Baking Soda: It's Not Just for Baking Anymore

Baking Soda is not just for baking anymore. Baking Soda can be used all around the house to clean and deodorize. Baking Soda or sodium bicarbonate is a natural and economical approach to cleaning. Because it is all natural it can safely replace harmful cleaners around your home.

Baking soda can be used as a drain cleaner and deodorizer by putting ¼ cup of baking soda and ½ cup of white vinegar in the kitchen or bathroom drain. Let the mixture bubble for thirty seconds and then pour ½ cup of warm water in the drain. Let it stand for 10-15 minutes then run cold water down the drain for 10 seconds. To keep your drains deodorized and minimize clogs repeat this process every 3-4 weeks.

Household cleansers can become quite costly while an inexpensive box of baking soda can clean plastic and stainless steel surfaces, tile and porcelain. Baking soda will not scratch or leave behind harmful residue like other products. Sprinkle baking soda on the surface and with a wet cloth or sponge scrub and rinse. That's all it takes to get the job done. It's even safe for cleaning baby toys and high chairs.

Have an inside cat? Add baking soda to the litter box help keep the odors away. Getting rid of the urine smell from your cats little accidents on the carpet is a very hard task. Mix lemon essential oil with baking soda and the smell is gone.

Baking soda is great for personal hygiene. Add it with your toothpaste for a whiter smile. You can also use it in place of toothpaste. Put a little on your toothbrush or the end of your finger and rub against your teeth. It helps remove stains and food and it freshens your breath. It's also great for dentures. Make a paste from baking soda and warm water and clean as usual. For overnight soaking, use one part baking soda and four parts water. Rinse in warm water the next morning.

You can also make your own deodorant by adding a ¼ cup of baking soda for odor, ¼ cup of baby powder for a pleasant scent and 1/16 cup of corn starch for dryness. Mix the ingredients, put it into an old baby powder container and sprinkle it on.

Are you looking for an inexpensive hand and facial cleaner? Create a paste of three parts water to one part baking soda and scrub away paint, grease or bad odors like garlic from your hands. Use the same mixture to exfoliate and soften your face. You can also use baking soda in the tub to help relieve stress and soften your skin. Add ¼ to ½ cups to you bath and relax. While in the tub, add baking soda to your shampoo to help remove built up residue in your hair from shampoos and conditioners.

Baking Soda is also useful in the laundry room. Replace your usual fabric softener by adding a ½ cup of baking soda to the rinse cycle. It acts as a natural softener and is gentler for those with skin sensitivities to chemicals. This will also remove tough odors from your clothing. Add baking soda with your normal detergent to get your whites whiter and everything else brighter. It can also be used to clean the inside of your machine when things like bubble gum and candy accidentally get washed. By using baking soda and a plastic tool you can gently clean all the little accidents out of your machine.

Baking Soda is an absolute asset in the kitchen. Keep a box by your stove in case of a cooking fire. Just throw the baking soda at the base of the fire. You can also use it as a fruit cleaner. Sprinkle it on the fruit skin and then with damp fingers rub and rinse.

Do you have acid indigestion and heart burn? You can naturally neutralize painful stomach acids by adding ½ teaspoon of baking soda to an 8-ounce glass of water. Stir completely and drink. It is important not to use this when your stomach is overly full. This should also not be used by anyone on a sodium-restricted diet.

Baking soda is one of the most versatile items we can stock in the pantry. Whether you use it to bake, clean or for one of the many other purposes it is sure to get the job done without costing you a fortune.