Everybody's entitled to a bad day, Robert. Don't let it spook you.
But yoy lost one by laughing? That's one for the books! You
should feel bad about that!
As to washing with baking soda - hmmm. Doubt it's a good idea. Bacteria generally like a base environment - that's why pickling preserves stuff. Vinegar is an acid.
Not that I recommend pickled elk. :barf: