Baking Soda is Not Just for Cooking!

Do you know that ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda can remove allergy-inducing formaldehyde from cotton linens and clothing? Baking soda is not only used as a leavening agent when baking. It is useful in a multitude of other ways, and it is non-toxic.

What exactly is baking soda? According to Arm & Hammer's website, baking soda, alias sodium bicarbonate, is a naturally occurring substance that is found in all living things, where it helps regulate their pH balance. ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda is made from soda ash, also known as sodium carbonate. To make ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda, the soda ash is mined in the form of an ore called trona. The soda ash is then dissolved into a solution through which carbon dioxide is bubbled and sodium bicarbonate precipitates out, forming 'Pure, Safe and Natural' ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda.

The need for earth friendly products makes ARM & HAMMER'S "pure, safe, and natural" baking soda the perfect product for multiple uses:

RELIEVES STOMACH AND SKIN PROBLEMS

Baking soda is used by people, who are not on a sodium-restricted diet or taking prescription medicines, to relieve heartburn, sour stomach, and acid indigestion. I recently read that 2 T. apple cider vinegar and 1 tsp. baking soda mixed with water, and taken before a meal will help acid-reflux sufferers. As always, check with your doctor before trying any treatments.

Baking soda is also used to relieve minor skin irritations and itching due to poison ivy, oak, or sumac and insect bites. ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda directions say to form a paste and apply to the skin, use as a soak in the bath, or use as a compress or a wet dressing. Further directions are found on the ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda box.

CLEANS TEETH

ARM & HAMMER Baking soda can be used as a mild abrasive tooth cleaner. A little water on a toothbrush is enough to hold the baking powder in place. Teeth come out shiny and clean.

CLEANS THE BATHROOM

There's nothing worse than inhaling fumes from commercial cleansers. Throw them away! Baking soda does a wonderful job of cleaning the bathtub, and it does not leave annoying grit. Baking soda can be used on the sink, countertops, and toilet as well.
KEEPS THE REFRIGERATOR ODOR-FREE

Most people know to buy a box of baking soda, remove the top, and put it in the back of the refrigerator. The baking soda absorbs odors and keeps the fridge, food, and ice smelling and tasting fresh. The box should be replaced every three months.

CLEANS THE KITCHEN

Stove tops can be difficult to clean, and they need special cleansers. Non-abrasive commercial cleansers are fine, except for their toxic fumes. I prefer to use baking soda with water or dishwashing liquid. The stove top cleans just as well, and I am spared the fumes and the expense of commercial cleansers.

Baking soda can be used to clean sinks, counter tops, microwaves, pots and pans, cutting boards, coffee pots, tea pots, silverware, and food containers. Have a sticky spill in the fridge? Sprinkle a little baking soda and rub with a damp cloth. Presto! The spill wipes away and a fresh smell is left behind.

WORKS AS A LAUNDRY BOOSTER

Baking soda, added to your regular laundry detergent, is a great laundry booster. You do not have to use as much bleach when using baking soda, so your laundry will not have an over-powering bleach smell. Did you know that all cottons are processed with formaldehyde? This chemical causes allergies in many people. Think about it. Do you ever wake up with your eyes burning or your face itching? Laundry detergent alone does not get rid of it. Try washing your linens and all cottons with your regular detergent plus one cup of baking soda. The formaldehyde will wash away. Your wash will be soft, clean, and formaldehyde-free.

DEODORIZES

Smelly tennis shoes, cat pans, trash cans, diaper pails, disposals, and any other stinky place you can think of is a place to sprinkle ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda. It freshens by absorbing and eliminating odors on contact.

KEEPS POOL WATER CLEAR

According to the ARM & HAMMER website, baking soda can be effectively used in swimming pools to keep the water clearer. Here's how it works: ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda helps maintain the correct pH level of pool water and provides necessary alkalinity (mineral salts found in water). Recommended pH control by ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda and a disinfecting agent will keep your pool water sparkling-clear, and your eyes won't burn.

Wal Mart carries a big box of ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda for $1.98. I found it in the laundry section. It is good for the environment, inexpensive and can be used in a multitude of ways. I call that a win-win-win product choice!

For more information about how to use ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda in the pool and elsewhere, go to ARM & HAMMER's website at http://www.armandhammer.com