Multiple Uses for Baking Soda

The economic downturn has caused a dramatic decrease in our monthly household income. So I make it a point to buy products that serve more than one purpose. And my favorite multi-purpose household product is baking soda. Listed below are multiple ways to use baking soda around your home.

Use Baking Soda to Freshen Carpets

My children spend a lot of time playing on the carpet, so for the past two years I've avoided using chemical-based carpet fresheners that can harm my little ones. Instead, I sprinkle a bit of baking soda on my carpet, and let it sit for about 30 minutes before I vacuum it up. The baking soda absorbs odors and leaves my carpet smelling fresh without leaving behind harmful chemical residue.

Use Baking Soda to Scrub the Inside of Toilet, Sink, and Tub Surfaces

When it comes to scrubbing away tough dirt from everyday surfaces, baking soda mixed with vinegar can rival any chemical-based cleaning product. For toilets, pour in 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of vinegar in the toilet. Use a toilet brush to scrub the inside surface of the toilet. To remove dirt from the inside of your sink and tub sprinkle a little baking soda inside the surfaces and use a spray bottle to add the vinegar. Use a scrub pad to gently scrub away dirt and grime.

Use Baking Soda to Clean Cutting Boards

A Cutting board is a breeding ground for bacteria, so it's important to clean the surface after each use. To clean your cutting board, cut a lemon in half and coat one of the halves with baking soda. Use the baking soda-coated lemon to scrub the cutting board clean. Once both sides of the cutting board are scrubbed, rinse it thoroughly with warm water.

Use Baking Soda to Unclog Slow Drains

Baking soda mixed with vinegar can be a great alternative to toxic drain cleaners to unclog slow drains. Clear the drain of any standing water. Put about 3 tablespoons of baking soda down the drain and follow with one cup of vinegar. Let the baking soda and vinegar mix sit for 30 to 45 minutes, and then pour hot water down the drain. If your drain is completely clogged you may need to call a plumber.

Use Baking Soda Freshen the Refrigerator and Freezer

Odors from your refrigerator can absorb into food and make it taste stale. To prevent this from happening, open a box of baking soda and sit it inside of your refrigerator or freezer to absorb odors naturally. To keep the food in your fridge and freezer fresh, replace the box of baking soda with a new one every 30 days.

From freshening carpets to removing stale odors from your refrigerator, baking soda can do it all - it's one of those products no kitchen cabinet should be without.