

Don’t stand directly over the container – make sure to keep your distance. Have plenty of towels and clean up supplies ready to go.

Questions and Answers About Mixing Baking Soda and Vinegar Together

What Happens When You Mix Vinegar and Baking Soda Together?

When you mix baking soda and vinegar, a chemical reaction occurs. The chemical reaction creates carbon dioxide gas, which causes the mixture to fizz.

What Affects the Rate of the Baking Soda and Vinegar Reaction?

Temperature will affect the rate of the baking soda and vinegar reaction. Higher temperatures will cause a faster reaction, while colder temperatures will cause a slower reaction.

Does Baking Soda and Vinegar Get Hot?

No, baking soda and vinegar will actually get cold. This is because it is an endothermic reaction, which consumes energy.

What Is the Chemical Reaction of Vinegar and Baking Soda Called?

The chemical reaction of vinegar and baking soda is called an acid-base reaction. When an acid (vinegar) is combined with a base (baking soda), it creates something new (carbon dioxide gas).

Wrapping Up

We like that these are simple and relatively mess free science experiments you can do at home. There’s a ton of ways of mixing baking soda and vinegar together, but let us know what you and your family found to be the best way down in the comments!

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What is the Baking Soda and Vinegar Reaction?

February 8, 2020 By Emma Vanstone Leave a Comment

If you’ve ever made an erupting volcano model you most likely used the baking soda and vinegar reactio n to make it erupt. Baking soda and vinegar react to neutralise each other ( vinegar is an acid and baking soda an alkali ) releasing carbon dioxide which is the bubbles of gas you see. If you add a little washing up liquid ( dish soap ) the foam becomes thick, a little like lava!

This reaction is used for lots of fun science experiments including popping bags and blowing up balloons .

Baking Soda and Vinegar Reaction Equation

Baking soda + vinegar —-> carbon dioxide + water + sodium ion + acetate ion.

You can read more about the chemistry behind the reaction here .

Try an experiment!

Now you know the science behind the reaction why not try one of our many explosive baking soda and vinegar experiments .

One of our favourites is fizzy colour changing potions ! These use red cabbage indicator for the colour changing part and the vinegar and baking soda reaction to make the fizz!

Frozen baking soda ice cubes are great fun too!

More easy science for kids

Don’t forget I’ve got 100s more easy science activities and experiments for kids to try! We’ve got STEM challenges , kitchen science experiments and lots of ideas for science at home !

If you try any I’d love to see them so please do share on social media and tag @sciencesparks.

Last Updated on September 28, 2023 by Emma Vanstone

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Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

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Hands On As We Grow®

Hands on kids activities for hands on moms. Focusing on kids activities perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.

35 Exploding Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiments for Kids of All Ages

Science Toddlers Grade School Kindergartners Preschoolers Experiment Kitchen Resources 3 Comments

Try one of these 35 science experiments that you can do with two simple ingredients you probably already have at home – baking soda and vinegar.

Simple science experiments are great for all ages.

They don’t always go as planned.

But that’s part of experimenting and learning.

Adjust accordingly and try again.

I am more likely to do science experiments that use basic household supplies.

After all, who wants to wait to go shopping before doing a science experiment?

Don’t let the excitement of doing an experiment fizzle away.

Mixing baking soda and vinegar is a blast, so you are sure to enjoy these 35 science experiments for kids.

Before even starting, figure out the best baking soda to vinegar ratio.

We did it and discovered that using 12 parts vinegar to 1 part baking soda resulted in the biggest fizziest explosions.

See the details here: Mega Baking Soda to Vinegar Ratio Experiment

Erupting Volcanoes with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Go with the flow with these erupting baking soda and vinegar volcano experiments.

I hope you lava them as much as I do!

Keep the mess to a minimum by going outside or keeping the volcanoes contained in a baking dish.

• Create an erupting apple volcano as seen on Little Bins for Little Hands. Then check out these 40 easy apple activities for kids to experiment, create, and learn for more apple themed learning.
• Scoop out the insides of a watermelon for a watermelon volcano shown on Natural Beach Living. And then enjoy a yummy snack when done.
• Fill a tray with plastic egg volcanoes found on Little Bins for Little Hands.
• Repurpose a salt shaker for a salt shaker volcano as seen on Science Kiddo. Wrap the baking soda in tissue paper, toss it in the vinegar, and quickly put the lid on to create a geyser of baking soda and vinegar.
• Practice colors with a color changing volcano shown on Preschool Inspirations. A video is available to watch this active volcano.
• Use small containers for a rainbow volcano found on Messy Little Monster. Pair this activity with a frozen rainbow science experiment for kids .
• Be wowed with a colorful volcano as seen on Hello Wonderful. Making a sensory bin with this erupting volcano is a hands-on creative idea.
• Build a homemade volcano shown on Fun With Mama. A plastic or glass bottle and some sand work great.
• Construct a ketchup volcano found on Kindergarten Worksheets and Games. Ketchup has vinegar in it, so technically, this is another vinegar and baking soda experiment. Plus it’s red like lava!

Dancing with Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiments

You put a little boogie in a tissue to make it dance.

But how do you make apple seeds , popcorn seeds, raisins, rice, gummy worms, and candy dance?

Try these baking soda and vinegar experiments! What else can you make dance?

• Use the apple seeds from the erupting apple volcano experiment for dancing apple seeds as seen on J Daniel 4’s Mom.
• Become a magician with dancing popcorn seeds found on Little Bins for Little Hands. Abracadabra!
• Experiment with dancing raisins shown on Science Sparks. Do raisins sink or float?
• Add color to a dancing rice experiment as seen on Green Kid Crafts. Do all kinds of rice dance?
• Cut gummy worms in quarters and soak them in baking soda for this dancing worms experiment as seen on Playdough to Plato. Does it matter how long you soak the worms in baking soda?
• Start a conversation with these dancing candy hearts found on Kindergarten Worksheets and Games. What other candy can you make dance?

FREE Science Experiments Download!

Creating Art with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Don’t draw the line with baking soda and vinegar experiments just yet. Create some fizzy, popping art work!

• Mix together some baking soda paint as seen on Housing a Forest. Spread this thick, goopy paint on to cardboard or thick paper with a spatula.
• Create some fizzy art found on Typically Simple. No pipette, no problem! Try using a medicine syringe or a turkey baster.
• Explore space with fizzy galaxy art shown on The Pinterested Parent. It’s a beautiful out-of-this world creation.
• Play with a fizzy painting as seen on Rainy Day Mum. Messy but fun!
• Make rainbow art found on The Best Ideas for Kids. The colors might all mix together in the process, but that’s okay!
• Build a textured fizzling volcano as seen on The Craft at Home Family. A free template is available.

Experimenting More with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Who knew you could do so many experiments with baking soda and vinegar? Here are even more simple baking soda and vinegar experiments to try at home with kids.

• Assemble a fizzy sensory bin found on Wild Flower Ramblings. Add shells, little rocks, and toy underwater creatures for an ocean theme.
• Experiment with color reaction using baking soda and vinegar! What color does blue and yellow make? Green!
• Learn what ratio of vinegar and baking soda creates the best chemical reaction with a ratio experiment . Chart your results.
• Become a mad scientist in a fizzy potion lab found on Little Passports. Any cup should work.
• Blow up a balloon without using your mouth. Will the filled balloons fall to the ground or rise in the air once they are tied shut?
• Uncover a magic treasure rock shown on Growing a Jeweled Rose. What treasure will you find?
• Compare frozen vinegar with frozen baking soda as seen on Play of the Wild. This is a great hands-on chemistry experiment.
• Build a chemical reaction car found on Left Brain Craft Brain. Does the amount of baking soda and vinegar affect the speed?
• Blast off with a launching rocket as seen on Babble Dabble Do. Does the weight of the rocket affect the distance it travels?
• Play in water with a STEAM boat shown on Tiny Beans. Anchors away!
• Decorate a STEAM sailboat found on 123 Homeschool 4 Me. Does the design of the boat matter?
• Investigate clean and green pennies as seen on Mom Brite. Make pennies sparkle and turn them green with this experiment.
• See a disappearing egg shell shown on Premeditated Leftovers. Simply put an egg in a jar of vinegar and wait a couple of days.
• Watch all of the bubbles form with this disappearing sea shells activity found on Little Bins for Little Hands. A shell in vinegar for a little bit is a clean shell. But left in vinegar for too long, it may disappear!

What is your favorite baking soda and vinegar activity?

About Brigitte Brulz

Brigitte Brulz is a homeschooling mom of two daughters, wife of her high school sweetheart, and author of Jobs of a Preschooler and Pickles, Pickles, I Like Pickles. She offers free coloring pages and activity ideas on her website at BrigitteBrulz.com .

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Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiment

This classic science experiment is always a favorite activity for kids. And it’s easy to put together too! You only need baking soda, food coloring, water and vinegar. Kids will loving making this fizzy rainbow.

RELATED: Rain Cloud in a Jar

Rainbow Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiment

Kids love doing this easy science experiment. Not only is it a fun activity but it’s a great learning exercise too. They also get to practice fine motor work by using a pipette or dropper.

To save steps, you can also do this experiment by using regular baking soda shaped into a rainbow. Then just add a few drops along the arches of the food coloring.

The Science

What happens when you mix vinegar and baking soda?

You see the bubbling and foaming but what is causing this reaction? The baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a base while the vinegar (acetic acid) is an acid and what you are seeing is an acid/base reaction. Initially, the reaction makes carbonic acid which is unstable and breaks down into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water which is what creates all of the fizzing and bubbles as the gas leaves the water.

Supplies Needed to do a Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiment

– Baking Soda – we like this large 5 lb bag for activities

– Food Coloring Gel (one in each color of the rainbow) – we like to use this liquid food coloring gel since it’s concentrated and makes the colors really vibrant

– Dropper

– Water

– Vinegar

Watch the Video Tutorial Here!

How to do a fizzy baking soda and vinegar experiment.

1. Start by placing 1 cup of baking soda into a bowl.

2. In a pouring cup, add 3 tablespoons of water. Mix in 1-2 drops of red food coloring into the water. If using regular food coloring, you may need to add more drops to make it more vibrant.

3. Pour the food colored water into the bowl with baking soda and mix until the baking soda is dyed.

It should still be a powdery-like texture and look like the following:

Repeat the above steps for Yellow and Orange. 

For Green, Blue and Purple , mix only 1/2 cup of baking soda to 1.5 tablespoons of water (you don’t need as much of these colors to make the rainbow so you can halve the recipe above.

4.  Lay out the colors onto a white tray or baking sheet. Protect your table if needed so the food coloring does not go onto your table.

5.  Put vinegar in a bowl and then let kids use a dropper to drop the vinegar onto the rainbow.

Kids love seeing the reaction the baking soda and vinegar makes together!

We love how easy this science experiment is to set up. And kids love to use the droppers to make the vinegar/baking soda reaction.

The rainbow version is a lot of fun to try! We hope you enjoy this easy science experiment!

More Science Experiments

Try this fun and easy Grow a Rainbow Experiment . You only need washable markers and paper towel!

For another fun experiment, make some oobleck! 

Try a rainbow rain cloud in the jar experiment!

Related Ideas:

Cloud Dough

The BEST Playdough Recipe

How to Make Slime With Contact Solution

50+ Christmas Crafts for Kids

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Baking Soda and Vinegar: A Fun Science Experiment for Kids

The Magic of Baking Soda and Vinegar: A Fun Science Experiment for Kids

Have you ever wondered what happens when you mix baking soda and vinegar? It's a classic science experiment that's both fun and educational, perfect for kids of all ages. In this blog post, we'll explore the science behind this reaction and provide you with a step-by-step guide to try it out yourself.

The Science Behind the Fizz

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a base. Vinegar, on the other hand, is an acid. When these two substances come into contact, they react to form carbon dioxide gas, water, and sodium acetate. The carbon dioxide gas is what causes the fizzing and bubbling that we see.

This reaction is called an acid-base reaction, and it's a fundamental concept in chemistry. Understanding acid-base reactions is crucial for learning about how things work in the world around us, from the chemistry of our bodies to the processes that occur in nature.

A Fun and Easy Experiment

Here's what you'll need to perform this experiment:

• Baking soda
• A glass or jar

Here's how to do it:

• Pour some vinegar into the glass or jar.
• Add a spoonful of baking soda to the vinegar.
• Watch as the mixture fizzes and bubbles!

You can experiment with different amounts of baking soda and vinegar to see how the reaction changes. You can also try adding different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar, to see how the reaction changes.

Safety First!

Always supervise young children when performing this experiment. Make sure they don't put the baking soda or vinegar in their mouths or eyes. And remember, this is just a fun and educational activity. It's not a replacement for real science lessons.

Learning Beyond the Fizz

This simple experiment is a great way to introduce kids to the concepts of acids, bases, and chemical reactions. You can use this experiment as a starting point for further exploration. For example, you can talk to your kids about how baking soda is used in baking, or how vinegar is used in cleaning. You can also encourage them to research other chemical reactions that occur in everyday life.

By exploring the world of science through fun and engaging activities like this, you can help kids develop a love for learning and a curiosity about the world around them.

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Baking Soda and Vinegar Science Experiments

Kids love easy science experiments you can do with baking soda and vinegar. When baking soda and vinegar combine, you get an incredible chemical reaction everyone will want to try. Check out our top baking soda and vinegar science experiments for preschool through middle school.

Take a look at how we give this classic science experiment a twist with the activities below. These are our favorite ways to explore a fizzing reaction. Use this safe experiment as an easy way to introduce a chemical reaction to younger kids.

See our list of preschool science experiments and elementary science experiments .

All you need are a few simple ingredients you may already have in your kitchen! Baking soda, vinegar, and a little food coloring will keep your kids busy for quite a while. We have also included a few other ingredients that react with baking soda to make it fizz. Find unique ways to enjoy this fun experiment any day of the year!

💡 You can easily try this experiment at home or in a classroom, making it easy to do!

Free Printable Fizzy Reactions Guide

If you love mixing baking soda and vinegar, look through the experiments below and grab the free printable baking soda and vinegar fizzy reactions guide !

Apple Volcano

Grab an apple that’s ready to be composted and try this fall theme baking soda and vinegar activity!

Baking Soda and Cranberry Juice

What happens when you add cranberry juice to baking soda? Fizzing cranberries ! What about lemon juice or lime juice like this Lemon Volcano ? Find out with these citric acid experiments.

Baking Soda Fizzy Paint

Try fizzy painting! Make your own cool fizzy art with baking soda and vinegar paint for a fun and easy art meets science activity. Try this fizzy heart !

Baking Soda Moon Rocks

Here we made our own DIY moon rocks for a cool space theme activity for kids.

Balloon Experiment

Can you blow up a balloon using only baking soda and vinegar?

Baking Soda Bottle Rocket

Combine physics and chemistry with this unique baking soda and vinegar science experiment! Kids will love blasting off a bottle rocket .

Bubbling Slime

This is by far one of the  coolest slime recipes we have to date because it combines two things we love: slime making and baking soda and vinegar reactions.

Classic Baking Soda Volcano

Vinegar volcanoes are always a hit, and you can make them in several ways. We are using the classic baking soda volcano to test our science skills! Learn how to make a batch of salt dough and craft a volcano fit for this science experiment.

Cookie Cutter Baking Soda Experiments

Grab your cookie cutters for a fun and easy baking soda project. Try different themes with your holiday cookie cutters. Try these fizzing snowflakes!

Dancing Corn

Dancing corn is usually a favorite baking soda and vinegar experiment around Thanksgiving for us! The alternative to this type of science project is done with a carbonated liquid, such as this dancing raisins science experiment.

Dinosaur Volcano

What’s more fun than combining dinosaur play and a baking soda and vinegar reaction! This dinosaur volcano activity provides an opportunity for younger kids to learn about dinosaurs, volcanoes, and the natural world in a hands-on way.

Fizzing Dinosaur Eggs

The coolest dinosaur activity EVER!! A fun variation on a baking soda and vinegar reaction where kids can hatch out their own dinosaurs.

Fizzing Sidewalk Paint

This is an awesome way to take science outside and turn it into STEAM! Get outdoors, paint pictures, and enjoy a kid-favorite fizzing chemical reaction.

LEGO Volcano

Build your own volcano with basic LEGO bricks and watch it erupt over and over again.

Popping Bags

Another unique way to try a baking soda experiment outside! How to make an exploding plastic bag.

Sandbox Eruption

Take your baking soda project outdoors and build a baking soda and vinegar bottle rocket in your sandbox.

Snow Volcano

This makes for a great winter science experiment! Take the baking soda and vinegar fun outdoors and create your very own erupting snow-cano!

Watermelon-Cano

We love to make anything erupt… Also check out our apple volcano , pumpkin volcano and even a puking pumpkin .

Baking Soda and Vinegar Science Fair Project

Set this up as a Baking Soda and Vinegar Science Fair Project! Learn more about Science Fair Projects here and grab the free pack.

• Try using different baking soda and vinegar ratios to see how they affect the reaction.
• Add food coloring to the vinegar to create a colorful eruption.
• Test other household substances, such as lemon juice , orange juice, or cranberry juice , to compare their reaction with baking soda.
• Add dish soap and compare the eruptions.
• Try using containers with different size openings to observe the pressure the gas exerts, causing the eruption.

💡 Read more about the Scientific Method for Kids here!

What Makes Baking Soda Fizz?

Baking soda is made up of tiny particles called molecules. Each molecule has three different elements: sodium, hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen.

Something exciting happens when baking soda comes into contact with an acid, like vinegar! The acid (vinegar) and the base (baking soda) react. The vinegar donates a hydrogen ion to the baking soda during this reaction.

The hydrogen ion combines with the bicarbonate ion in baking soda to form carbonic acid. This is unstable and quickly breaks into water and carbon dioxide gas.

The carbon dioxide gas is why baking soda starts to fizz and bubble. The gas tries to escape from the mixture, creating bubbles that rise to the surface. These bubbles make a fizzing sound and give the impression of a mini volcano eruption!

So, when you mix baking soda with an acid like vinegar, you get a fantastic fizzy reaction due to the production of carbon dioxide gas. It’s truly an exciting and visually appealing demonstration of a chemical reaction!

You might also like: Cool Chemistry Projects for Kids

Endothermic Reaction

Mixing baking soda and vinegar is an endothermic reaction because the carbonic acid needs to take in energy from its surroundings (the mixture of baking soda and vinegar).

This process of taking in energy is what makes the reaction endothermic. And as it takes energy, it produces carbon dioxide gas, which creates all the exciting fizz and bubbles you see! It’s like a bit of science magic happening right before our eyes!

You might also like: Elephant Toothpaste (Exothermic Reaction)

Helpful Science Resources To Get You Started

Here are a few resources that will help you introduce science more effectively to your kiddos or students and feel confident yourself when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.

• Best Science Practices (as it relates to the scientific method)
• Science Vocabulary
• All About Scientists
• Free Science Worksheets
• DIY Science Kits
• Science Tools for Kids
• Scientific Method for Kids
• Citizen Science Guide
• Join us in the Club

Printable Science Projects For Kids

If you’re looking to grab all of our printable science projects in one convenient place plus exclusive worksheets and bonuses like a STEAM Project pack, our Science Project Pack is what you need! Over 300+ Pages!

• 90+ classic science activities  with journal pages, supply lists, set up and process, and science information.  NEW! Activity-specific observation pages!
• Best science practices posters  and our original science method process folders for extra alternatives!
• Be a Collector activities pack  introduces kids to the world of making collections through the eyes of a scientist. What will they collect first?
• Know the Words Science vocabulary pack  includes flashcards, crosswords, and word searches that illuminate keywords in the experiments!
• My science journal writing prompts  explore what it means to be a scientist!!
• Bonus STEAM Project Pack:  Art meets science with doable projects!
• Bonus Quick Grab Packs for Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics

One Comment

I am a regular visitor of your website. Thanks for the great article. By following this article I created youtube video of my son showing step by step tutorial of Magic Balloon Science Experiment for Kids using Baking Soda and Vinegar – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl_OMitc150

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Wonder of the Day #1861

What Happens When You Mix Vinegar and Baking Soda?

SCIENCE — Physical Science

Have You Ever Wondered...

• What happens when you mix vinegar and baking soda?
• Why do vinegar and baking soda react the way they do?
• What types of substances are baking soda and vinegar?
• Baking Soda ,
• Ingredient ,
• Sodium Bicarbonate ,
• Acetic Acid ,
• Carbonic Acid ,
• Sodium Acetate ,
• Decomposition ,
• Carbon Dioxide ,
• Chemistry ,

Today’s Wonder of the Day was inspired by Ngatau. Ngatau Wonders , “ What Would Happen If Vinegar And Baking Soda Combined? ” Thanks for WONDERing with us, Ngatau!

How hungry are you when you get home from a busy day at school? Starving ? Ravenous ? Famished ? Those are just a few of the adjectives that kids might use to describe their hunger pains when they burst through the front door.

Instead of starting on homework , the first stop many kids make is the refrigerator . If you've ever searched the refrigerator for food after school, you may have noticed that it also usually contains all sorts of other items that don't make a good after-school snack .

The door full of condiments contains items that are usually only good if they're added to something else. You're also likely to find other items that are used in the cooking process, such as vinegar. You might also find a box of baking soda intended to absorb odors in the refrigerator .

If you can't find edible food, you might be tempted to conjure up your own concoction with some of the things you found inside. Before you become a mad scientist in the kitchen, though, you should know that some of those things might not make a tasty treat.

Take baking soda and vinegar, for example. Mixing those two ingredients will get you a reaction, but it won't taste good. In the right amounts and containers, the mixture can even be downright explosive !

Baking soda and vinegar react chemically because one is a base and the other is an acid . Baking soda is a basic compound called sodium bicarbonate. Vinegar is a diluted solution that contains acetic acid .

The baking soda and vinegar reaction is actually two separate reactions. The first reaction is the acid -base reaction.

When vinegar and baking soda are first mixed together, hydrogen ions in the vinegar react with the sodium and bicarbonate ions in the baking soda. The result of this initial reaction is two new chemicals: carbonic acid and sodium acetate.

The second reaction is a decomposition reaction. The carbonic acid formed as a result of the first reaction immediately begins to decompose into water and carbon dioxide gas.

Just like carbon dioxide bubbles in a carbonated drink, the carbon dioxide (that formed as the carbonic acid decomposed) rises to the top of the mixture. This creates the bubbles and foam you see when you mix baking soda and vinegar.

If you mix a large amount of baking soda and vinegar in a small container with a narrow opening, expect an impressive eruption! Many science teachers use this simple chemical reaction to teach students about chemistry. If you've ever made a homemade volcano as a science experiment, then you know firsthand what happens when baking soda and vinegar react!

Wonder What's Next?

Tomorrow’s Wonder of the Day takes a look at a Native American art form with deep spiritual meaning!

Are you ready to experiment with baking soda and vinegar? Ask a friend or family member to help you explore the following fun activities:

• If you've never done the classic science experiment with baking soda and vinegar, what are you waiting for? Find an adult friend or family member and make a Baking Soda & Vinegar Volcano today! For fun, use a smartphone to video your volcano in action, so you can share it with your friends.
• If you don't want to make a volcano, how about making a Bubble Bomb instead? You'll need the same two key ingredients, a grown-up, and a plastic bag. Have fun experimenting with baking soda and vinegar!
• Want to take your experimentation to the next level? Check out How To Get the Best Baking Soda and Vinegar Reaction online to learn how the addition of an extra ingredient — liquid dish soap — can make your baking soda and vinegar reactions even more bubbly!

Wonder Sources

• https://www.reference.com/science/baking-soda-vinegar-erupt-6c17a2965924611c
• http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/science/vinegar-baking-soda-the-ultimate-cleanser
• http://www.apple-cider-vinegar-benefits.com/baking-soda-and-vinegar.html
• http://chemistry.about.com/od/chemicalreactions/f/What-Is-The-Equation-For-The-Reaction-Between-Baking-Soda-And-Vinegar.htm

Did you get it?

Wonder contributors.

We’d like to thank:

Zach , Zachary , kasey esther and Haley for contributing questions about today’s Wonder topic!

Keep WONDERing with us!

Wonder Words

• refrigerator

Fernando Ortiz Vallarta

Hi Fernando! 

Wonderopolis is the author. You can use the date you accessed the Wonder instead of a published date. 

Thanks for asking!

Hrm. That's a great question and definitely worthy of a Wonder Journey. Do let us know what you find out?

Yes it works bit yld add 12 tbsp of vinegar and 1 tbsp of baking soda. Make sure to add the vinegar first or whichever. ?

Thanks for sharing, Charity!

Yes, there is a reaction between vinegar and baking soda. Please make sure you are working with an adult and make sure you are following safety guidelines--such as wearing protective goggles! 

Regarding this baking soda and vinegar reaction. I'm puzzled, because some sites are talking about unclogging drains by using this specific reaction [website redacted]. To be honest, I've tried it, and for some reason it works in most cases. But - if those two ingredients "cancel" each other, what is the deal with this unclogging functionality? How could it work?

The acid/base does neutralize one another--but not before they have a bubbly reaction! This is how vinegar and baking soda can sometimes be used to unclog drains. Does that help, Emilia?

That's fair!

We're not sure, edwina! That would be a great thing for you to research. Let us know what you find out! 

Thanks for asking, Gilbert! We ask that Wonderopolis be listed as the author. Since we do not list the publish date for our Wonders of the Day, you may put the date you accessed this page for information. The following is how you would cite a page ---> "What Is a Rube Goldberg Machine?" Wonderopolis ,  https://www.wonderopolis.org/wonder/what-is-a-rube-goldberg-machine . Accessed 4 Oct. 2018.  Good luck!

HI, Constance.  Thank you for sharing your experience with us.  We recommend that you share this information with your doctor for advice!

Thank you so much Tannia! We're happy to hear that you found this Wonder helpful!

Hi, Arii! You're science fair project sounds really cool! Unfortunately, we can't help you come up with a hypothesis, but we can share  Wonder 1122: What Is the Scientific Method?   We'd love to hear how your project is going!

Hmm, sounds like it is the baking soda, but we encourage you to take a Wonder Journey if want to look into this further!!

Hi, kitten! The type of container shouldn't matter, as long as you're mixing the baking soda and vinegar! If it's a smaller container with a narrow opening, though, it can be more impressive!

? We're glad you like this Wonder, viv!!

Hi, tracianna! This Wonder should help you find out!! ? We're glad to have you as a Wonder Friend!

It turns into a volcano ?

Hi, i like pie!! This sounds like it would be an excellent experiment!! Why don't you take a Wonder Journey and see what you discover!! Let us know!! ?

Hi, Allan!! Try reading through this Wonder one more time to see if you can find this answer!! We would love to hear back from you to see what you discover!!

Thanks for asking, parent! We ask that Wonderopolis be listed as the author.  Since we do not list the publish date for our Wonders of the Day, you may put the date you accessed this page for information.  The following is how you would cite this page -----> "What Happens When You Mix Vinegar and Baking Soda?"   Wonderopolis.   https://www.wonderopolis.org/wonder/what-happens-when-you-mix-vinegar-and-baking-soda#comments .  Accessed 14 Aug. 2017.

Hmm...we aren't sure.  We have never tried that before.  We encourage you to try it (with adult supervision) and report back!  A science experiment!! ?

It's me. J/k! We are glad you are here WONDERing with us, Gavin!  How did you like this Wonder?

Sure!  Here you are - consider yourself "joined." ?

Awesome!  We love that you love to Wonder with us! ?

Bella ( Mrs. Thompson's Class)

That sounds amazing!  Did you make one of those volcanoes in science class?

Go for it!  But be safe (and maybe ask a parent first).

You're already in, Adrian!  Thanks for joining the conversation!  What did you think of this Wonder?

Have fun (but be safe)!  Thanks for checking out this Wonder!

Cool!  How did it go?

what about me wonderopolis

Hi, Jeff!  Did you try this out, too?

Of course, Ava!  How did you like this Wonder?

Caspar von Hollen

Go for it!  Maybe get parental permission first.  Also, go outside.  Oh, and stand back.  Have fun!

SUPA HOT FIRE

#ScroogdeMcDuck

How are you making the faces? Let me try , B)

Totally.  What's with the shrimp, though?

Supa hot fire

The shrimp is completely random:D

Ok good.  We thought we just missed something. ?

Kat is cool

Awesome!  So glad you enjoyed this one, Kat!  Keep on WONDERing with us!

Science is the ?est, Cole!  Glad you are WONDERing with us!

hihihihihihi#pokemonlover104:)

Spoiler alert.

Hi Allie!  That is so cool that you are actually doing this in class!  Glad to have you WONDERing with us!

Bla Bla Bla Bla

Emily Jones

Bummer.  Hate when science experiments don't quite work out the way you hope.  Glad you are learning about this, though!

i will try the bubble bomb

Good luck (and be safe)! ?

hey can i join

Hi, kitten! Of course! We want all of our Wonder Friends to wonder with us!!!

We are undergoing some spring clearing site maintenance and need to temporarily disable the commenting feature. Thanks for your patience.

Related Wonders for You to Explore

Do All Sharks Live In Saltwater?

What Type of Shark Is the Slowest?

Why Do Sharks Have Nostrils?

Who Was Kalpana Chawla?

How Do You Clean Up an Oil Spill?

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Question 1 of 3

Sodium bicarbonate is more commonly known by what name?

• a baking soda Correct!
• b baking powder Not Quite!
• c salt Not Quite!
• d vinegar Not Quite!

Question 2 of 3

The reaction between baking soda and vinegar produces what gas?

• a petroleum Not Quite!
• b oxygen Not Quite!
• c carbon dioxide Correct!
• d helium Not Quite!

Question 3 of 3

Vinegar reacts with baking soda due to what substance in vinegar?

• a helium Not Quite!
• b acetic acid Correct!
• c nitrogen Not Quite!
• d iron Not Quite!

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Self Inflating Balloon: Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon Experiment

This post may contain affiliate links.

Have you ever tried the baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment? This classic science experiment is really one of my favorites. It is an easy science experiment to do and it really is exciting to watch.  It creates a self-inflating balloon that kids think is the coolest!

The reaction between the baking soda and vinegar cause the balloon to inflate all on its own! It is a show-stopper experiment for kids.

(See more of my  STEM projects for kids.)

How to Do the Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon Experiment:

Supplies you will need for this simple science experiment:.

Plastic empty water bottle or soda bottles, cleaned out Large Balloon White Vinegar (acetic acid) Baking Soda (or sodium bicarbonate) Small  Funnel Spoon

TIP: Before starting the experiment, you will want to stretch out the balloon to make it more loose and easier to inflate.

Step 1- Pour 1-2 spoonfuls of baking soda into the opening of the balloon, using a funnel. You’ll need to shake it a bit to get it down into the base of the balloon.

Step 2- Use the funnel again and pour some vinegar into the empty plastic bottle until it is about an inch or two deep- maybe a few tablespoons of vinegar.  Exact amounts do not matter. Add a few drops of food coloring to change it up if you want- totally unnecessary.

Step 3- Carefully stretch the opening of the balloon around the mouth of the bottle leaving it hanging down until you are ready for the reaction.

TIP: Don’t let any of the baking soda dump into the bottom of the bottle while attaching it.

Step 4- When you are ready to see the chemical reaction happen, lift up the balloon allowing the baking soda to fall down into the bottle.

This is when the fun starts! Baking soda and vinegar mix to create an awesome chemical reaction. The gas from combining the two will escape as bubbles of carbon dioxide gas that cause the balloon to inflate. It’s impressive. The more gas there is created, the larger the balloon will get.

Your kids, if they are anything like mine, will beg to do the experiment again, then 10 more times! This is really a perfect science project for kids to try on their own.

If you do repeat it, you will need fresh vinegar in the bottle. Once a reaction happens, it is not quite so strong the second time through. The balloon does not usually inflate again unless the vinegar is fresh.My kids were amazed and wanted to do it again and again and again. Stock up on baking soda and vinegar if you are planning this one! Luckily they are both quite inexpensive.

(It’s a good thing they are both so cheap!)

The Science Behind It: Why the Baking Soda and Vinegar Reaction Works?

When the baking soda and vinegar reaction happens, it is an acid-base reaction. Vinegar is the acid and baking soda is the base. This reaction between the two causes a gas called carbon dioxide to bubble and foam. This gas having nowhere else to go, expands the balloon making the self-inflating balloon happen.

Here is the chemical equation behind it: Baking soda + vinegar — yields carbon dioxide + water + sodium ion + acetate ion   There is more to it than that, but that’s the basic explanation.

Try some variations to see if other reactions work:

Will baking powder work instead of baking soda?

Would lemon juice work instead of vinegar?

Could you do the same thing with an alka-seltzer tablet and soft drinks?

Use the scientific method to investigate different variations on this experiment to see how they work.

Want More Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiments?

We love the carbon dioxide reactions that these two substances create.

Check out these other ones we have done:

Easy Bottle Rocket Experiment

Bathtub Bottle Rocket

Film Canister Rocket Experiment

How to Make a Volcano experiment! (This one is fun because when the eruption occurs, the carbon dioxide bubbles pour over like lava!

Former school teacher turned homeschool mom of 4 kids. Loves creating awesome hands-on creative learning ideas to make learning engaging and memorable for all kids!

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What a great idea! I can’t believe I haven’t heard of this experiment. My girls are 12 and 11 and still love doing at home science projects. Although they use Time4Learning science curriculum it is always fun to do your own.

Thanks for the idea!

Awesome! I’m making a list of simple, fun experiments to do this summer, and I’m adding this one to it! We don’t seem to get to these types of experiments during the regular school year! Stopping by from HHH and new follower! Thanks for sharing your experiment!

My boys loved this experiment too. 🙂

• Pingback: Fizzing & Bubbling Science Experiments - Teach Beside Me

I do experiments with 4 year old grandson, he loves this one. We did the volcano as well and now he explains what happens to everyone he wants to show it too. Thank you for sharing, it is fun teaching when the things work as well as yours.

fantastic from a grammy

Nice , it is possible to send easy experiments for kids with the help of video

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Fun & Easy Baking Soda and Vinegar Science Experiments

Published: July 5, 2022

Contributor: Jeannette Tuionetoa

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more info.

If you have baking soda and vinegar at home, it is all you need for super science fun. These baking soda and vinegar science experiments are easy to do and your kids will love them!

Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiments

What is the best thing about vinegar and baking soda science experiments? You have everything you need right in your pantry! These fun and cheap science experiments may be super easy, yet they will still add excitement to your science lessons.

Basic Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiments

If you are looking for a simple baking soda and vinegar experiment, try this classic.

Classic Vinegar and Baking Soda Science Experiment

Here are the materials needed for this classic science experiment:

• Baking soda
• Tall and narrow plastic container
• Rimmed tray to make sure it captures any overflows
• Food coloring

Vinegar and Baking Soda Experiment Directions

• Pour baking soda into the plastic container and add a few drops of the food coloring.
• Pour vinegar over the baking soda and drops of food coloring with a medicine dropper.
• Watch in awe as the reaction bubbles up and fizzles over the edge of the container. Add props like Legos or toys to make a whole scene of bubbly, fizzy fun.

Homemade Fizzy Sidewalk Paint

Here are the materials needed for the Homemade Fizzy Sidewalk Chalk Paint science experiment:

• 2 cups of baking soda
• 1 cup of cornstarch

Fizzy Sidewalk Paint Directions

• Grab a squirt or squeeze bottle, muffin tins, and paint brushes.
• Mix the ingredients all together and pour them into the muffin tins. Of course, do this a few times with different colors.
• Grab paint brushes, get outdoors and start your creations.

Baking Soda Vinegar Volcano

I am sure you have seen a baking and soda and vinegar volcano, right? This easy baking soda and vinegar volcano eruption is fun and your kids can do it independently.

This experiment only takes about three minutes to prep . Here are the materials needed for easy baking soda and vinegar volcano eruption for kids:

• Plastic cup
• 4 tbs of baking soda
• 1 tsp of dish soap
• ½ oz to 2 oz of washable paint
• 1 cup  of vinegar (8 oz of vinegar that will start your eruption)

How to Make Your Volcano Erupt

• Have your young children make a mound of gravel and place the cup on top of it with gravel developing it into a mountain shape.
• Combine all the ingredients together.
• Pour the mixture into the cup and then the vinegar when you are ready for eruption.

Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiment for Kids

This is a fun take on a simple experiment. Check out this baking soda and vinegar powered boat .

Baking Soda and Vinegar Powered Boat

Here are the materials needed for Baking Soda and Vinegar Powered Boat experiment:

• Small empty plastic water bottle
• Kitchen paper roll
• Straw vinegar
• Bath or large tub/container

Directions for Baking Soda and Vinegar Powered Boat Experiment

• Pierce a hole in the water bottle for the star to go through it. Tape up the gap to prevent any air from escaping the water bottle.
• Pour vinegar into the plastic bottle and then replace the lid.
• Tap some baking soda on a small piece of kitchen roll.
• Stuff the tissue-wrapped baking soda in the bottle and swiftly cover it with the lid.
• Place the plastic bottle in the water and just watch it zoom away.

Baking Soda and Vinegar Reaction

So, what exactly happens with a baking soda and vinegar reaction? Mixing vinegar (acetic acid) and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) together cause a chemical reaction that makes salt (sodium acetate), water, and carbon dioxide gas. These experiments are exciting for students to do.

There are two separate reactions when baking soda and vinegar mix. There is an acid base reaction and a decomposition reaction.

Acid-based reaction – Hydrogen ions and vinegar react with the sodium and bicarbonate ions that are in baking soda. The result is two chemicals called carbonic acid and sodium acetate.

Decomposition reaction – The carbonic acid and sodium acetate from the acid-based reaction decompose into water (H2O) and carbon dioxide gas.

Baking Soda And Vinegar Science Experiments FAQ

Here are some common questions people ask when mixing baking soda and vinegar.

What happens when you mix baking soda and vinegar and water?

Mixing baking soda and vinegar and water produces carbon dioxide gas which forms bubbles in the foaming mixture. It forms a fizzing reaction of carbon dioxide that consequently is awesome for cleaning and freshening sinks and drains.

What happens if you mix baking soda vinegar and food coloring?

It is important to listen in when mixing the baking soda vinegar and food coloring to hear the fizz. Mixing these three items develops a fizzy foam full of food coloring colors. Make a rainbow or use your young scientist’s favorite colors for a super cool colourful chemical reaction science experiment.

What science experiments can you do with baking soda?

Here is a list of experiments that can be done with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate).

• Baking soda paint
• Blow-up balloon science
• Fizzing Dinosaur Eggs
• Fizzing Sidewalk Paint
• Sandbox Eruption
• Slime Volcano

What science experiments can I do with vinegar?

Here is a list of experiments that can be done with vinegar (acetic acid).

• Vinegar and Milk Shapes
• Color Mixing Science Activity
• Vinegar Penny Magic
• Nails, Wire, and Vinegar
• Gas, bubbles, eruption!
• Fizzing Rubber Band Snap Art

In Conclusion

Big kids and even a busy toddler will have a great time enjoying these exciting experiments that are super easy, but loads of learning fun. 

You might also enjoy mason jar science experiments , and easy science experiments for kids.

Jeannette Tuionetoa

Jeannette is a wife, mother and homeschooling mom. She has been mightily, saved by grace and is grateful for God’s sovereignty throughout her life’s journey. She has a Bachelor in English Education and her MBA. Jeannette is bi-lingual and currently lives in the Tongan Islands of the South Pacific. She posts daily freebies for homeschoolers!

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Baking Soda and Vinegar Science: 50 Fizzy Explorations for Kids

Baking and soda and vinegar science is always popular with kids. They love the fizzy reactions. I have made a list of 50 ways to explore baking soda and vinegar. Start with the classic mixing and go from there. I get commissions for purchases made through the affiliate links in this post.

50 Fizzy Ways to Explore Baking Soda and Vinegar Science

What happens in the baking soda and vinegar reaction.

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a base and vinegar (acetic acid) is an acid. When combined, they react to form water, a salt (sodium acetate), and carbon dioxide gas. The bubbles produced by the reaction are the carbon dioxide gas escaping the water. If you add soap, the carbon dioxide gas will blow soap bubbles. You’ll get stable bubbles or frothy foam depending on what type and how much soap you use.

Start Simple

Start with simple baking soda and vinegar explorations . Let your child experience the basic reaction.

Add some color and dish soap for a little extra excitement. Compare the reaction with and without dish soap.

Color surprise – Hide the liquid watercolor or food coloring under the baking soda. When vinegar is added, the color will appear.

Set up an experiment to find out what reacts with baking soda . Here’s another way to setup the baking soda experiment .

Answer the question: what makes the biggest eruption? with this experiment idea from No Time for Flashcards that compares baking soda, baking powder, and corn starch.

Exploding Baggies – See how carbon dioxide is formed through the chemical reaction. Use the reaction to explode some plastic baggies.

Blow Up a Balloon – Use the chemical reaction to blow up a balloon with carbon dioxide. Add baking soda and vinegar to a bottle. Quickly put a balloon on top to trap the carbon dioxide. The balloon will expand as the reaction occurs.

Blow Bubbles – The baking soda and vinegar reaction can also blow bubbles.

Swap vinegar for different acids to change up the explorations. Citric acid (found in the canning aisle), lemon juice, and __ are great substitutions.

See what happens when you add things to the baking soda and vinegar. Fun at Home with Kids compares the reaction when adding bubble solution and dish soap.

Also try adding corn starch, flour, salt, or other edible things from your kitchen. Does anything make the reaction bigger? Does anything prevent the reaction?

Use Kool Aid instead of vinegar for a fun sensory experience and add a secret ingredient to make the eruptions giant ! Learn Play Imagine has the details.

Fizzy Color Mixing Experiment – add different colors to your vinegar and explore how the colors can mix.

Red cabbage can be used to create color changing fizzy potions . This is one of our absolute favorites.

Add baking soda to snow (or crushed ice) and make fizzy snow !

Write secret messages with baking soda – The baking soda makes invisible ink. An acid like grape juice or lemon juice will reveal the secret message.

Make a lava lamp with baking soda and vinegar. Watch the how-to video .

Build a baking soda rocket . Science Sparks has the instructions.

Science Sparks also shows us how to make a baking soda powered boat .

Baking Soda and Vinegar Volcanoes

Baking soda and vinegar volcanoes are a fun science exploration for kids.

Learn how to make a tape volcano or check out 10 ways to make a volcano .

A pocket volcano is a fun way to watch the baking soda and vinegar reaction.

See our collection of volcano books, science kits, and toys.

Volcanoes don’t really erupt like a simple baking soda and vinegar reaction. Learn how to change up the recipe and to create different kinds of volcanoes .

Make a fizzy slime volcano . Little Bins for Little Hands combines two kid favorites with this one.

Fizzy Doughs

If your dough includes baking soda, it will react with vinegar.

Take the baking soda clay and use it to make a fizzy snowman .

Create a fizzy snow dough sensory bin .

Fizzy Coconut Lime Play Dough – a lovely sensory experience! This dough is super soft because of the combination of cornstarch and coconut conditioner. The smell is amazing. The addition of baking soda to the dough makes it fizz when you add vinegar.

Fizzy Valentine Play Dough – another soft and squishy dough that fizzes and bubbles when you add vinegar. This one has the lime replaced with liquid water colors for a valentine theme.

Halloween Fizzy Play Dough – same recipe as above just orange for Halloween.

Fizzing Pinkalicious Cupcake Experiment – Can you create fizzing pinkalicious cupcakes with the ingredients provided. What combination produces the best/most fizz?

Baking Soda Painted Leaves – Combine baking soda and vinegar with paint to create a fun fall themed STEAM activity.

Baking Soda Painted Apple Art – This apple themed STEAM activity again uses baking soda and vinegar to paint apples.

Baking Soda Painted Pumpkins – We also used the fizzy baking soda and vinegar reaction to paint pumpkins.

Baking Soda Painted Christmas Tree – Paint with baking soda and vinegar to make a Christmas tree.

Fizzy Spider Web Art – Sprinkle baking soda on a spider web drawing. Add colorful vinegar for a wonderful STEAM process activity. Take photos because this project does not save well. It’s all about the process.

Frozen vinegar hearts are one of our most popular ideas. Also try the summer version of frozen vinegar . You can freeze it into any shape. Freezing slows down the reaction. You will get fewer or slower fizzy bubbles.

Frozen Baking Soda Pumpins – Freeze baking soda shaped like pumpkins. Use vinegar to react with the baking soda and rescue the treasures hidden inside.

Frozen Baking Soda Dragon Eggs – Our favorite frozen baking soda idea. Help the dragons hatch from their eggs in this frozen, fizzy activity.

Make It Halloween Themed

Halloween Science: Baking Soda & Vinegar Exploration – Use halloween themed cookie cutters and orange vinegar.

Fizzy juice potions lab – Fruit juice, candy, and Halloween decorations create a delicious and fun potions lab.

What’s in the Witch’s Kitchen? Science Exploration and Potions Lab – another version of our potions lab with Halloween themed food inspired by the book, What’s in the Witch’s Kitchen?

Make It Valentine Themed

Melting Hearts Word Search – Use frozen baking soda to hide letters. Vinegar reveals the hidden letters by “melting” the heart-shaped baking soda.

Valentine Heart Bubble Painting – Use the baking soda and vinegar reaction to create bubbles and make art.

Valentine Potion and Tasting Experiment – Make your own fizzy fruit drink.

Candy Heart Reactions – Will valentine candy hearts react with baking soda or vinegar? Set up an experiment to find out.

Candy Heart Ingredients Experiment – This candy science experiment tests which ingredient in candy hearts reacts with baking soda.

Dancing Candy Hearts – Use the baking soda and vinegar reaction to make candy hearts appear to dance.

Make It Christmas Themed

Christmas Science: Baking Soda, Vinegar, and Cookie Cutters – Use Christmas themed cookie cutters to explore the baking soda and vinegar reaction.

Dancing Candy Canes – Use the baking soda and vinegar reaction to make candy canes float up and down.

Fizzy Christmas Trees – Use the same technique as the Fizzy Spider Webs but draw a Christmas tree instead of a web.

What is your favorite way to explore baking soda and vinegar?

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7 Fizzy Baking Soda and Vinegar Science Experiments

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There is something about baking soda and vinegar science experiments that just never gets old. Kids of all ages enjoy these activities, but in my experience, little ones love them the most. They get so excited when they watch the baking soda and vinegar reaction!

When my kids were little I got into the habit of buying large containers of baking soda and white vinegar. These supplies are pretty inexpensive, especially when purchased in bulk. You might not want to use them in food prep after a while, but they are always good for science experiments.

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar (water and acetic acid) form carbon dioxide gas when they are mixed together.

These easy science experiments are sure to be a hit! Creating an acid-base reaction is a fun way to learn about chemical reactions.

Baking Soda and Vinegar Science Experiments

Tip – I recommend doing all of the vinegar and baking soda science experiments on a baking sheet or outside. The fizzy reactions can get messy quickly!

Classic Volcano

Making a volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. This activity can fit in with a science lesson about chemical reactions, but it can also be a great volcano demonstration in a lesson about volcanos.

You will need:

• Container to hold the baking soda
• Baking soda
• Playdough or clay (if you want to form a classic volcano shape)

First, gather all of your materials. You can use pretty much any container to make the volcano. I used a beaker from my science cabinet, but you could use a drinking glass, a mason jar, a clean can, etc. I have even seen people make a big baking soda and vinegar volcanos using sand buckets! (Definitely do that outside for easy cleanup.)

I recommend putting the volcano in a glass casserole dish to contain the mess.

If you want to form the classic volcano shape, use playdough or clay to add a slope to your container. You can also paint it if you want. Let this harden and dry before adding baking soda or vinegar.

When your volcano is ready, sprinkle baking soda into your container. Different volcanos will need different amounts of baking soda. If you have a small container you will just need a little. If you use a large container you will need a lot.

When everyone is ready, pour the vinegar onto the baking soda. The fizzy chemical reaction happens pretty much instantly.

Fizzy Dinosaur Eggs

This fizzy dinosaur eggs activity from Kim at TheBestIdeasForKids.com is going to be a hit with any young children who love dinosaurs. Kids can help prepare the baking soda eggs and then use the vinegar to make them ‘hatch’ or an adult can prepare the eggs ahead of time.

• Food coloring
• Small plastic dinosaurs (or whatever you want inside of the eggs)
• Squirt bottle or dropper

Get the full fizzy dinosaur egg directions .

Drop Painting

I loved setting my kids up with this activity when they were toddlers – early elementary. It was my go-to activity when I needed them to be engaged at the kitchen table so I could supervise them while cooking. They had a great time and I was able to cook without little hands helping.

• Baking tray or dish
• Cups – one for each color
• Different colors of food coloring
• Dropper or pipette – one for each color

To set up this activity, add a layer of baking soda to a baking dish. Then add vinegar to small cups. I used an assortment of recycled glass jars. Add a few drops of food coloring to each cup. Kids can help mix primary colors to create secondary colors. Put a pipette or dropper in each cup.

Now kids can use the pipettes to drop colored vinegar onto the baking soda. Everywhere that a drop of vinegar hits the baking soda kids will see bubbles in the color of the vinegar.

Some kids like to make a picture using the baking soda as a temporary canvas. Other kids just enjoy the process. Either way, they are having fun experimenting with baking soda and vinegar. This sort of activity when kids are young lays a foundation for understanding chemical reactions when they are older.

Hot ice seems like an oxymoron, but it is actually a really cool science experiment using baking soda and vinegar. This activity has a few more steps than some of the other ideas, but kids will be delighted with the result.

• Baking Soda
• Glass measuring cup
• Glass pie plate
• Refrigerator

Get the full directions for hot ice from PlaydoughtoPlato.com .

Hidden Colors

This hidden colors activity is similar to the vinegar drop painting activity. It uses the same basic supplies, but the order is different.

• Mini-muffin tin
• Vinegar in a cup
• Dropper or pipette

Put a few drops of food coloring in each mini-muffin tin well. Cover it with a thin layer of baking soda. You want enough baking soda to cover the food coloring, but not enough to fill up the muffin tin. When it is ready, kids shouldn’t be able to tell what color is in which spot.

Pour vinegar into a cup and give your child a dropper or pipette.

Kids can slowly add drops of vinegar to each well of baking soda until they can see the color mix in with the carbon dioxide bubbles.

Exploding Bag

I think most kids go through a phase where they like to watch things explode. In my house that happened in the late elementary and early middle school years.

This baking soda and vinegar activity will make kids who love explosions happy.

I think it is a good idea to do this activity outside because it can get messy! The aftermath of a baking soda and vinegar explosion can feel gritty so it is helpful if it is done on a driveway so it can be hosed off.

• Plastic bag with a zip seal
• Permanent markers (optional)

Get the full directions for making an exploding bag at MomBrite.com .

Inflate a Balloon

Watching fizzy bubbles and explosions can be fun, but this baking soda and vinegar experiment helps kids understand that chemical reactions can be useful. They will attempt to inflate a balloon using baking soda and vinegar. Now, this certainly isn’t the most efficient way to blow up a balloon, but it gets kids thinking about science as useful.

• Plastic bottle

Get the full directions at HappyBrownHouse.com .

I hope your kids enjoyed these simple science experiments! Once they have tried a few of these simple baking soda and vinegar activities, let them try making changes to see if the results change. Maybe they can try using lemon juice instead of vinegar and see what happens!

Check out these other science activities for kids!

• How to Grow a Germ Farm
• Rock Cycle Activities for Middle School
• Helpful Science Vocabulary Activities

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Welcome! My name is Jennifer. I am a teacher at heart. Before my children were born I was a public school teacher. Now, I am a homeschooling mom of two.

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• The great baking soda and vinegar experiment

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In the last few years we’ve done a number of activities using baking soda and vinegar. When combined, these two ingredients create a chemical reaction that fizzes and bubbles, much to the delight of my children. We’ve taken advantage of the chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar to do some balloon magic , some exploding colors , some magic leprechaun rocks , and some fizzy painting .

Having done all of these activities, my kids are now well aware of what happens when baking soda and vinegar combine. So I decided to set up an activity I call “The Great Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiment” to put their understanding to the test.

Note: For more awesome science experiments your kids will love, see my Science Activities for Kids page. 

I set out trays with six different white powders and six different liquids. Then I challenged my kids to determine which two powders were baking soda and which two liquids were vinegar.

The powders I used were:

• baking soda

The liquids I used were:

• vinegar dyed with two different colors of  liquid watercolor paints  (Ours are from  Discount School Supply , but you can also find other brands on Amazon .)
• water dyed with four different colors of  liquid watercolor paints

The idea was for them to experiment with different combinations of powders and liquids to see which would have a fizzing chemical reaction, and which would not.

They were really keen on the idea, and got right to work pouring and scooping the powders and liquids.

After several attempts at mixing different powders and liquids, the kids achieved their first fizzing reaction.

There were squeals of excitement when the bubbles appeared. So now they could confirm the red liquid was vinegar and powder #2 was baking soda.

Then the kids continued adding new powders and new liquids. Eventually, they added the green liquid to powder #5 and got another fizzing reaction. Mission accomplished.

Then my kids just played around, adding new powders and new liquids to make a beautiful concoction.

And they made a bit of a mess too. But the mess was of no concern, since it was all in the name of fun and learning. 🙂

Looking for more hands-on activities that incorporate Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM)? Then you’ll love  STEAM Kids ! This book features 52 hands-on activities are helpfully identified by category (science / technology / engineering / art / math) so you know exactly what skills your kids are developing.

Grab a copy of the  e-book  delivered as a PDF download (or this  e-book  for EU residents) and in  print  at Amazon.

More science activities for kids

More science activities from Gift of Curiosity:

• Dancing raisins
• Candy experiments
• Jumping colors science activity
• Make your own glycerin soap
• Crystallized snowflakes
• Dissecting an apple
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Don’t have time to gather materials? Want to make science super easy? Check out these monthly subscription services that will send science and creativity kits to your door!

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Find more great science activities on my  Science Activities for Kids  page and my  Science Activities Pinterest board. 

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Equation for the Reaction Between Baking Soda and Vinegar

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The reaction between baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar (dilute acetic acid) generates carbon dioxide gas, which is used in chemical volcanoes and other projects . Here is a look at the reaction between vinegar and baking soda and the equation for the reaction.

Key Takeaways: Reaction Between Baking Soda and Vinegar

• The overall chemical reaction between baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar (weak acetic acid) is one mole of solid sodium bicarbonate reacts with one mole of liquid acetic acid to produce one mole each of carbon dioxide gas, liquid water, sodium ions, and acetate ions.
• The reaction proceeds in two steps. The first reaction is a double displacement reaction, while the second reaction is a decomposition reaction .
• The baking soda and vinegar reaction can be used to produce sodium acetate, by boiling off or evaporating all the liquid water.

How the Reaction Works

What happens when vinegar reacts with baking soda occurs in two steps, but the overall process can be summarized by the following word equation: baking soda ( sodium bicarbonate ) plus vinegar ( acetic acid ) yields carbon dioxide + water + sodium ion + acetate ion

The chemical equation for the overall reaction is:

NaHCO 3 (s) + CH 3 COOH(l) → CO 2 (g) + H 2 O(l) + Na + (aq) + CH 3 COO - (aq)

with s = solid, l = liquid, g = gas, aq = aqueous or in water solution

Another common way to write this reaction is:

NaHCO 3 + HC 2 H 3 O 2 → NaC 2 H 3 O 2 + H 2 O + CO 2

The above reaction, while technically correct, does not account for the dissociation of the sodium acetate in water.

The chemical reaction actually occurs in two steps. First, there is a double displacement reaction in which acetic acid in the vinegar reacts with sodium bicarbonate to form sodium acetate and carbonic acid:

NaHCO 3 + HC 2 H 3 O 2 → NaC 2 H 3 O 2 + H 2 CO 3

Carbonic acid is unstable and undergoes a decomposition reaction to produce the carbon dioxide gas :

H 2 CO 3 → H 2 O + CO 2

The carbon dioxide escapes the solution as bubbles. The bubbles are heavier than air, so the carbon dioxide collects at the surface of the container or overflows it. In a baking soda volcano, detergent is usually added to collect the gas and form bubbles that flow somewhat like lava down the side of the 'volcano.' A diluted sodium acetate solution remains after the reaction. If the water is boiled off of this solution, a supersaturated solution of sodium acetate forms. This " hot ice " will spontaneously crystallize, releasing heat and forming a solid that resembles water ice.

The carbon dioxide released by the baking soda and vinegar reaction has other uses besides making a chemical volcano. It can be collected and used as a simple chemical fire extinguisher . Because carbon dioxide is heavier than air, it displaces it. This starves a fire of the oxygen needed for combustion.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon

Activities » Science » Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon

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What better science experiment to do when discussing the earth’s atmosphere than the classic baking soda & vinegar experiment ?

This idea I credit to my middle son.

You see, I bought adorable earth balloons and stashed them away in my secret science shelves (also known as “my pantry”). Well, he discovered these balloons and begged for a “baking soda vinegar reaction activity” and how could I not deliver?

My boys would choose to do science experiments all day long and that is quite all right with me. They tinker, they build, and they iterate along the way. This type of activity is critical.

The iteration as an experiment fails is key to embracing failure a la Carol Dweck’s Growth Mindset approach (an amazing book by the way – see below for a list of resources mentioned in this post).

Baking Soda & Vinegar Reaction

What happens when you mix baking soda & vinegar.

My secondborn discovered these balloons and probably thanks to some youtube video begged to have access to the baking soda and vinegar. My sons cannot get enough of science.

We are a lab on most days experimenting with various substances and reactions.

Celebrate Earth Day with this fun baking soda and vinegar experiment with balloons!

How could a mom resist? Really?

Seriously, look at that face. Such awe. I can’t resist.

Baking Soda Vinegar Science

This experiment is so incredibly easy to put together. Plus the learning is hands-on and kids’ jaws drop when they observe the reaction.

Materials for this Activity

• Earth balloons
• White vinegar
• Baking Soda
• Plastic Bottle

Baking Soda and Vinegar – Science Process

• Gather your materials
• Place the balloon opening around the opening of the funnel
• Pour a cup of baking soda using a funnel to fill the balloon halfway or so
• Use the funnel to fill the plastic bottle with a cup of white vinegar
• Place the balloon opening around the mouth of the bottle
• Hold the balloon up so the baking soda falls into the bottle
• Observe & grab some paper towels

Nothing has such power to broaden the mind as the ability to investigate systematically and truly all that comes under thy observation in life. ~ Marcus Aurelius

The Science Behind Baking Soda & Vinegar Chemistry

Baking soda and vinegar have chemistry. Furthermore, we know that these two substances react with each other because of an acid-base reaction.  Baking soda is bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and vinegar is acetic acid (HCH3COO). One of the products this reaction creates is carbon dioxide, which makes bubbles.

When the baking soda meets the vinegar, there is a chemical reaction as carbon dioxide gas is created and fills the balloon causing it to inflate. Carbon dioxide is an important gas in the earth’s atmosphere. Carbon Dioxide plays a vital role in regulating the earth’s temperature.  Baking soda and vinegar have an acid-based reaction, which results in the gas that fills the balloon.

Baking Soda and vinegar react chemically we know that much simply by observing the experiments. We can see the chemical reaction. What it is about the two ingredients that react in such phenomenally cool ways?

Carbon Dioxide & the Earth’s Atmosphere

Before I go I have to equip you with some back pocket scientific knowledge to impart to your children.

What is the role of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere?

Well, I am glad that you asked because carbon dioxide plays several important roles in our environment. First of all, carbon dioxide is found in the air but also in water as part of the carbon cycle. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that traps infrared radiation heat in the atmosphere.  Furthermore, it plays a crucial role in the weathering of rocks. Carbon dioxide is the carbon source for plants.

Why is Carbon Dioxide So Important?

Carbon dioxide plays a critical part in plant and animal processes. Examples include photosynthesis and respiration. Photosynthesis occurs as green plants convert carbon dioxide and water into food compounds, such as glucose, and oxygen.

How Do Humans Interact with Carbon Dioxide?

Carbonated beverages, of course! Well, that is certainly one example but there are many additional ways human beings use carbon dioxide. We also rely on carbon dioxide in baking. For instance, it is released by baking powder or yeast making cakes and other delicious food items rise.

Other uses include putting out fires with fire extinguishers. Carbon dioxide is denser than air so it works well to extinguish the fire as it suffocates or blankets the fire because it is heavier.  If oxygen cannot get to a fire, it will die out.

Carbon dioxide exists predominantly in the form of gas, but it also has a solid and a liquid form. It can only be solid when temperatures are below -78 C .  The solid form of carbon dioxide, commonly known as Dry Ice , is used in theatres to create stage fogs, to do super cool science experiments , and make things like “magic potions” bubbles.

Liquid carbon dioxide mainly exists when carbon dioxide is dissolved in water. Carbon dioxide is only water-soluble when pressure is maintained. After pressure drops the CO2 gas will try to escape to the air. This event is characterized by the CO2 bubbles forming in the water.

{Source: https://www.lenntech.com/carbon-dioxide.htm}

Further Baking Soda & Vinegar Learning

• What happens when you switch up the ratios a bit?
• Or what happens if you add dish soap or food coloring to the baking soda & vinegar explosion?
• If you want lots of fizzes, try adding a liquid soap and see how the reaction changes.
• Does more vinegar mean more bubbles? You bet it does!

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• The Ultimate List of Baking Soda & Vinegar Experiments
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Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon Experiment (Plus Free Worksheet)

It’s like magic!

Kids and balloons go hand-in-hand so why not try a fun science experiment that incorporates a balloon or two? This experiment requires little more than what you already have in your kitchen cabinet. Grab a dash of baking soda, a splash of vinegar, and learn all about acids, bases, states of matter, and chemical reactions! Everyone will be amazed watching a balloon inflate without a single breath being blown.

Fill out the form on this page to grab your free printable recording sheet , and try the baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment with your little scientists!

How does the baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment work?

The baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment demonstrates a chemical reaction between an acid and a base. The baking soda acts as the base and the vinegar as the acid. When the two combine, carbon dioxide (CO2) escapes the container and causes the balloon to blow up.

What does this experiment teach?

This experiment teaches how different states of matter transform when combined. In this case, a solid (baking soda) and a liquid (vinegar) mix to produce a gas (CO2). Since carbon dioxide is the same gas that is released when humans breathe out, students will make the connection between human breath blowing up a balloon and the reaction of this experiment doing the same.

Is there a baking soda and vinegar balloon video?

This video shows how to do the baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment, using just a few ingredients.

Materials Needed

To do the baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment, you will need:

• Approximately 1/2 cup of vinegar
• Empty water bottle or similar container
• Baking soda
• Measuring spoon
• Deflated balloon

Our free recording sheet is also helpful— fill out the form on this page to get it.

Baking soda and balloon experiment steps:

1. blow up a balloon just enough to stretch it out a bit. then, use the funnel and measuring spoon to add about a teaspoon of baking soda inside the balloon..

2. Fill the water bottle or other container about halfway with vinegar.

3. Attach your filled balloon to the container with the vinegar. Make sure the seal is tight!

4. Once you’re all set up, hold the balloon up so the baking soda gets released into the vinegar.

5. Finally, watch the balloon blow up!

Grab our baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment worksheet!

Click the button below to get your worksheet. The worksheet asks kids to guess the correct order of the steps in the experiment. Next, kids must make a prediction about what they think will happen. They can use the provided spaces to draw what happens before and after they add the baking soda to the vinegar. Did their predictions come true?

Additional Reflection Questions

• What happened when the baking soda was added to the vinegar?
• Why do you think the balloon inflated?
• Why do you think the balloon eventually stops blowing up?
• What do you think would happen if we used more or less baking soda?

Can this experiment be done for a science fair?

Yes! If you want to do the baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment for a science fair, we recommend switching up some of the variables. For example: Does the amount of vinegar matter? What if you run two experiments side by side with different amounts of baking soda? Which balloon filled up faster? Form a hypothesis about how changing the variables will impact the experiment. Good luck!

Looking for more experiment ideas? Check out our  big list of science experiments.

Plus, be sure to  subscribe to our newsletters  for more articles like this., you might also like.

How To Make a Baking Soda Volcano With Free Observation Sheet

This experiment will have kids erupting with applause! Continue Reading

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Why Do Vinegar & Baking Soda React?

A very common stem reaction.

Baking Soda mixed with Vinegar. Two household products that have been entertaining kids around the world for decades due to their reaction with one another. When teaching science and STEM, the balloon being blown up by this reaction is probably one of the first demonstrations kids will try.

But what is actually going on behind the scenes that causes this visually pleasing reaction?

Reaction Explained Simply

The reaction is known as an 'Acid-Base' reaction.

Baking soda is a base, and vinegar is an acid. Vinegar isn't just an acid, it is an acid in water, which is important.

The water in the vinegar acts as a host where the base and acid react. During the reaction, when the baking soda is mixed with the vinegar, the baking soda (Base) takes a proton from the vinegar (Acid). The reaction causes the baking soda to transform into water and carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is a gas which is released during the reaction, which gives it the bubbling effect, and it expands which will blow up balloons as you have probably seen in some experiments and demonstrations.

Vinegar + Baking Soda Video

Here is a great video demonstrating the reaction of vinegar and baking soda. It explains what has happened simply, and also demonstrates how the reaction can blow up a balloon.

The Reaction Explained in Complex Form

For the full and detailed explanation of what actually takes place when you mix vinegar and baking soda, we researched from professional scientists.

The best answer we could find was here: UCSB ScienceLine

Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate: each molecule of baking soda contains a sodium atom, a hydrogen atom, an oxygen atom, and a carbon dioxide molecule. Vinegar contains acetic acid, each molecule of which contains a hydrogen atom, and an acetate ion. When combined, the hydrogen atom in the acetic acid meets up with the hydrogen and oxygen atoms in the baking soda to form a molecule of water, while the acetate ion grabs onto the sodium atom and forms a salt, sodium acetate. The carbon dioxide molecule, free of its other chemical bonds, can now escape and bubbles forth as a gas.

Kids Toys That Use Baking Soda & Vinegar

Our ever expanding list of toys that use bi-carb and vinegar as fuel. Baking soda and vinegar react which makes these toys awesome.

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Chemical Equation for Baking Soda and Vinegar Reaction

The baking soda and vinegar chemical reaction finds use in chemical volcanoes , carbon dioxide production, and sodium acetate ( hot ice ) synthesis. It’s an aqueous (water-based) reaction between sodium bicarbonate and the acetic acid from vinegar. Here is the balanced chemical equation for the reaction and a closer look at the steps involved.

Balanced Chemical Equation for Baking Soda and Vinegar Reaction

One mole of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) reacts with one mole of acetic acid (from vinegar) to yield one mole of sodium acetate, one mole of water, and one mole of carbon dioxide. The balanced chemical equation is:

NaHCO 3  + HC 2 H 3 O 2  → NaC 2 H 3 O 2  + H 2 O + CO 2

But, sodium acetate dissociates into its ions, so a better way to write the reaction is: NaHCO 3 (s) + CH 3 COOH(l) → CO 2 (g) + H 2 O(l) + Na + (aq) + CH 3 COO – (aq) Here, NaHCO 3 is sodium bicarbonate, CH 3 COOH is acetic acid, CO 2 is carbon dioxide, H 2 O is water, Na + is the sodium cation, and CH 3 COO – is the acetate anion. Also, s = solid, l = liquid, g = gas, aq = aqueous or in water solution.

How the Reaction Works

Remember, this chemical reaction takes place in water, so sodium bicarbonate and acetic acid dissociate into their ions, so the ions can essentially “switch partners” to form new products : NaHCO 3 (aq) + HC 2 H 3 O 2 (aq) = Na + (aq) + HCO – 3 (aq) + H + (aq) + C 2 H 3 O 2 – (aq)

The baking soda and vinegar reaction actually proceeds in two steps. First, sodium bicarbonate reacts with acetic reaction in a double displacement reaction to form sodium acetate and carbonic acid. Because baking soda is a base and acetic acid is an acid, the reaction is also an example of an acid-base neutralization reaction . The reason this happens at all is because the products are more thermodynamically stable than the reactants: NaHCO 3  + HC 2 H 3 O 2  → NaC 2 H 3 O 2  + H 2 CO 3 Carbonic acid is unstable, so it rapidly undergoes a decomposition reaction to form water and carbon dioxide: H 2 CO 3  → H 2 O + CO 2 Because the reaction occurs in water and sodium acetate is soluble in water, the chemical dissociates into sodium ions and acetate ions. If you boil off or evaporate all the water, you’ll get solid sodium acetate. Sodium acetate is called “hot ice” because a supersaturated solution spontaneously crystallizes, releasing heat and forming a crystalline solid that looks like water ice.

The carbon dioxide formed in the reaction escapes as bubbles of carbon dioxide gas. A small amount of detergent added to a baking soda and vinegar volcano traps the carbon dioxide gas to make “lava” bubbles that flow down the side of the container.

The baking soda and vinegar reaction is among the safety chemical reactions for children because both the reactants and products are safe enough to eat! The only consideration is that carbon dioxide released by the reaction is heavier than air and sinks to the bottom of the room. If the reaction is performed on a very large scale, enough carbon dioxide gas might be produced to cause hypoxic conditions near the floor. It’s unlikely anyone would mix enough chemicals for this to happen, but if you plan on filling your kiddie pool with baking soda and vinegar, do it outdoors on a breezy day :)

• Clayden, Jonathan; Greeves, Nick; Warren, Stuart; Wothers, Peter (2001). Organic Chemistry (1st ed.). Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-850346-0.
• Seidell, Atherton; Linke, William F. (1952).  Solubilities of Inorganic and Organic Compounds . Van Nostrand.

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Baking Soda vs. Baking Powder: The Differences Between These Popular Leavening Agents

They're indispensable in baked goods and have the power to make your creations rise (and shine!). Here's how baking powder and baking soda differ.

Randi Gollin is a freelance food writer and editor who has been covering food, travel, and fashion for over 20 years.

• Baking Soda Definition
• Baking Powder Definition
• Why They're Needed in Baking
• Reactions With Other Ingredients
• Substitutions
• When to Use Each

When it comes to baking yeast-free treats like cookies, muffins , quick breads, and cakes , you usually can't achieve stellar results without baking soda or baking powder. Sometimes a recipe will call for both, other times it lists one, but rarely does it omit the category of leavening agents altogether. (Yeast, by the way, is also a leavening agent.)

While these fine white powders are similar, lending baked goods a light structure with optimal results, they are not the same thing—each has its own reaction in the baking process. We turned to a few expert bakers to demystify the kitchen science behind these pantry staples and discover what sets them apart.

What Is Baking Soda?

Baking soda, also called bicarbonate of soda, is sodium bicarbonate, through and through. It's pure alkaline, or a base, and resembles baking powder appearance-wise.

What Is Baking Powder?

Baking powder is a mixture of baking soda plus an acidic ingredient, typically tartaric acid (cream of tartar), and a thickener, like cornstarch. (Note that you can make homemade baking powder by stirring these ingredients together.)

Single-Acting vs. Double-Acting Baking Powder

If you're choosing between double-acting baking powder (which reacts twice in recipes—once when it gets wet and again when it is exposed to heat) and single-acting baking powder (which reacts just one time, when liquid is added), go for the former. "Be sure to purchase double-acting (so it will activate when it first gets wet, and then again when it's hit with the oven heat) and aluminum-free (to avoid a metallic taste)," says Anna Gordon , chef, and founder of The Good Batch , a Brooklyn-based bakery.

yavdat / GETTY IMAGES

Why You Need Baking Soda and Baking Powder in Recipes 

"Baking soda and powder are major players in the bakery, and they each have their own little tricks and advantages," says Gordon.

They Promote Leavening and Browning

Both agents are integral to the chemistry of baking. "Baking soda and baking powder are both chemical leaveners that are used to enhance the expansion that is created when a liquid turns into steam during baking," explains Dan Langan , professional pastry instructor and author of the forthcoming cookbook, Bake Your Heart Out: Foolproof Recipes to Level Up Your Home Baking .

These leavening agents cause dough or batter to rise and also help baked goods hold their shape in the oven. Baking soda is something of a workhorse, too, boosting browning and delaying the setting of batters. "This is why soft pretzels are dipped in a soda solution (to promote browning) and cookies with more baking soda spread more (delayed setting of cookie dough lends more time for the dough to spread)," says Langan.

They Save Time

They're also time-savers. "Unlike yeast, which is another type of leavener and takes hours to ferment and activate, these powders are quick and super handy for leavening baked goods like cookies and cakes," says Gordon.

How Baking Soda and Baking Powder React With Other Ingredients

Each leavening agent reacts with different ingredients.

Baking Soda Reacts With Acid

"Baking soda reacts with acidic liquid ingredients like buttermilk , molasses, honey, lemon juice, and yogurt to create carbon dioxide gas that makes baked goods rise," says Yossy Arefi , baker and author of Snacking Cakes: Simple Treats for Anytime Cravings: A Baking Book and the forthcoming Snacking Bakes: Simple Recipes for Cookies, Bars, Brownies, Cakes, and More .

The chemical reaction is lightning-fast, producing air bubbles needed for an ethereal texture. "It is activated as soon as it gets wet so recipes with baking soda are best baked right after mixing," says Arefi. 

Baking Powder Reacts With Any Liquid

Baking powder's acidic component, cream of tartar, is built in and reacts with the included alkaline baking soda when it comes in contact with any liquid. "Baking powder is a one-stop-shop blend of baking soda and an acidic agent, and will work its magic on its own," says Gordon. 

In other words, baking powder creates carbon dioxide gas by itself, no matter which liquid goes into the mixing bowl. "That's why baking powder will fizz when added to a glass of water," says Langan.

Substituting Baking Soda and Baking Powder

How can you master a recipe if (horrors!) you're clean out of baking soda? "The general idea is that baking soda is four times more powder than baking powder," says Langan. When substituting with baking powder, use 1 teaspoon of baking powder in place of each 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda.

If your cabinet is bare of baking powder, use 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in place of each teaspoon of baking powder.

• If you need to replace baking soda with baking powder , use 1 teaspoon of baking powder in place of each 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda.
• If you need to replace baking powder with baking soda , use 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in place of each teaspoon of baking powder.

When to Use Baking Soda vs. When to Use Baking Powder

Now that you know what each leavener brings to a recipe, when is it best to use baking powder vs. baking soda—and why do some recipes call for both?

Recipes Using Baking Powder

"Baking powder works well with more alkaline recipes like a cake made with Dutch process cocoa powder or cookies that don't contain any acidic ingredients," says Arefi (like this glazed chocolate cake , for example). But acidic elements aren't completely off the table. "Baking powder can also be used in recipes with acidic ingredients which can help create a more soft and tender crumb," she says.

Baking powder also proves indispensable in recipes where you don't want to downplay that acid. "We love buttermilk for its tang (thank you, acid) and adding baking soda would neutralize that tang. So using baking powder in your buttermilk biscuits gives you lift without neutralizing the buttermilk's flavor," says Langan.

Recipes Using Baking Soda

Recipes requiring baking soda also call for an acidic ingredient, like buttermilk, yogurt, chocolate, and/or brown sugar. Streusel banana bread is one example; chocolate date cake is another. And given its browning abilities, it's almost always used in chocolate chip cookie recipes.

Recipes Using Both

Oftentimes, recipes utilize both kitchen staples. Case in point: our morning glory muffins and zucchini nut bread . "I use baking soda and powder together in recipes that have a lot of acidic ingredients, like a cake batter , so the baking soda is working to mellow out the acidic flavors and the baking powder is solely dedicated to leavening," says Gordon. 

Arefi adds that for some cakes and cookies, the combination of the two creates the ideal texture, lift, and browning effect. Maybe it's time to mix up a few recipes and see for yourself.

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I’m a paving pro & you must STOP using salt & white vinegar on weeds – a 65p Tesco buy is the ‘simplest & safest’ method

• Abigail Wilson , Senior Digital Writer
• Published : 4:10 ET, Aug 14 2024
• Updated : 16:16 ET, Aug 14 2024
• Published : Invalid Date,

IF weeds are taking over your patio and you’re on a mission to get rid of them, and for good, then you’ve come to the right place.

Gardeners are often inundated with various cleaning and gardening hacks that promise to banish weeds, but according to a paving pro, there are two common tips that you should avoid at all costs.

It turns out that using salt and acidic white vinegar, two of the most popular cupboard ingredients used on weeds , are not as effective as some may think. 

Instead, Cass Heaphy, the Digital Director at Paving Direct , has shared the most effective ways to rid your paving of pesky weeds.

And thanks to Cass’ advice, a 65p buy from Tesco will do the trick - and is the ‘simplest and safest’ method yet. 

When it comes to removing weeds from block paving on a driveway, he suggested "pulling anything that will come up by hand".

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For stubborn weeds that "cannot be easily pulled up", he advised using a weeding tool or a scraper.

He further advised: "You should be able to scrape between the blocks with this tool to dislodge the weeds.

"You can also use a hand-held burner to speed things up."

However, he warned gardening enthusiasts against using salt or white vinegar, as he explained: "Do not use salt to kill weeds as this can damage paving.

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"Not only can salt damage paving, but it can also harm soil health and prevent future growth if used on weeds in other areas of the garden.” 

The same warning applies to white vinegar which can inadvertently kill plants if sprayed onto them while attempting to eliminate weeds.

But for those looking for an inexpensive yet effective solution, Cass claimed that baking soda or boiling water could be the answer. 

According to Cass, baking soda is deemed the "simplest and safest way to soften up and kill weeds". 

What is a weed? And why are they important?

Simply put, a weed is a plant that grows in an area or space you don't want it to.

Rebecca Miller, Fabulous' Associate Editor, and keen gardener, explains why gardeners need to become friends with weeds.

"From nettles, buttercups, docks and dandelions - there are so many wonderful plants that are called weeds. And yet, as soon as the weather warms up, and we spend more time in outside, we want to pluck, pull and kill as many of them as possible, to make our gardens look perfect and pristine.

" Weeds are essential to our ecosystem - many are pollinators, providing food to bees, bats, beetles, butterflies, moths and wasps. And without weeds, these animals wouldn't survive past early Spring.

" Weeds also give back to nature - when they die and decay, their roots break down, feed microorganisms and insects, and make pathways and tunnels for worms. Bountiful life below means plentiful life above.

" Weeds are also brilliant indicators of soil health - which is important if you want to grow anything in your outdoor space. When microorganisms and insects break down weeds, they release essential nutrients into the soil that plants soak up. They also store nitrogen and carbon dioxide in the ground, creating cleaner air and removing greenhouse gasses from the atmosphere, mitigating the climate crisis.

"So before you pull out every weed in your garden, why not give a few of them a chance to grow and bloom, and see what enters your garden to enjoy the flowers..."

To use baking soda on weeds, all you need to do is simply sprinkle it over the patio slabs and then sweep it into the gaps between them.

Once you've done this, you can then pour some boiling water down the gaps too. 

How to repair broken patio slabs

THE paving specialists at Simply Paving told Fabulous how you can repair broken patio slabs, without the faff.

The experts advised: “If you have a loose paving slab, then it’s unlikely it can be lifted straight by hand. Instead, you will probably need a hammer and chisel to prise the paver free of your patio. 

“To remove loose paving slabs without damaging your flagstones, carefully chip away at the mortar around the paving slab with the plugging chisel and rubber mallet until the slab comes completely loose. 

“Then, slide the spade into the gap left by the mortar and prise the paver free of the patio.

"As you lift it up, place a short piece of timber underneath the spade to act as a lever, making it easier for you while protecting the slab underneath. 

“When the paver starts to give, place the cylindrical wood underneath it and roll the slab out of the patio.” 

If you give this trick a try, it's important to pour the water close to the weeds to avoid damaging any nearby plants. 

When used correctly, the combination of baking soda and water not only kills the roots but also makes them easier to uproot.

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The experts at Paving Direct explained that this process can be repeated every month, and will mean "you'll easily be able to stop grass or weeds growing between slabs". 

If you fancy giving this trick a try, you can nab baking soda for just 65p from Tesco - making this hack incredibly cost-effective.

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