It’s not that I swear all the time.
I only do so when the situation calls for it, according to my own moral compass. Thus when I tell you that I let out a string of curse words you may be assured it was necessary.
Here’s what happened. It’s a one thing leads to another scenario.
Winter arrived. My skin got dry and itchy so I stopped using Dial bar soap in the shower, switching to a gentler bar of soap that isn’t so intense. But because I’m a frugal woman I put the partially used bar of soap in a drawer in the bathroom cabinet near the sink.
This drawer houses items I use to make myself presentable– including, for instance, a tub of moisturizing cream and a few bottles of leave-in hair conditioner and a razor or three.
Also in the drawer there’s a box of Arm & Hammer baking soda that I occasionally use instead of toothpaste. I use the baking soda every few days so the box is open (with the little cardboard lid thingie sort of closed) in the drawer. It’s a throwback to my childhood when people sometimes used baking soda for the cleaning of teeth. [Don’t judge.]
And this is where the trouble began.
As I’m sure you know baking soda is often used in refrigerators as a way of absorbing odors in them. Very effective, good stuff. BUT did you know that if you put an open box of it in a drawer with an unwrapped partially used bar of heavily scented soap, the baking soda will absorb the scent, the flavor, the essence of that soap?
Of course thinking on it now you do, but I was not so wise. I didn’t anticipate the consequences of storing Arm & Hammer baking soda and Dial bar soap, side-by-side, in a closed bathroom drawer.
Hence it came to be that one morning I reached for the now Dial-soap-scent-infused Arm & Hammer baking soda and used the baking soda to brush my teeth, not knowing what had happened to it in the drawer. From this experience I learned can confirm that Dial soap tastes awful, rating high on the yuck-o-meter, if there is such a thing.
Also I can confirm that while I don’t swear often, it’s a skill you never forget, like riding a bike. I know this to be true because between rinsing my mouth out with water multiple times, I used words of the sort not meant for a PG-13 family blog like this one. Thus I’ll paraphrase what I said using The Good Place’s Eleanor Shellstrop‘s sanitized curse words instead of my own.
Holy mother forking shirt balls! BLEECH!
~ ~ • ~ ~
Happy Weekend, everyone. Try to keep it clean.
~ ~ • ~ ~
Haha! I did not see that coming!
As an aside, I read a story this week about an elderly person (over 100) who brushes with Baking Soda every day and did not get her first cavity until age 99!!!
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Nancy, that’s amazing. Absolutely astounding. Makes me wonder about the hype associated with toothpaste? 🤔
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Very funny raccoon, Ally. I did not know I could use a toothbrush for my ears.🙂 You have taken me on an interesting journey right into your bathroom drawer. It all makes sense. Moral of the story……don’t use the toothbrush for cleaning your ears. And, then a retro memory…what was it about brushing teeth with toothpaste and drinking orange juice immediately afterwards. Shudder. Thank you for my morning smile.
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Erica/Erika, I thought the little raccoon was hilarious so I had to put it here on this post. Obviously it never dawned on me what would happen with those two items in the drawer. I don’t remember anyone drinking oj after brushing with baking soda. That’d be awful.
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Mother forking shirt balls, indeed. That had to taste awful. Did you subsequently brush with something less horrible, like Comet Cleanser or Mr. Clean?
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Dan, ha! I went straight back to my good ole Crest toothpaste and dumped the baking soda down the drain. It was a goner.
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We’ve all had our “duh” episodes, but I would have never though of that either. These days I am constantly pulling loose hairs out of my toothbrush. Thanks for sharing as they make us snicker. And think.
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Zen-Den, you’re right this was a “duh” episode. The older we get the more ridiculous our problems. At least we can laugh about them!
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What a testimonial to Arm & Hammer baking soda. Maybe you’ll be asked to star in a commercial.
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Deb, yes no doubt my story is one they’ll want to feature in a commercial. Ha! That’ll be the day.
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It’s a funny story now, not when it happened! Of course, in hindsight, refrigerator odor absorbing baking soda might be on duty elsewhere in the house, but I doubt I would think of that either. My husband keeps baking soda in our bathroom and uses it a couple of times a month to brush his teeth. I’d better check what it is sitting next to….
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Dorothy, I’d check where your husband keeps the baking soda. I mean I’ve done this baking soda box in the drawer for years without incident, but the taste of the soap in it was awful– and totally unexpected. After I finished swearing I got to laughing about it. It would happen to me. 🙄
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Wait a minute, aren’t you supposed to have your mouth washed out with soap AFTER the swears?
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HA! Good point. But you know it’s a topsy turvy world in which we live now.
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My father used to make us brush with baking soda once a week. I hated it.
I never would have thought of the connection of it as an odor absorber, either, when I put it near the soap. Wow! What a testimonial. I stopped putting a box in my fridge because I wasn’t convinced it was ever Doing Anything. Thanks for the affirmation. (Sorry it came about in such a yucky way.)
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nance, I can understand how someone might not like brushing with baking soda. I just happen to like it BUT only when the product is free from other odors. It was an awful moment and I knew immediately what I’d done. I can’t confirm that baking soda helps for sure in the fridge, but in the bathroom drawer it worked. Lesson learned.
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Now I’m remembering that classic scene from A Christmas Story, where the mother gives the bar of soap a try after making Ralphie chomp down on it as punishment for his ‘dirty’ words. It never would have occurred to me that baking soda would pick up the soap aroma, but why not? We used baking soda for tooth-brushing from time to time when I was a kid, but as I recall, Mom always opened the box and emptied into a pint Mason jar. Maybe she’d stored it next to soap one time and learned her lesson.
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shoreacres, oh I’d forgotten about that scene in that movie. What a great reference. I didn’t think a thing when I saved the soap in the drawer, but never again I tell you. I wonder, too, if your mother had figured out from past experience that a Mason jar was the way to go if you don’t want *scented* baking soda for your teeth. We live, we learn.
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I didn’t see that coming as well! Although, I keep baking soda in my fridge to absorb odors, so I really should have seen that coming!
I knew a man who didn’t have his glasses on one morning and instead of using Colgate to brush his teeth, using Preparation H. That was quite an awakening. 🙂
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Kari, I feel the same way: I should have seen it coming. I know what baking soda does, I know that Dial has a strong scent… but alas I did not.
He used Preparation H as toothpaste! THAT’S HORRIFYING. Oh my, I cannot imagine…
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YES. I was little when he told the story and I remember everyone laughing, It wasn’t until I was older when I realized how funny it was. 🙂
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I think that sounds awful to the nth degree. But I do see the humor in it as long as it happens to someone else, of course.
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😳😳😳!!!
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Haha! I can imagine the taste was awful! We used baking soda for toothpaste at my grandmothers house growing up. Did a fine job! As for cussing, studies show it can be good for you as a release of negative energy. 😤😳🤗
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Sue, yes, yes. It’s good for me to swear. And trust me there was a lot of negative energy to let go of. I cannot overstate how awful that tasted.
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I have to swear at Joe Namath every time he comes on my TV to talk to me about Medicare. Makes me so angry acting like he is helping old people instead of making money off of them. I yell right out loud every time and his commercial comes on a LOT!!
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Ellen D, I saw that commercial for the first time a few weeks ago. I was flabbergasted by it, but I didn’t swear at it. I muted it, but I can see how it provoked you. What the heck!
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It’s right up there with Tom Seleck selling reverse mortgages to the elderly touting how trustworthy he is!
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Yes it is. I’ve seen those Tom Selleck commercials and they are a scam wrapped up in a con surrounded by bright lights. Really awful
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I find it really disturbing, and he sounds like such a con man, Trust Me!
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EXACTLY! “Ash – holes!
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Ellen, well said! 😉
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LOL! Good phrase of swear words! 🤣 I don’t believe I would have thought that through either and I too would have been surprised to learn the baking soda absorbed the odors in the drawer!
I add baking soda to my morning face wash every day to exfoliate but use Hydrogen Peroxide for my teeth every other day. You don’t find the BS too abrasive on your teeth then?
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Deborah, this is one of the dumbest things I’ve done recently. Quite memorable. I can understand how it happened, but honestly it NEVER DAWNED ON ME that it could happen.
Hydrogen peroxide would be strong for me, but I don’t find baking soda harsh for my teeth. I’ll try using baking soda in my face wash to exfoliate. I like the sound [and price point] of that idea.
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Baking soda has been my exfoliator medium since my 20’s. I hope you like it too. 😀
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If nothing else, I already have some conveniently available in the bathroom. A fresh box, of course.
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😀
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OMG, that is horrific! I too would never have considered it.
I don’t brush with baking soda, and wonder why one might? My mom did sometimes, she said her dentist said it was good and cheaper than toothpaste, but I never felt like it made my breath minty fresh. Maybe it’s better for stain removal? I might add it to my regimen, to try to combat my tea drinking habit.
I will NOT store it near the soap, however. I wonder if it would have tasted any better if it had been Irish Spring? I say, to hell with frugality, throw away the partially used bar of soap and spring for a new one when the weather warms up. And also maybe put your baking soda somewhere less confined. Wowza, that must have been a mouthful!
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J., I know! It never ever occurred to me that putting baking soda by that soap would end up with the soap taste in the baking soda. YET when you think on it, you instantly realize that could happen. Still, yuck. Don’t do what I did.
The reason my family sometimes used baking soda for brushing teeth was it was cheaper than toothpaste so it was about the budget, not what the product does. Cannot tell you if it removes stains better than toothpaste.
Funny you mentioned putting the baking soda somewhere less confined. I’ve moved it to the counter top and am being care about closing the little cardboard top better so no dust, or odor, gets into it. So far, all is good.
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Okay, first off, in our family, we added a pinch of salt to the baking soda in our palm, mixing it together with our toothbrush as a paste to use on our teeth…just sayin’.
This was hilarious, Ms. Bean. But then it’s kind of like slapstick comedy: laughs at the expense of others’ foibles…sorry if I’m not being PC in my mirth!
But I think you came across an easier method of ‘washing one’s mouth out with soap’. I’ve never understood how anyone could place a bar of soap in someone else’s mouth – this way, the method of deliver makes much more logical sense.
Thanks for the Friday laugh.
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Laura, mixing salt with the baking soda? Interesting. I can see how that’d make for a paste that would clean your teeth. Apparently my family wasn’t as fancy as yours!
This was definitely slapstick comedy if someone had been there to see me after I started brushing with the vile Dial scented baking soda. After I washed the taste out of my mouth I got to laughing about what I’d done… because of course I’d do this.
Yes, my method of washing your mouth out with soap is efficient, but not recommended. Just go ahead and swear, I say.
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😀
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Picking myself up off the floor I’m laughing so much Ally Bean! I’ll confess something – a nice white tube of moisturiser went onto my tooth brush and a few days later my husband’s special toothpaste onto my face. I must have been away with the fairies on both occasions .. but to ensure this doesn’t happen again I’ve put them faaaaar away from each other. Yes, I sometimes use baking soda for cleaning teeth but my dental hygienist begged me NOT to use lemon juice at the same time. I haven’t got round to using ashes for teeth cleaning …
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Susan, I’m glad you got a laugh out of this. I did too, once the taste was out of my mouth and the curse words were shouted. I mean really, how did I do this?
You put moisturizer on your toothbrush and your husband put toothpaste on his face? THAT’S FUNNY TIMES TWO. I’ve never heard of using lemon juice on your teeth to clean them and as for the ashes, I’d suggest don’t go that route… if my mess was bad, that’d be worse.
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For me, curse words are like adding a seasoning to a recipe. The recipe would work almost as well without it, but it adds that special something. Likewise, too much seasoning would spoil the whole dish, you know? A judiciously placed curse word (or string of them, if the situation allows) can add so much extra flavour…but I doubt any of it would be enough to take away the shocking taste of Dial-flavoured baking soda. I hope your day and weekend only goes up from there!
Deb
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Deb, your take on using curse words is brilliant. I agree wholeheartedly with your analysis of the use of them, and the degree to which they should be used. I don’t trust people who don’t swear once in a while, they lack flavor.
You’re right that nothing short of lots of water could take the icky taste out of my mouth. I used the words, I used the water. I muttered and sputtered.
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Baking Soda has a lot of practical uses and I remember using it to brush my teeth when I was young. Swearing has a lot of practical uses, too, and I remember doing so…well, almost every day a single naughty word will slip out and I look around, hoping no one but the dog heard me.
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Jean, I like using baking soda on my teeth but not after what I did to that box. As for swearing I am good at it, but try to be judicious in my use. However once I get going I am quite the wordy woman, drawing on my love of reading and language. I bet your dog doesn’t care what you say as long as there are some treats along the way.
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Ha ha! Thanks for my laugh of the day! It this had to happen to anyone, of course it happened to you! I’ve always said that you should write a book about all the crazy things that have happened to you! And the little racoon is the best. Love him! Reminded me of the Paddington Bear movie.
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Beth, well I KNEW you’d like this. It was about the dumbest thing to do, but also totally understandable if you know me. You’re right. That little raccoon looks like a cousin of Paddington Bear. No wonder he charmed me into sharing him here.
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Oh no. How AWFUL! I’m cringing just thinking of it. I am now considering storing open boxes of baking soda in the kids’ lockers in tbe mudroom. I know about the use in the fridge and have made a paste of it to get smells out of carpet, etc. But why am I not using it to alleviate the foot odor that is so problematic in the mudroom?
I, too, love the Widow Badass’ thoughts on swearing. So accurate.
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Ernie, I don’t know if the baking soda would help in your kids’ lockers but if my drawer experience proves anything, it shows that the stuff works in unusual places. WHO’D HAVE THOUGHT? Not I.
Yep, Deb’s comment is one that explains the need for swearing and makes it come alive as she explains it. Good woman, that Deb!
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Ally, it reminds me of the scene in that Depression-era movie The Christmas Story (the boy who wants a bb gun), where his mother washes his mouth out with soap after he was caught swearing. Actually she stuck a bar of soap in his mouth for a minute…..and I believe it was Dial!?
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Joni, I remember that movie and that scene. I think it might have been Dial, too. It certainly looked like the golden bar we have today. All I know for sure is, don’t do what I did. Yuckity, yuck, yuck.
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Well yuck Ally – just reading about your misadventure makes me want to rinse my mouth out. Kind of reminds me of the time as a kid when baking cookies, my sister poured in cough syrup instead of vanilla. Needless to say, the cookies went from being delicious treats to nasty tasting cough lozenges. But my mother ceased storing the medicine in the pantry after that, so there’s a win.
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Deborah, your sister used cough syrup instead of vanilla? THAT’S HILARIOUS. Oh I can imagine how awful the cookies tasted it, but the story is priceless. What a mistake to make.
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Would not have thought about it either. Though we gave up on Dial years ago and just use the milder soap all year round. And I’ve never tried baking soda for teeth….so the odds of that whole soap/soda thing happening at my house would be zero. I DID, once not so long ago, mistake cumin for cinnamon while not wearing my glasses…that also caused a few swear words.
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Dawn, this is one of those situations where after it happened I said to myself “well, of course.” But that didn’t get the icky taste of the soap out of my mouth, nor stop me from swearing up a stream of cursewords.
You mistook cumin for cinnamon? They both start with “C” right? That’s funny, but talk about two spices with entirely different flavor profiles! What a mess, but I’ll admit I’m laughing here.
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We always brushed our teeth with baking soda growing up. No judgement here. Now my disgusting discovery was that when you store a closed container of Tums beside a heavily perfumed closed container of men’s body wash in the medicine cabinet, the Tums will also absorb those scents making for an even worse upset stomach. Sorry you had such a yucky experience!
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Maggie, NO KIDDING? Oh that’s awful to think about let alone taste. I’d never have thought that could happen, but then I’m the woman with soap-scented baking soda, so what do I know? Still, double yuck. *bleech*
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I guess we never stop discovering and learning. I blame it all on non-sturdy packaging. I have an antique glass jar that once contained Vick’s Vapor Rub and it is at least 50-60 years old. It still smells like Vicks inside if you take the lid off. Can’t smell it from the outside though!
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That’s amazing. I like Vick’s when I want it, so your old glass jar sounds perfect. Better than the plastic tubs in comes in now.
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I had to share this one with the missus just now. We had an absolutely awful smell in our fridge a few weeks ago, and for the life of us we could not figure out what it was. Many, many cleanings and searches later we discovered it was a bad onion hiding from us somehow. A box of baking soda was immediately put in there, and by the next day that box then also had to be tossed because it was so offensive. I can only imagine what your experience must have been using it to brush your teeth. Just be glad it wasn’t spoiled onion! – Marty
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Marty, ick to a spoiled onion. That’d be awful, but I can understand how it could happen. Fascinating that in one day the baking soda absorbed so much of the lousy odor that you had to toss it. In my experience I’ve no complaint again the baking soda, just the dim bulb who put it in the drawer beside the soap. We live, we learn, don’t we?
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Ally, it’s not been a good couple of days here (well, let’s say they were the culmination of a trying couple of weeks), so your tale made me literally LAUGH OUT LOUD. Sorry for the yelling, but I was laughing so loud, I disturbed Himself through a closed door as he was trying to watch TV. I realise you share this stuff to brighten the day of your readers and I for one am especially grateful, even if I’m truly sorry you had to suffer to brighten my week.
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Deb, feel free to laugh at my goofs. I do. Once you start thinking about the baking soda by the soap, then what happens makes sense, but it was a surprise. I was not pleased, to put it mildly. And I shall not be doing that again so I have learned. But honestly… BLEECH!
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I knew baking soda absorbs many odors…but the scent of soap?
Nope.
But now you have scented baking soda that you can sprinkle on carpeting before you vacuum! (If you had dogs I would tell you to save it for the inevitable post-skunk bath.)
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AutumnAshbough, this was a learning experience. I never once had a second thought about storing the soap and the baking soda in that drawer, but it was a bad idea. A really bad one.
I put the soap scented baking soda down the bathroom sink drain figuring it’s freshen the room, and it did. So not a total waste. Plus I got a story to tell, so that’s good too.
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That is the great thing about being a writer or storyteller. As you are putting out a fire, or experiencing pain/ misery (that you brought on yourself), or the only sober person trapped at a family event (that took a bizarre turn), you are always thinking, “But this is excellent material.”
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So true. There’s a story everywhere. Sometimes a story that you could do without, but it’s a story.
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I would never have thought of that either! Getting the soap taste out of your mouth must have been a nightmare. The residue stays in between the teeth and pops out at random moments. Yuck! I swear once in a while, but decades as a teacher and parent trained me away from “bad words.” If one uses them a lot, they can slip out at inopportune moments.
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Margaret, this is one of things that once you think about how it happened you say “sure.” But I didn’t think ahead. And yes you’re right about getting that soapy flavor out of my mouth. It was time consuming, especially because I swore endlessly while I did it. I really don’t swear often either, I was raised by strict parents who didn’t go in for such things; however I am self-taught now. 🙄
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I didn’t want to laugh at your expense, but I did giggle. I had no idea baking soda could be made to taste like soap. If only I had known this when my children were little!!!
I’m a miser, so I understand fully why you put the soap in the drawer. May God protect us from our miserly ways!
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Anne, oh this is a laughable story. Once it happened I could see how it happened and where my mistake was, but honestly it never dawned on me that the baking soda would become soapy. And as for your last sentence, Amen sister.
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You know, Arm & Hammer makes baking soda toothpaste. A lot more people than you were brushing their teeth with baking soda, and they decided to capitalize on it.
While you’re out buying a new box of baking soda, invest in a travel soap box and put the Dial in there.
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John, now that you mention it I remember that Arm & Hammer makes a toothpaste. I’ll look into it. Great idea about putting the soap in a travel box. That’d show the soap who’s boss + allow me to be frugal!
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Nooooo! I did not know this. But as I read it all I could think was…yeah…that totally makes sense…
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LA, it makes lots of sense, but did. not. think. of. that. Having now experienced it, I’ll not do it again. Nor should anyone else.
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I remember brushing my teeth with baking soda! You know Arm and Hammer does make toothpaste. It’s my favorite.
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Jan, yes I’m now beginning to remember that Arm & Hammer makes a toothpaste. I’ll look for it so thanks for the idea. And in the meantime I’m keeping my baking soda far away from the soap.
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I had forgotten all about brushing my teeth with baking soda. I went through a phase of that years and years ago. Thank you for reminding me… I may try it again. Bummer about that soapy taste though. I’ll remember not to do that EVER!
I curse all the time. I have to be careful around the grandkids, but other than that… it’s an expletive a minute around here.
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Robin, I like brushing my teeth with baking soda once in a while, but not with the stuff I accidentally created. Be forewarned.
I actually swear less now that I’m older than I did when I was younger. HOWEVER I’m much better at it now, knowing more curse words than in my earlier years. I thank Hollywood for this ability. I learn so much from the movies and TV shows! 😉
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Thanks for the chemistry lesson – and the well-chosen expletives. HaHa!
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Marian, you’re welcome. I do what I can to inform and inspire my readers. A veritable fount of wisdom am I. 🙄
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Hahaha, I laughed so hard!!! Now there’s a lesson you won’t forget
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Tino, you’re right that I’ll not forget this. It was unexpected, but should have been expected, but… 🤷♀️
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This is one of those funny stories that happens to someone else. I’m sure you will remember the taste for a VERY long time. I’m still laughing at “Holy mother forking shirt balls!”
This is one of those blog posts where the comments are just as much fun to read as the original post 😆
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Joanne, I shall never forget the taste of Dial soap infused Arm & Hammer baking soda. It was too awful for words.
I agree that the comments on this post have been a hoot. The dumb things that we all do make for some great reading.
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There are times when certain words just fit the situation better. This was one of those times. 🙂 I would be the last one to assess blame for some colorful words. 🙂
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Judy, thank you and you’re right! This was an oddly dumb thing to do, but having done it I needed to express myself in a way that suited the situation. Lesser words would never have worked.
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Hi, Ally – I am imagining that taste right now. YUK!!!!
I believe that your choice of words at the time was highly appropriate. And, as you were likely not in a PG13 crowd at the time, no impressionable young ears were affected at the time!
Thank you for the heads-up on this. I now know to store my soap far away from my baking soda!
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Donna, good point. The only person who might have heard my string of curse words would have been Z-D, but he didn’t hear me. And even if had heard, he’s said worse. Smart idea to keep your soap and baking soda apart. They be sneaky together. 🤨
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I always thought the washing out with soap was supposed to happen AFTER the words, not cause them. I hope you didn’t wash your mouth out again. Although hilarious as a story, it must have been dreadful to experience…in poor taste, so to speak.
janet
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Janet, you made me laugh out loud with this comment. Thanks. Yes I got the timeline wrong, curse first then wash mouth out. This whole experience was most definitely all in bad taste. 😁
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Kind of a soap opera.
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Ha! Why yes it is, or was, maybe
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I’m thinking that the real moral of this story might be that one shouldn’t have drawers in a bathroom. Or maybe not. It’s just that I don’t have any, so it occurred to me that I wouldn’t be likely to have this problem. Maybe.
Also, swear away. Everyone couple of months or so some story linking profanity to higher intelligence makes its way around my social media feed, which probably says more about my online friends than about correlations between profanity and intelligence, but I’m perfectly fine with an eff bomb or two (or ten). Even if no disgusting substances have been accidentally ingested.
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Rita, you’re right. No drawer, no problem like this one. You’d think I’d have known this was going to happen, but did not occur to me at all.
I see those articles about how swearing is associated with higher intelligence, so I’m going to say I believe them to be true and accurate. Heaven knows I’m forever swearing at something that happens with the WP block editor because it is stupid and I am smart. 😉
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Oh, it really is stupid!
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Thank you for your support on this point. The darned thing drives me crazy. Might need to wash its mouth out with soap, even…
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Yikes! Just yikes!
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Thanks, Kate. It’s a *duh* beyond my normal goof ups.
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So basically you washed your mouth out with soap before you cursed. Well done.
🤣
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Yes, River, that’s what happened. I proudly turned the paradigm upside down, but still ended up with soap in my mouth… so not so smart.
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Thanks for the word on what not to do with baking soda and Dial! Cautionary tales are appreciated by those of us who do not feel the need to learn by doing.
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Eilene, you made me smile with your comment. Yes, I do what I can to ensure that no one repeats my dumb mistakes, no matter how peculiar the mistake might be.
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My dad always used salt to brush his teeth. Man – I hate how Dial smells to begin with si in pretty sure
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Oops. So I’m pretty sure I would really not like the taste and I’m am quite sure loads of swear words would also have come out of my mouth.
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bernieLynne, it was an unexpectedly dumb thing to do, but I shall remember not to do it again. The baking soda part, not the swearing part, of course.
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Well there’s a lesson you won’t soon forget!
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Betsy, yes it is a memorable lesson. Who’d of thunk it?
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But, as you said, once you spell it out like that, it totally makes sense.
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And now we all know not to do what I did. 😉
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You’ve done a service to us all.
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😆
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🤣 Oh my goodness, I can just picture this! (And hear it!) And I concur, swearing is indeed an occasionally pertinent skill one never forgets. 🤣
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Barbara, I know how to swear to make a point or how to exclaim in irritation or dismay. Clearly this turn of events called for some strong words… pretty much directed toward myself. 😉
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ROTFLOL! I love The Good Place SO HARD!!! I feel for you, though; I only had my mouth washed out with soap once, but it was an experience I didn’t care to repeat. I did not wish to become a connoisseur of soaps like Ralphie from A Christmas Story. So: Important pro tip: Baking soda picks up “the essence” of WHATEVER it’s open around. Understood.
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Marian, after I was finished swearing I started laughing too. I mean, what are the odds of this happening? It was soooo weird but it makes sense how it happened. I’m glad you’re now aware of the dangers of trusting baking soda when placed near the wrong crowd. Lesson learned.
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Holy fucking shit! That sounds awful! (Sorry. I just had to.)
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The Travel Architect, HA! You said it– and so did I. But who among us would have thought that this could happen?
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It never would have crossed my mind. Your cautionary tale should have us all on high alert. I don’t brush with the stuff, but I do put it in baked goods. I could easily see a version of your story happening to someone who was out of baking soda while making cookies and suddenly remembering the old box stashed in the bathroom…
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Oh that’d be awful but I could see it happening, too. I gotta give it up for Arm & Hammer baking soda. No false advertising, it absorbs odors everywhere it goes.
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Ah. Yes. That’ll do it!
Many years ago I came home from the grocery, made a pitcher of sweet tea, poured a glass, took a sip, and promptly spit it on my kitchen floor. The sugar had been bagged with the cat litter deodorizer tube. All of the sugar was ruined and that tea was vile. I can only imagine your Dial tasting brush. My parents never washed my mouth out with soap. Obviously 😉
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joey, ah-ha you know this story from personal experience. I can understand how the sugar absorbed the cat litter scent. What a waste, but also a good cautionary tale to tell. I never had my mouth washed out with soap either, so this was brand new awful taste sensation. Did not like.
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Very funny story. Good lessons learned sometimes include a string of sweat words. Some are very effective. I met a gentleman (I use the term with a sense of wonderment) who had a t-shirt tucked in his office drawer that listed all the different ways the F word could be used as specific parts of speech, a verb adverb, adjective, noun. Actually, it was quite funny.
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Scott, I’d like to see that t-shirt. It sounds informative and practical. My story is one I’ll not forget while reminding me that the ability to swear effectively is a blessing. 😉
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Ally, Your story is so funny to read but the awful taste not at all funny. I declare separation of my baking soda (in the kitchen) and my soap (in the bathroom). Never the two shall meet 🙂
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Natalie, you are a wise woman to keep your baking soda and soap separate. I’ll be doing so in the future, obviously. But if nothing else a good blog story about my mistake, so there’s that.
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Pretty effective stuff that Arm & Hammer Baking Soda. I’d have no clue about that either. I have used baking soda for brushing my teeth over the years – tastes funky but it is good for keeping them white, or so says the dentist and it was cheaper than Pearl Drops tooth polish.
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Linda, you gotta give it up for the effectiveness of Arm & Hammer baking soda. Can’t fault that. I didn’t know the stuff was supposed to help keep your teeth white. The things I learn here.
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Yes, it brightens your teeth as it is a mild abrasive and is a good plaque remover. My mom used to pour a box of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda down the kitchen sink drain once a month. It’s a double sink, so 1/2 box down each drain. She also did it in the bathroom once a month to remove soap scum.
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I hollered out “Noooooo” as soon as you mentioned the odor absorption. Poor Ally.
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Akilah, on the one hand this mistake was so easy to see coming, on the other hand I didn’t see it coming. But, you know, you live, you learn, and if you’re me, you laugh. 🤷♀️
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Ally – first of all – what was extra fun was how the idea of how some parents used to wash out the mouth with soap for swearing – that ran through my mind as the post ended (and maybe other readers thought of it too – I have not had the chance to skim som connects)
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and wow – I first heard about the benefits of baking soda for teeth brushing in 1989 – but it would be many many years until I embraced such tips
I often was snail like with ideas that seemed funky.
Now I see how awesome backing soda is and just FYI – every time you use it – you also alkalize your body a bit as the under the tongue area sends that baking soda to the lamph to alkalize the body – so it is win-win
well maybe not win-win with the dial smell – hahah
and whew – I could imagine how nasty that tasted
oh and I also learned that fresh backing soda matters for the alkalizing effect –
and we sometimes drink a big glass of lemon water with baking soda added and it truly balances the body –
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oh and fun gif
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Yvette, well you know humor is found in subverting expectations, which is why I wrote this post in the way I did. Also it’s why I added the cute raccoon gif, too. Funny.
When I was young we used baking soda to clean our teeth because it was cheaper than toothpaste. I knew that a glass of water with baking soda in it could help with indigestion, but didn’t know about putting a bit of it in a glass of lemon water. Will try that. Thanks for the idea.
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well I guess the lemon adds the “c” and provides acid (mildly) for the ph
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I have actually done a 14 day baking soda cleanse before (Dr Circus, 2016) and now do not do the cleanse but might have a day or two where I drink three or four glasses –
oh and not sure if you are consumer of alcohol –
but tru hangover halter is baking soda and fresh lemon in 20 oz of water – mmmmm
hope you have a nice day Ally bean
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This post makes a strong case for body wash.
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Swinged Cat, that it does! Good point
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This is hilarious 🤣 and I also feel kind of bad for you too because the taste must have been awful!
I’ve heard baking soda is good for teeth or something but I can’t bring myself up to try it especially after reading this🤣
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Yuvi MK, you’re right that this was awful and hilarious in equal parts. I mean, no one was hurt so it’s all good, but the taste was terrible. The dumb things that I do…
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I am sure it was terrible but I am laughing.
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Markus + Micah, it tasted awful but it does make for a good blog story. Who would have thought this could happen? Not me, obviously.
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If it makes you feel better, I brushed my teeth with facial wash by accident one time, too.
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No way! Oh that’s the same sort of ridiculous mistake. I’m sorry for you, but am smiling here.
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I know I shouldn’t laugh, but I did! And honestly, I wouldn’t have thought a thing of storing those so close to each other either. But, thanks to you, now I know……
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Ann, laugh all you want. After I got the taste out of my mouth I started laughing, too. What are the odds of this happening? Yet it did!
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Forking! Lol, I am laughing so hard that foam is coming out of my mouth–no, no, no! I have been known to toss around a swear word or two, as well, but usually try to remember to only do it with likeminded souls and only very rarely the gentlest of words on my blog just because. It’s so nice to laugh, isn’t it, Ally Bean? Forking nice!
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Kathy, I’m with you about swearing. I don’t go off too often, unless it has to do with a certain text editor that shall remain unnamed. But this situation had me cursing, using the real words unlike Eleanor’s sanitized ones. Talk about an unexpectedly dumb thing to do!
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Oh my goodness. This is a terrible catastrophe that happened INSIDE your mouth!
I’m with you though, I never would have put 2 + 2 together to come up with what would be a harrowing morning dental hygiene session.
Also, I totally forgot about using baking soda for cleaning my teeth. You know, I’m all about the teeth. 🙂
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Suz, I sense you understand the depths of this ridiculous calamity. I mean once I thought about what baking soda does and how Dial soap is strongly scented, it made sense. BUT YUCK! Lesson learned, story told, soap and baking soda now housed very far apart. 🙄
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Thanks for the wonderful laugh, Ally!!! I definitely need to check out the list of sanitized curse words. That could come in very handy for when my grandchildren visit.
When we were growing up, my sister couldn’t use toothpaste. The consistency made her gag. She used some kind of tooth powder. When they stopped manufacturing that, she started using baking soda. I think she still uses it today. And has all of her own teeth! 🙂
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Laurie, I remember tooth powder now that you mention it. My grandpa used it. I only use the baking soda a few times a week, for old times sake I guess. As for Eleanor’s way of swearing, it might be my favorite conceit on The Good Place. Loved that show.
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Oh Ally, you’re supposed to save the mouth washing for AFTER the swearing!! I still use baking soda too. I like the feel of the clean. But dial soap taste would probably be a lot too clean tasting. Bleech is right!!
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Katie, yes you’re right. I got the order of things all wrong. But I tell you if you’d have tasted this foul mess, you’d be swearing, too.
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I am WAY behind on catching up on blog reading. I’m glad I finally made it to this one. Yuck, is right.
I highly recommend Body Shop Satsuma shower gel for winter skin care. Smells great! And it leaves no soap scum in the shower/bath. (I am not paid to say so. I just really love the stuff.)
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Arlene, thanks for the suggestion of a body wash. Obviously I need something less harsh than Dial soap and your suggestion sounds perfect. Also thanks for taking the time to read this. I appreciate you making the effort to keep up.
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😂 🤣
Just picturing this scene in my head.
I remember the days of baking soda. My mom is from the south. She used to brush her teeth with baking soda.
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L. Marie, interesting about your mother and her use of baking soda. My father spent some of his youth living in the south… and now I wonder if he picked up the habit there?
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Gosh. And I thought it was bad when I was so tired I accidentally put face wash on my toothbrush instead of toothpaste. The taste of an actual soap bar though? Blech! This was an entertaining read though. Lol I hope you were able to get rid of that taste quickly! Haha have a fantastic and soap free day
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theanalyzer, it was a strange experience and the taste was awful. It never dawned on me what’d happen when I put those two products in a drawer, BUT NOW I KNOW! Don’t do what I did. Funny about you putting face wash on your toothbrush. These things happen
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I use baking soda to clean my retainer! That being said, I will definitely make sure to keep it away from any bars of soap…Thanks for the wisdom
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MetaMiss, yes by all means keep the baking soda and soap far apart from each other. Lesson learned. 🙄
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I have learnt something about baking soda. Two things actually. Thanks for the cautionary lesson.
Hope your next daily dental experience is back to normal.
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Amanda, I won’t repeat this mistake. It was such an unpleasant surprise. 😳
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I guess not, but I have yet to try baking soda as a toothpaste. I will be careful when I store it.
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Ally, you never cease to amaze me with your adventures. I’ve taken note, and shall not try baking soda for toothpaste unless I’ve stored the BS in a sealed container. 😉
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Shelley, your idea is the way to keep baking soda in a bathroom drawer. I wasn’t smart enough to put the stuff in a sealed container, obviously. You live, you learn!
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I’m curious, do you mix the baking soda with anything, or just water? I’ve heard of people using that, coconut oil, and essential oils. I’ve been using Hello brand – it’s a hoot to look at your black teeth in the mirror, maybe you can give that a try? So far it hasn’t taken on any weird smells. 🙂
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I just mix the baking soda with water, then brush as usual. I like the sound of the Hello brand you mention. Will look for it, because who doesn’t like black teeth that [I assume] turn white again!
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Ah, thanks for the clarification. I’ll give that a try some day soon. Yes, the Hello brand is Naturally Friendly, made in the USA, and doesn’t contain any peroxide, dyes, artificial sweeteners, or SLS/sulfates. Activated charcoal and essential oils. Enjoy the hello of a funny looking smile everytime you brush :-)! PS – I do not get any proceeds by recommending this, it’s simply something fun to add to your comments!
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Thanks for the info. Sharing info in comments is part of what makes blogging so fun.
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You’re welcome! 🙂
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Well, Ally, I would have used the “F” word. Definitely. Ewww and yuck.
I gave up Dial soap years ago because it became too drying. Now I use mostly natural ingredient products (and take a Lysine supplement) to keep my skin soft. Not sure if the natural products would taste any better being exposed to baking soda, but it has to be better than Dial.
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Mary, I doubt that I’m going back to Dial. It did my skin in and now that I’m onto milder soaps, no need to be itchy all the time. Didn’t know about a Lysine supplement. Interesting. Will check that out.
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I buy NOW L-lysine powder and add it to my tea every morning. The thumb and forefinger on my right hand used to crack every winter, but I have had no issues for the last two seasons.
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