This topic is all about using baking soda, often called the "magic white powder," as a natural deodorizer for ostomy pouches and exploring its other health and household uses. Here's a breakdown of the insights and advice shared:

- The originator uses a small open bowl of baking soda in the bathroom, dipping a bit into the ostomy pouch after each emptying. They find it more cost-effective and efficient than commercial deodorizers because it neutralizes odors rather than just masking them.

- Beyond ostomy care, baking soda is used for various household tasks: deodorizing shoes, controlling refrigerator odors, whitening laundry and teeth, cleaning kitchens and bathrooms, removing carpet stains (when combined with vinegar), washing produce to remove pesticides (when mixed with water), polishing silverware, cleaning scorched pots, and even extinguishing small grease fires.

- For portability, the originator suggests using a cigar tube or a similar small container to carry baking soda when out and about.

- There is also a liquid option available online, a 12-fl-oz lemon-scented baking soda product, though the brand isn't specified.

- The method of application involves using a flat pouch clamp to scoop a bit of powder directly into the pouch after emptying.

Advice and insights from others include:

1. For on-the-go use, you can spoon small portions of baking soda into twists of plastic wrap or Saran Wrap, creating 20-30 single-use packets that are easy to drop into the pouch.

2. As an oral alternative, over-the-counter sodium-bicarbonate capsules or tablets (commonly used as antacids, 650 mg per capsule) can be taken. These can be swallowed whole or halved if the dose feels too high, providing the same systemic benefits without needing to apply it to the pouch.

3. Some members advise against putting dry baking soda directly into the pouch, preferring the oral tablets instead.

4. There were requests for clarification on the exact amount of baking soda used per pouch application, which wasn't specified by the originator.

5. There was also a need to clarify whether "pill form" referred to Tums (calcium carbonate) or true sodium-bicarbonate antacid tablets. It is the latter, sodium-bicarbonate tablets, that are being discussed.