20 Uses for Baking Soda: Cleaner, Odor Neutralizer, Health Aid and Beauty Care

Baking soda (or bicarbonate of soda) is the definitive multi-tasker. It is the quintessential cleaner and scubber. Baking soda deodorizers and neutralizes all sorts of odors. It's use in the kitchen, bathroom, nursery is limitless. Baking soda can be used in a multitude of ways medicinally and for first aid. Baking soda should be on every glamor girl's vanity table. And here is some great news; baking soda costs about $.39 a box. Here are over 25 ways to use baking soda in many different applications.

For any uses which say to place a box somewhere, you can also make a sachet of baking soda if you don't want an open box. Fill and old sock, bandanna, etc with baking soda and tie it shut. Use the sachet as you would the open box.

In the bathroom / Vanity

Apply baking soda and a little salt to a damp toothbrush to clean and whiten teeth very white and freshen breath.
Baking soda can be used as an acne wash. Place a small amount on pimples to soothe and heal.
Make an astringent by dissolving baking soda in warm water.
Clean jewelry by soaking in baking soda water or rubbing with a damp cloth.

In the Kitchen:

Put an open box in the refrigerator to absorb food odors.
Pour baking soda into the drain and then pour in some white vinegar; the fizzing action can unclog the drain, clean and freshen it.
Remove stains or baked on food from pans, the stove, and appliances. Apply a small amount on a damp rag and rub. Baking soda will not scratch.
Rub baking soda on flatware and cutlery to remove stains.

In the First Aid Kit or Medicine Cabinet:

For Insect bites and stings: Add baking soda to water to make a thick paste and apply to the sting to soothe and remove the stinger.
For Poison Ivy, Oak or Sumac: Apply the same baking soda and water paste to soothe and draw out the poison.
For Acid Reflux, Indigestion, heartburn: Dissolve baking soda in 5oz. of water and drink. Baking soda neutralizes acids.

Around the house:

Add to laundry to lift dirt from clothes, freshen and whiten whites.
Put a box of baking soda in the trash can to keep this source of nasty smells under control.
Sprinkle on the carpets to absorb odor and moisture. Vacuum it up after 20 minutes or so.
Sprinkle some on mattresses of beds to absorb odor and moisture.
Put a box in the diaper pail under the trash liner. This will neutralize odor and freshen the room.
Add baking soda to kitty's litter box to reduce kitty smells.
Put baking soda in ashtrays for odor control.
Put an open box in closets and drawers to keep clothes smelling fresh.
Sprinkle baking soda in shoes for moisture control and to get rid of stinky feet.
Place an open box in the car, especially during the summer. Cars are closed up so often that they can begin to smell very stale.
Use baking soda to clean soap scum from porcelain and ceramic tiling and fiberglass in the shower, sink and bathroom. Baking soda is an effective scrubber that will not scratch surfaces.

Isn't it great that all this comes from a cheap box of baking soda?