baking soda in 2-part turns into rock.

[kevensquint]

Hi, I added 2 1/4 cups of baked baking soda to an empty 1 gallon container. Then I filled up the rest with RO/DI, I belive this is the correct method. Most of the B-powder dissolved right away, but a large amount (maybe 3/4 cup) turned into a rock hard chunk. I tried to break it with a spoon and I managed to dissolve it by heating the mixture and smashing at the chunk. What happened? or is that normal? thanks

 

[steve the plumb]

yes its normal.You have to warm it up in order for it to dissolve.

 

[speakerguy]

It would be better to fill the container 3/4 the way full, then add the baking soda, then fill it the rest of the way. This isn't really a huge factor in dissolving baking soda, but it's the general way that most mixing should be done. Either way it takes some work to get it to dissolve.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Keeping it mixing and/or warm when it is first added can reduce that issue, but as mentioned, warming it can help dissolve it.