The Many Uses of Baking Soda
In case of grease fire while cooking, sprinkle baking soda on the flames to put them out. Water will only cause the fire to spread.
Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the inside of your teacups and tea pots to remove stains.
Baking soda and vinegar can be used as an effective shower scrub to remove hard water stains, soap scum, and mildew.
To remove stains from countertops, make a paste of baking soda and water and let sit on the stain for several minutes. Use a sponge to gently rub the baking soda into the stain, then rinse.
Place a dish of baking soda in your refrigerator every two months to keep it smelling fresh. You can reuse this baking soda for cleaning purposes.
To open a clogged drain, pour �¼ cup baking soda into the drain and slowly wash it down with white vinegar. Follow with 2-3 pots of boiling water. Repeat if necessary.
Sprinkle a layer of baking soda in the bottom of your kitty’s litter pan to absorb odors.
To remove burned food from cookware, sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of the pan and moisten with water. Let it sit overnight before washing.
Baking soda may be used as a shampoo. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda in one to two cups of water until dissolved. Pour slowly over your scalp and massage gently into your hair as you would shampoo. Rinse with 2 cups water mixed with �¼ cup apple cider vinegar to condition. Rinse thoroughly.
Straight baking soda makes a very effective toothpaste. Don’t worry, baking soda cannot possibly scratch tooth enamel. This is a very popular and widely believed urban myth. To flavor, add one drop tea tree oil, mint oil, or clove oil.
Keep a box of baking soda in the trunk of your car in case of emergency if you have an electrical or oil fire under the hood.
Marble countertops can be cleaned with baking soda. Mix one tablespoon in a quart of warm water, wipe on, let sit a few minutes, then rinse.
Use baking soda for a toilet bowl scrub.
Sprinkle baking soda inside old socks and keep them in shoes to keep them deodorized.
To remove grease and oil from the floor of your garage, sprinkle baking soda over the area and let stand for a couple of hours. Soak baking soda with water and let sit a while longer, then scrub and rinse away.
For a wonderfully effective deodorant, dissolve baking soda in a spray bottle of water until no more will dissolve. You can also add some witch hazel extract or a little vodka or rubbing alcohol, and/or a couple of drops of tea tree oil or lavender essential oil for added antibacterial effect. Spray underarms daily and rub to coat evenly. This also makes a great spray for stinky feet.
To polish silver, mix one tablespoon baking soda in a pot of water and lay a piece of aluminum foil in the bottom of the pot. Bring the water to a boil and turn off the heat. Lay your silver items on top of the aluminum for several minutes. All tarnish will disappear. Be careful, as this will also remove desired tarnish from raised motifs.
Run baking soda and vinegar through an empty cycle to keep your dishwasher from leaving residue and water stains on your dishes. Use 2 cups vinegar to �¼ cup baking soda.
For diaper rash, give your baby a bath in warm water mixed with about 2 tablespoons baking soda.
Baking soda and vinegar can be used in place of laundry detergent. Your clothes will not come out smelling like vinegar and the vinegar will also have a fabric softening effect. Use one cup white vinegar and two tablespoons baking soda for a medium-sized load. For a super-sized load, add one extra cup of vinegar. This recipe works especially well for cloth diapers.
A soak of baking soda and water will usually remove food smells from plastic dishes and containers.
Add baking soda to the wash to remove musty smells from clothes.
Sprinkle baking soda onto your carpets and let sit, then vacuum to freshen the room.
Baking soda and water can be used inside of a steam cleaner to freshen carpets, furniture, and drapes. Test a small area first and let dry.
Use baking soda and water to relieve sunburn.
Make a paste of baking soda and water and use to gently soften and exfoliate facial skin. Be careful not to get any in your eyes. Rinse thoroughly.
Spray a gentle mist of water saturated with baking soda to freshen up mattresses. Let dry thoroughly before replacing sheets.
Make a refreshing mouthwash by dissolving baking soda in water until no more will dissolve. If you like, you can also add witch hazel extract or vodka and/or a few drops of oil of mint, cloves, cinnamon, or tea tree for a refreshing taste. Use only a little of these oils as a small amount will go a long way.
