22 Interesting Interesting Ways to Use Baking Soda
Most of us have a box of baking soda just
lying around somewhere in the back of our cupboards. You may want to
take that box out of the fridge, since it has a wide range of benefits
that you would have never imagined! Baking soda can help clean grease
off floors, freshen your breath, and even relieve insect bites! You
won't believe some of the other uses baking soda has for everyday
problems.
Here Are 22 Different Purposes for Baking Soda:
1. Whitens Your Teeth
You've probably noticed many toothpaste brands featuring baking soda as a
main ingredient, and for good reason. Baking soda helps remove stains
and discolorations from the surface of the teeth or enamel. You can
simply add a teaspoon of the sodium bicarbonate to your toothpaste, and
brush for a few minutes. Don't forget to rinse well.
2. Unclog Drains
Baking soda can help unclog blocked drainpipes when combined together
with vinegar. Pour a pot of boiling hot water down the drain with half a
cup of baking soda. Let the natural drain cleaner go to work for a few
minutes. Add a cup of vinegar mixed with hot water on top of the baking
soda, then cover the drain with a plug. Your drains should be super
clean in less than 10 minutes.
3. Keeps Your Breath Fresh
Are you trying to get rid of the smell of that garlic you had for lunch?
Baking soda can help with that. Baking soda works like magic for
freshening your breath, and acts as a natural mouthwash. Put a teaspoon
of baking soda into a glass of water and your bad breath will be
history!
4. Washing Produce in the Sink
Produce might appear clean on the surface, but you'll be stunned at the
amount of chemicals and dirt that come off when they are washed
properly. Add a 1/4 cup of baking soda into a sink full of water, and
dunk the produce inside for a few minutes. Let the solution absorb all
the chemicals before rinsing and eating.
5. Relieve Insect Bites
Baking soda can alleviate the itching of a
mosquito bite. The alkaline inside the sodium bicarbonate neutralizes
the skin irritation, and provides instant relief. Add a teaspoon of
baking soda into a glass of water, and then dip the mixture on the
affected areas by using a clean cloth.
6. Relieve Heartburn
There are many natural home remedies for treating heartburn, including a
feature we did here. One of the remedies includes baking soda. Baking
soda acts as a natural antacid when mixed with water, and helps reduce
acid reflux. Add half a teaspoon of baking soda to half a glass of warm
water. Make sure the solution dissolves well before drinking.
7. Relieve Skin Irritation
Baking soda helps relieve skin irritations when applied as a paste with
witch hazel. Gently apply the paste on the itchy spots, and let it
relieve the discomfort. You should consult with a physician beforehand
if you suffer from dermatitis or other serious skin disease.
8. Deodorize the Refrigerator
Baking soda can eliminate horrible smells from the fridge and keep it
deodorized. Sprinkle a little baking soda with water onto a damp sponge,
and clean the refrigerator thoroughly. Make sure you remove all the
food before cleaning the shelves out.
9. Remove Oil and Grease
Another excellent use for baking soda is that it can be used to remove
oil and grease stains from upholstery. Place a little dab of the baking
soda onto a clean white cloth, and allow between 10-15 minutes for the
substance to go to work. The oil and grease stains should magically
dissolve by that point.
10. Simple Floor Cleaner
Baking soda can act as a natural floor cleaner to remove unwanted
stains. Add a half cup of baking soda into a bucket of warm water, and
use the mixture to mop up the mess. Some people even add a little dash
of lemon extract for a fresh and pleasant smell. The baking soda also
acts as a disinfectant.
11. Polish Silver Flatware
Are you having a hard time removing the
grease from your beautiful silverware? Not to worry - baking soda will
have it sparkling in no time! You'll need some aluminum foil, a glass
dish, a tablespoon of baking soda, a tablespoon of sea salt, half a cup
of white vinegar and a cup of boiling hot water. Dip the silverware into
the mix, and use a pair of tongs to remove them from the boiling water.
12. Remove Odors from Your Hands
Baking soda can clean your hands from heavy-smelling odors. Sprinkle a
little baking soda onto your hands, and rub them together. You can even
add some toothpaste or mouthwash to one hand and rub. Don't forget to
rinse your hands with water after.
13. Deodorize Garbage Disposals
There is no smell quite as unpleasant as a clogged garbage disposal,
especially during the summertime. Pour a cup of baking soda down the
drain, while allowing warm water to run. The soda neutralizes the foul
odor, giving your garbage disposal a fresh clean smell.
14. Homemade Air Freshener
The vast majority of air fresheners contain harmful chemicals and toxins
that are unsafe to breathe in. Baking soda acts as a natural ingredient
to help sanitize any disinfected areas. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda
with water into an empty spray bottle, and voila!
15. A Self-Made Deodorant
Would you believe that you can use baking soda to make a natural
under-arm deodorant? It may sound a little hard to believe at first, but
it actually works. Here's what you'll need to make the homemade
deodorant:
1/3 cup coconut oil
2 tablespoons baking soda
1/3 cup arrowroot powder
10 to 15 essential oils of preference (optional)
Mix everything into a small mixing bowl. You can add the essential oils
after the mixture has been made. Place the concoction into a small
container, and allow it to sit for a few minutes before applying the
solution.
16. Clean Your Combs and Brushes
You can get rid of oil buildup and residue from your combs or brushes
simply by adding baking soda. Soak the combs or brushes into a solution
of baking soda and water. You'll need a single tablespoon of the sodium
bicarbonate, and 15 minutes or so for the mixture to take effect. Let
them dry out on a towel afterward.
17. Keep Cut Flowers Fresher for Longer Periods
Baking Soda - Useful - Many Things
You don't have to throw away that gorgeous bouquet of flowers just yet!
Baking soda can help extend the longevity of the cut flowers by adding a
teaspoon of the white sodium powder to the water in the vase.
18. Pamper Your Feet
Baking soda eliminates foot odors, fungus, and even Athlete's foot. Soak
your feet in a tub of warm water, then add about 3 tablespoons of
baking soda. The homemade pedicure should help get rid of the bacteria
causing the unpleasant foot odors.
19. Carpet Deodorizer
Sprinkle a dash of baking soda over your carpeting to remove harsh
stains. Baking soda absorbs the odors naturally. Allow the soda to
settle into the carpeting for a few hours before vacuuming it up.
20. Easy Microwave Cleanup
Baking soda can help clean out all the spilled sauces inside the
microwave. Mix two tablespoons of baking soda into a bowl with a cup of
water, and let the concoction settle for three minutes. Your microwave
will be as good as new!
21. Freshen Coat Closets
Keep an open box of baking soda inside your closet to remove any odors
that are trapped inside. The powerful, powdery scent will keep your
closets fresh and clean all year round. You can also mop a closet floor
without carpeting by using a vinegar baking soda mix.
22. Keep Ants Away
Ants are terrible pests, and they can invade your home in the blink of
an eye! Baking soda stops the tiny pests in their tracks. You can make
your own home-made pest solution with a little baking soda and a trail
of regular sugar. The sugar is what attracts them, while the baking soda
kills them. Pest problem solved!