The first Webster Dictionary was published on this day in 1828. In it, Webster defines baking soda as 'sodium bicarbonate' with a lot of mumbo-jumbo about chemical reaction, soda ash and carbon dioxide. In one of our books, we state things simpler. Baking soda is a virtual do-anything do-everything bonanza. Here are just a few uses: in your dishwasher, it deodorizes and cleans inside. As a paste, it cleans smudges on wallpaper and shines porcelain, jewelry and coins. On bee stings, it lessens the pain, and it's an emollient for softer, smoother skin. For pets, use 2 tablespoons in bathwater as shampoo. In cold weather, use in powder form as a dry shampoo. Either way, it adds softness and luster to their coat. The deodorizing ability of baking soda in powder form for cars is legendary. Three parts baking soda in 1-part water foams away acid buildup on battery terminals. Want more? Try this on for size, you can even bake with it. And that's the On The House tip for today.