30 Unusual Ways to Use Baking Soda Around the House

Baking soda is something that most households have on hand at any given moment. While it is primarily used for baking, almost everyone knows that it also has odor absorbing powers that make it useful in the refrigerator. But is that the only uses for baking soda? Let's take a look.

Baking soda is handy to have around in case of a grease or grill fire. The powder will douse the flames very quickly. It also works well if your clothes catch on fire accidentally.

Baking soda, mixed into a paste with water, is a great way to clean sinks, bathtubs or even toilet bowls. Its slightly abrasive properties help to remove bacterial and residue that other household cleaners might leave behind.

Sometimes my dog smells of fish, dirt, or just plain old body odor. Her shampoo doesn't always take that away on its own. However, when mixed with a bit of baking soda, the odor doesn't stand a chance and she comes out smelling refreshingly sweet.

Baking soda rubbed into fabric dry with a soft brush can help remove a lot of stains like dirt and grease.

My mother soaked beans in baking soda before cooking them. She said it made them more digestible, thereby eliminating too much gas. My grandmother rubbed onto fish to help remove excessive fishy smell.

When I was little and got a sunburn, my mother put baking soda into my bath water to help soothe the burns.

Baking soda with a pinch of salt makes a great substitute toothpaste.

People who are allergic to the chemicals commonly found in today's underarm deodorants often use baking soda as a substitute. It can be powdered on just like a baby powder.

My husband swears by baking soda as a cleaner for removing heavy grease and grime off of pots, pans, grills, and burners. He mixes it into a heavy paste with water; applies it onto the item and lets it sit for about 10 to 30 minutes before cleaning.

To entertain your children, make your own play dough using baking soda, cornstarch and water. You can even add food coloring to make bright and playful colors.

My great grandmother used baking soda to keep her white wicker patio furniture looking bright and new. She mixed it with water and washed the furniture down with it, rinsing it away in a final cool rinse.

If you want extra odor stopping assistance in your cat's litter box, sprinkle in a bit of baking soda. It will make a big difference.

For clothes that smell fresh and clean, add some baking soda to the final rinse.

If your kitchen or bathroom drain harbors an odor, baking soda can kill it in a flash. Just sprinkle some soda down the drain. Let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes and then rinse with cool water.

Sprinkle a little baking soda on your carpet area where Muffy had an unfortunate accident. It will help remove the horrible pet odor.

Get rid of stubborn stains on kitchen surfaces of marble, granite and Formica using baking soda, water, and a soft cloth or brush.

If you spill oil all over your garage, sprinkle on some baking soda and let it stand for awhile. It will absorb a lot of the residue and allow you to wash it away.

Sometimes old books gather a musty smell. To dispense the odor, sprinkle on a bit of baking soda. Let it sit overnight and then carefully brush the powder away.

My grandmother always polished her fine silver with baking soda made into a paste along with water. She never bought a silver polish in her lifetime. It also works well for stainless steel and chrome.

Want to kill those weeds that work their way through the cracks in your pavement. Just sprinkle in some baking soda and let it stand for 24 hours. The weeds will die so you can easily pull them out.

Get rid of mold, mildew and smell on your bathroom tiles by using powdered baking soda. Wipe it on. Let is sit for about 30 minutes. Then rinse it all away.

Like that plastic shower curtain but it is dirty and smelly? Just soak it in water and baking soda for 30 minutes to and hour. Then rinse, dry and hang it back up.

Baking soda makes a great skin exfoliant when mixed into a paste with water. Just rub it in gently and then rinse it away.

Get rid of the itch and discomfort of insect bites by making a paste of baking soda and water. Dab it onto the spot and let it soothe the skin.

Making odor absorbing sachets for your drawers and closets with baking soda and tissue paper.

Make your flowers last longer by adding a couple of teaspoons into the vase along with water.

Get rid of disgusting foot smell in your boots, shoes, or slippers by sprinkling in a bit of baking soda.

Fluff up your scrambled eggs with a hint of baking soda before cooking.

Remove crayon from walls and other surfaces with a paste of baking soda and water.

Eliminate extra acidity in foods by adding a bit of baking soda while cooking.

Get creative and take advantage of the odor absorbing and cleaning properties of this common household item.

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