Re: Ammonia
Posted by Anon on September 06, 1999 at 05:15:38:
In Reply to: Re: Ammonia posted by Catherine Cartwright Jones on September 03, 1999 at 00:27:57:
: I tried baking soda but didn't find it particularly effective.....
: either the ph isn't high enough, or it doesn't penetrate the skin
: easily.
Baking soda is definitely slower to react - the dilute ammonia in
window cleaner will change an acid-base indicator ("galaxy gold"
paper, for cheapskates like me) MUCH faster than even a mushy solution
of baking soda. It also does evaporate (unlike baking soda). I'm
guessing it's the difference between OH- ions and H+ ions, but have
yet to look it up. (The OH- may supply ready oxygen for faster
oxidation...maybe??) However, I've also compared baking soda paste
with ammonia application on insect bites, and the ammonia works much
better there. That may mean it also penetrates skin more. Don't
know, but am now extremely curious!