Fighting Odors with Baking Soda
Here are some ways you can use baking soda to keep your home smelling clean and fresh.
Use Baking Soda in the Refrigerator
Set an open box of baking soda in the refrigerator. Not only will it keep your fridge smelling fresh, it will also help keep more powerful odors, like fish and garlic, from spreading to other foods.
Replace the old box of baking soda with a new one at least every three months.
Use Baking Soda in Closets
Baking soda can help fight odors in any closed in space, including closets, cabinets, and small bathrooms. Just place an open box of baking soda on a closet shelf or countertop, out of the reach of children. While baking soda isn’t toxic, eating too much of it can cause nausea.
If you want something more aesthetically pleasing, pour the entire box of baking soda into a vase or decorative bowl.
Replace the baking soda at least every three months.
Lemon and Baking Soda Air Freshener
You can make a simple, homemade air freshener using baking soda and lemon juice.
Let 1 teaspoon of baking soda dissolve in 2 cups of hot water. Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Pour the mixture into a spritzer, a spray bottle that produces a fine mist. When you spray the mixture into the air, the baking soda will neutralize the odors, while the lemon juice will leave behind a nice, clean scent.
If you have an old, empty commercial cleaner bottle lying around, it might seem like a good idea to put your homemade air freshener in that. But don’t. You never know how the chemicals in commercial cleaners will react to other substances. And even rinsing the bottle thoroughly is no guarantee.
It’s easier to just buy a new, unused spray bottle. You can find them at most discount stores, and they are usually very affordable.
Also, clearly label your homemade air freshener. You might think you’ll be able to remember what’s in the bottle, but that might not always be the case, especially if you try your hand at making other homemade cleaners and air fresheners.
Use Baking Soda to Freshen Carpets
Sprinkle baking soda onto the carpet, and let it sit for fifteen to thirty minutes, then vacuum. While the baking soda is on the carpet, try to keep children and pets out of the room, so they won’t inhale the baking soda.
Use Baking Soda in Ashtrays
Putting a thin layer of baking soda at the bottom of ashtrays can help to absorb some of the cigarette or cigar smoke odor.
Use Baking Soda in Garbage and Diaper Pales
When changing bags and liners, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of garbage and diaper pales. The baking soda will help absorb the odors of smelly trash and used diapers.
Baking soda is not only more affordable than most commercial deodorizers and air fresheners, it also keeps your house smelling clean and fresh the natural way.
