Frequently Asked Questions
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BAKING SODA
Baking Soda
What is the shelf life for Baking Soda?
The shelf life is three years. The expiration date is located on the bottom of the box and pouch.
Why have you changed the instructions from “change every 3 months” to “change every 30 days?”
The new 30-day change message is based on our continuing research efforts to understand the process of odor elimination and odor generation. After 30 days, Baking Soda has adsorbed many of the odors in the fridge. By replacing the box of Baking Soda every month you get improved odor elimination, ensuring your food tastes fresher longer.
Can I use Baking Soda and Clear Balance for my pool?
Yes, we recommend using Baking Soda initially to raise pH and alkalinity, and then following with regular use of Clear Balance to maintain levels.
How often should the box of Baking Soda in the fridge and/or freezer be changed?
We recommend changing the box in your refrigerator/freezer once a month for optimal freshness.
If my pH fluctuates greatly can I still use this product? If so, how much should I use?
Use ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda per the package directions to initially adjust pH to proper levels, then use Clear Balance to maintain (follow package directions for dosing).
What is the difference between Baking Soda and Baking Powder?
Baking soda is 100% pure sodium bicarbonate. Baking powder is a mixture of baking soda (usually about 28-30%) and various acidic ingredients (singularly or in combination). Both are used as leavening agents in baked goods- baking soda will react with an acid, giving off carbon dioxide gas and causing dough to rise. However, they are used in different situations and are not interchangeable. Baking soda is typically used in a recipe that has an acidic ingredient (cream of tartar, buttermilk, etc.) that will react with the soda to give off carbon dioxide. Baking powder, which contains one or more acidic ingredients to facilitate the reaction, is used in recipes without acidic ingredients.
How does the box differ from the shaker?
While the baking soda used in the Shaker package is 100% pure ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda, it is a different granulation than what is found in the Yellow Box. This different granulation makes the baking soda more free flowing and less prone to caking and lumping, particularly around high moisture conditions such as kitchen cleaning.
How does Baking Soda differ from Super Washing Soda?
Baking Soda is made of 100% Sodium Bicarbonate. Super Washing Soda is made of 100% Sodium Carbonate. While they sound similar, they are not the same. Both products can be used to improve liquid laundry performance for cleaner, fresher clothes. Both products can also be used for cleaning around the house. Baking Soda can be used in baking, as a dentifrice and as an antacid, Super Washing Soda cannot. Super Washing Soda should never be ingested. Be sure to check product packaging for specific uses and recommendations.
When used as a dentifrice how abrasive is baking soda?
Baking soda provides a mild abrasive action to help polish, clean and deodorize the teeth. It is the natural choice for highly effective personal products such as toothpastes, mouth wash and gargle.
Can Baking Soda be used as a booster in HE washing machines?
Yes, Baking Soda can be used with HE washing machines. Add 1 cup with your liquid laundry detergent.
How does Baking Soda help sooth poison ivy and bee stings?
Baking Soda temporarily protects and helps relieve minor skin irritation and itching by neutralizing toxins and irritants at the skin’s surface. Follow package directions listed under Drug Facts for skin protectant.
What is “dental grade” baking soda?
Dental Grade Baking Soda has a special particle size to provide optimum cleaning with low abrasion.
Clear Balance™
Can Clear Balance Tablets cause damage to the pool filter systems, and step ladders?
No, Clear Balance Tablets will not damage pool surfaces such as concrete, tile, vinyl liners, or metal.
Can Clear Balance Tablets be used in an automatic chlorinator?
No, as the label directions indicate, do not use Clear Balance and your sanitizer together in the same dosing vessel.
How do I add Clear Balance Pool Maintenance Tablets?
• If you add chlorine through an automatic chlorinator, then add Clear Balance through the skimmer
• If you add chlorine through the skimmer, then add Clear Balance through a floater
• If you add chlorine through a floater, than add Clear Balance through the skimmer
Follow package instructions. Do not use Clear Balance and your sanitizer in the same dispenser.
What are the benefits of Clear Balance Pool Maintenance Tablets?
Clear Balance Tablets help to:
• Improve water clarity
• Maintain pH and alkalinity
• Optimize chlorine performance
• Protect pool surfaces from corrosion
• Eliminate the need for costly corrective chemicals
• Make pool water gentle on swimmers’ skin and eyes
Is it safe to drop or throw a tablet of Clear Balance directly into the pool?
Doing so would not be harmful, but follow package directions for use.
How fast do Clear Balance Tablets dissolve?
A Clear Balance Tablet will dissolve in about 15 minutes.
Do I have to start with a clean pool before using Clear Balance Tablets?
Yes, for best results, start with a clean pool with the pH and alkalinity in balance. Use Clear Balance to maintain these levels.
Can Clear Balance Tablets cause the water in my pool to change colors?
Clear Balance Pool Maintenance Tablets will help clear cloudiness and maintain pool water clarity but they do not change the water’s color. If your pool has turned green, learn why and how to fix it with our guide.
Can I use Clear Balance Tablets in a saltwater pool?
No, Clear Balance cannot be used in saltwater pools.
Will Clear Balance Tablets raise or lower the pH of my pool water?
Clear Balance helps raise pH to the ideal range of 7.4-7.8. However, there are several factors that can affect pH, so it is important that you test the pool water first. Follow our to learn more.
Will Clear Balance Tablets raise or lower the alkalinity of my pool water?
Clear Balance Tablets raise alkalinity to the ideal range of 110-150 ppm. However, there are several factors that may affect alkalinity, so it is important to test the pool water first.
Can this Clear Balance Pool Maintenance Tablets be used with all types of filtration systems?
Yes, Clear Balance can be used with all types of filtration systems.
How often can you use Clear Balance Tablets in your pool?
Add 1 Clear Balance tablet for each chlorine tablet used, referencing the use instructions on the packaging. Refer to our Pool Owners’ Guide if more than one tablet is needed per week, based on pool capacity.
Can I use Clear Balance Tablets in a hot tub?
No, do not use Clear Balance Tablets in a hot tub. They are designed for the larger water capacities of swimming pools.
Can I use Clear Balance Tablets in an above ground pool?
Yes, Clear Balance can be used in all chlorinated pools – above ground and in ground. Follow the package directions for the number of tablets for the size of your pool.
Can you add Clear Balance Pool Maintenance Tablets and shock together?
No, Clear Balance must be added separately from a chlorine tablet. Shock typically involves high doses of chlorine, to raise the chlorine level quickly. Clear Balance Tablets help chlorine work more effectively once the shock treatment is completed.
Will Clear Balance Tablets clear cloudy pool water?
Although Clear Balance can help clarify pool water, a cloudy pool is typically treated by adding more chlorine. See more in our pool guide.
Are Clear Balance Tablets a pool stabilizer?
No, pool stabilizers are typically cyanuric acid based.
Can Clear Balance Tablets be used as a pool clarifier?
Clear Balance Tablets reduce the need for clarifiers, but it is not a clarifier itself.