Baking soda is one of the most versatile products on the market. Plus, it’s really, really cheap. Its official name is sodium bicarbonate, and it’s great for neutralizing odours, cleaning, and deodorizing. And the best part is that it doesn’t contain some of the toxic ingredients present in many of today’s products.
Baking soda has dozens of uses. From clearing up skin rashes to removing offending smells and making flower blossoms last longer, it’s surprising that more people don’t take advantage of its properties. Check out some incredible uses for baking soda…
Ease Insect Bites
Everyone hates bug bites. Not only are they unsightly, but they can also be uncomfortable and itchy. If you forget to use bug spray and are suffering the consequences, simply mix baking soda and water together to create a paste. Then use it as a salve to treat the infected area and make it heal quicker.
This is a great home remedy if you are mosquito bait and want to get rid of the insect bites as quickly as possible. Plus, it takes very little effort to create the concoction.
Clean Your Hairbrush
Admit it, you probably have a comb or hairbrush in your bathroom that you haven’t cleaned for years. It probably has some build upon it that is pretty gross. The good news is that baking soda is a great way to revive your brush and make it look brand new.
To remove oils and another residue on your comb or brush, soak it in water and baking soda. Use about one teaspoon of baking soda with one cup of water. Then simply rinse the brush and dry it.
Deodorize The Refrigerator
Stinky refrigerators can be disgusting. Perhaps it’s due to some leftovers, or maybe you haven’t cleaned it in a while. Regardless of the source, a foul smell can be a big turn off if it’s embedded in your food.
The solution is incredibly easy. Just open a box of baking soda and place it in the back of the appliance. This will neutralize any odours lurking inside. The only maintenance you need to do is replace the box with a new one every couple of months. It’s as simple as that.
Baking soda is a must-have bathroom cleanser.
Freshen Your Breath & Polish Your Teeth
No one likes having stinky breath. If you don’t have a mint, simply add one teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water. Swish the mixture in your mouth and then spit it out. Voila! Fresh breath.
Baking soda can also be used as a natural toothpaste. While some experts only recommend occasional use because it can be quite abrasive, the substance can give your chompers a nice, clean, polished look. Simply add it to your homemade toothpaste every few weeks.
Soften Your Feet
Our feet go through a lot daily. We walk and stand on them throughout the day, whether we’re working, exercising, or spending time with family and friends. It’s no wonder they get tired and sometimes hurt. Why not pamper them a bit?
Create a solution with three tablespoons of baking soda and a small tub of warm water. Then soak your feet to soothe and soften them. This is a great way to unwind after a long day at the office or a harrowing day with your kids.
Mop The Floor
No one likes cleaning, and mopping the floor can be a pain. But if you’re out of cleaning fluid or want a more natural solution, simply pour 1/2-cup of baking soda into a bucket of warm water. Then mix the solution and mop and clean the floor.
What’s great about this is the solution is much less toxic than some other cleaners you find at the grocery store. Avoid bleach and other chemicals and use baking soda instead for a simple, carefree cleaning solution.
Baking soda is also good for your pearly whites.
Ward Off Ants
Ants can be annoying. They build ant hills in the yard, some of them bite, and many of them end up in the house, wandering around aimlessly looking for food. The good news is that there is a way to get rid of them off without investing in traps from Walmart.
First, mix equal parts baking soda and salt. Next, sprinkle the mixture in the area where you see the ants coming into your kitchen or another area of your home. This solution acts as a ward to keep the insects away.
Clean The Microwave
The microwave is one of the dirtiest areas in your kitchen. Somehow it easily accumulates food grime that we don’t always clean right away. As a result, it gets stuck on the inside surface, creating an unsightly mess.
Fortunately, a little baking soda and some elbow grease can go a long way. Simply pour some on a damp cloth and scrub the oven’s interior to remove any residue. Not only does the baking soda clean the surface, but it also deodorizes it. It’s a super way to clean the appliance with very little effort.
Polish Silverware
Polishing silverware is a thankless task. It can also be very time consuming and a little messy. For a simpler method, make a paste using three parts baking soda and one part water. Then rub the paste onto silver flatware using a cloth or sponge. Rinse and dry.
The next time you receive a bunch of silverware for a wedding or other occasion, you don’t have to worry because it’s not as hard to keep clean as you would think. Baking soda can do wonders!
Unclog A Sink
There are some homemaking tasks that are worse than others. Cleaning a clogged drain is one of them. If you don’t have any Drano on hand, you can take care of the problem by mixing 1/2-cup of baking soda, one cup of vinegar, and some hot water together.
Pour the solution into the clogged drain and wait. It won’t take too long for the clog to dissipate. This is a clever solution to an annoying problem, and you can use it on both wash sinks and bathtub drains.
Clear Up Foggy Headlights
If your car’s headlights have gotten foggy and/or yellowed over the years, there’s a simple fix for it. You can restore those lights in just a few steps. First, use a soft microfiber cloth to thoroughly clean the headlights, being sure to get rid of any dust and dirt.
Then, mix a tablespoon or two of liquid soap with enough water to make a very thin soapy solution. After cleaning the headlights with this solution and rinsing it off, mix one or two tablespoons of baking soda with white vinegar until you’ve made a thick paste. Apply it and polish the light gently using a dry cloth. Rinse and repeat as needed until your headlights are bright and clear again!
Deodorize The Litter Box
Everyone loves kittens (unless you’re a dog person). And while the furry felines can be our best friends, one of the worst parts of pet ownership is cleaning the litter box. Frankly, it’s a stinky job. But you can make the task a little easier with baking soda.
All you need to do is sprinkle the bottom of the litter box with baking soda, and then cover it with the litter itself. It will act as a deodorizing agent. In between litter changes, simply sprinkle some baking soda on top.
Make Flowers Last Longer
Most women (and maybe some men) really enjoy getting a fresh bouquet of flowers. It’s even better when they last a really long time. There is a way to make them more durable. Add a teaspoon of baking soda to the water in the vase, and they’ll stay fresher much longer.
So the next time your son or daughter brings you some flowers from the garden, or your significant other surprises you with a special bouquet, show them how much you appreciate the gesture by keeping the arrangement around as long as you can.
Wash Your Fruits & Veggies
As you probably realize, produce can be really dirty. Everyone knows it’s important to wash fruits and vegetables, but we often just do so in plain water. Instead, mix 1/4-cup of baking soda with a full sink of water. Gently wash the produce and then rinse it with clean water.
This is a safe and effective way to ensure that your fruit and vegetables are as clean as possible before you eat them. It’s just one step to make sure that the pears, apples, tomatoes, and other products you consume are as healthy as it can be.
Relieve Diaper Rash
Babies have it so tough. They eat, sleep, and poop, and many times any or all of those activities make them upset. But in all seriousness, they do have to deal with a truly uncomfortable condition: diaper rash.
To combat this problem, put two tablespoons of baking soda into the baby’s bathwater. This will help get rid of the rash. The same solution can be applied to other types of rashes too. It’s a nice, natural solution to one of the body’s most common problems.
Remove Crayon Marks
Kids can be messy. They leave toys and clothes all over the house, and they can be really sloppy eaters (especially when they’re small). They also tend to colour on things that aren’t meant to be drawn on, including walls. While you may love Joey’s drawing of a unicorn, you don’t want it on the bedroom wall.
To get rid of crayon marks put baking soda on a slightly wet cloth and lightly rub the wall. Then wipe the wall with a clean, dry cloth. Fortunately, crayon marks aren’t too challenging to remove.
Freshen Your Coat Closet
A coat closet is very handy, but like the rest of your home, it needs to be cleaned and maintained on a regular basis. It can get damp and musty, particularly if it’s left unattended during the summer or other times of the year.
To keep the contents of the closet in good condition, put an open box of baking soda on the shelf (just like you do in the refrigerator). This will repel odours and keep all your jackets and winter coats inside feeling fresh.
