The humble Baking Soda is an essential in every household. It is great to have in your arsenal because this stuff does not only works wonders in the baking department but it has a slew of other uses and deserves to be in the spotlight.
Baking soda also is known as sodium bicarbonate is an alkaline substance and is crystalline in nature but is ground to a fine powder for everyday use. When combined with acid it alters the PH level.
If you would like to give baking soda a try, it is the perfect stand-in. It is safe, versatile, eco-friendly and inexpensive.
Natural Air Freshener
Most store-bought air fresheners are full of toxic chemicals. You can make your own natural air freshener 2 cups of water in a spray bottle and add half a cup of lemon or lime juice. Then add a tablespoon of baking soda replace the top of the spray bottle and shake to mix the ingredients together.
You could also add 2 cups of water in a spray bottle, a tablespoon of baking soda and a few drops of essential oil. Shake to mix the ingredients together. Use this concoction for a more natural air freshener to spray areas that have unpleasant odors to get rid of the scent.
There is also a dry version of the air freshener. To make this pour some baking soda in a jar with a perforated lid. Then (add 2-3 drops of your favourite essential oil and stir well – optional) cover with the perforated lid. It can’t get any easier than that!
Treats Unpleasant Shoe Odor
Some of the sweat glands in your foot can cause odor in your shoes. Baking soda stabilizes the PH levels of acid odors-most foot odors are acidic.
To get rid of that shoe odor, grab a piece of paper towel or washcloth and sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda in the center. Fold it over a couple times securing the baking soda in the napkin or washcloth and position it so that it fits in your shoes. An alternative is to pour some baking soda in an old sock and insert it in the shoe.
Leave it overnight and allow it to do its work. After this baking soda treatment, the odor of your shoe will be back to normal.
Cleaning the Barbeque Grill
Just the very thought of cleaning the grill can be overwhelming. Conventional cleaners can expose us to many chemicals linked to asthma, cancer and other health problems. To make this an easy task, mix three parts baking soda and one part hot water and mix into a paste.
Spread the mixture onto the grill with the grill brush and leave for a few minutes to let the baking soda mixture do its thing by loosening all the debris clinging to the grill. Then scrub with the grill brush; all the residue and the grease will come right off in a matter of seconds leaving you with a clean grill that’s ready to be used.
Stove Top Grease Fire
Sometimes when you are cooking, things do not quite go as you planned. Baking soda can help in the handling of minor grease fires. So, If you have a grease fire and don’t have a fire extinguisher on hand, do not panic.
As long as you have baking soda you can safely stop the fire in its tracks by pouring it over the flames. When baking soda is heated it gives off carbon dioxide which helps to snuff out the flames and then if necessary you can get further help from the Fire Department.
Carpet Cleaner
If your floor is carpeted then you know that pet hair, human hair, mites, foot odor, dirt, grime and other microscopic organisms take refuge and deposit themselves into your carpet every single day.
To help get rid of those nasties and refresh your carpet, make your own carpet cleaner which is more effective than store-bought versions.
Use 1 cup of baking soda and your favourite bottle of essential oil. Put the baking soda in a bowl and add about 25-30 drops of your favourite essential oil and mix thoroughly to get rid of the clumps. Then pour it into a container with a perforated lid. Sprinkle onto the carpet and let sit for 15 minutes then vacuum it all up and enjoy your fresh clean carpet.
Unclog Drains
We all get clogged drains at one point or the other. There are ways to deal with clogged drains without harsh store bought chemicals.
One way is to simply pour a cup of baking soda straight into the clogged drain and follow that up with a cup of vinegar…don’t be alarmed with the foaming action of the baking soda with the vinegar. It is this reaction that will help to unclog your drain and leave you with a clean fresh drain.
Calms Heartburn
A lot of us experience heartburn after eating spicy food, if you run out of your acid reducing medication or unable to find it, get you some baking soda.
Add ¼ teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water, mix well and drink. You might not like the taste but it will get the job done and help you to get rid of your heartburn.
Removes Tupperware Stains
Food stains are notorious for being stuck to Tupperware. In some cases, mere washing doesn’t always do the trick of removing the stains.
So, to get rid of the stains and discoloration sprinkle baking soda inside the Tupperware ensuring that you cover all the exposed area. Then add some water enough to make a paste and then coat all the stained areas. Put the lid on and leave overnight. The next day pop the lid off and give it a good rinse. You should have a clean stain free Tupperware.
Teeth Whitening
Give your smile a boost! If you want a brighter smile but you don’t want to put a dent your wallet and you may be trying to stay away from the chemicals used in the regular whitening process at your dental professional. Maybe you are not even interested in over the counter products used for teeth whitening, then baking soda is a game changer and can get the job done.
You can use this once or twice per week. It is safe and can be done at home and at your own pace. Just mix some baking soda with water to form a paste and use it to brush your teeth (but only for one minute) as you normally would. Give your mouth a thorough rinse. You will notice a marked improvement in the whitening of your teeth over time.
Facial Scrub
Store bought scrubs, though convenient may have ingredients consisting of all types of harmful chemicals. Baking soda is a cheap, safe and effective alternative for spa duty.
Make a paste of baking soda and water. You can use three (3) parts baking soda and one (1} part water. Apply to your face or body and then rub gently in a circular motion. Leave on your face for 30 seconds.
Do not leave it on your skin for longer than that as it can cause irritation. After exfoliating with this baking soda face scrub; rinse thoroughly, the end results will be soft
Deodorant
If you have sensitive skin and you are looking to change your deodorant, using baking soda is a simple way to combat body odor. It neutralises acids so it will get rid of odors.
Mix one part baking soda with six parts cornstarch or arrowroot and dust a little on your underarms for a safe and natural deodorant.
You can also make a ‘pit paste’ by combining 6 Tbsp of coconut 4 Tbsp of baking soda, 4 Tbsp of cornstarch or arrowroot (and about 10 drops essential oils which is optional).
Combine all the ingredients and mix well. Store in a jar in the refrigerator to extend shelf life especially if it does not contain essential oils. Apply a dab to your underarms as needed. Be mindful not to dab too much as it can cause irritation.
What are some of the ways in which you are using baking soda?
