Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a versatile product that has far more uses than most people realize. Today, it can be found in almost every home and is still popular as a baking ingredient. Due to its pH-regulating abilities, baking soda is an inexpensive and environmentally-friendly product that can be used in a variety of ways beyond the kitchen. Here are 17 uses for baking soda:
- Use on mild abrasive surfaces: For safe, effective cleaning of bathroom tubs, tile and sinks, even fiberglass and glossy tiles, sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge and rub lightly as usual. Rinse well and dry. For extra cleaning power, make a paste of baking soda, salt, and liquid soap, apply, let stand for 5 minutes, scrub, and rinse.
- Wash dishes, pots and pans: Add two heaping tablespoons of baking soda to your detergent to help cut grease and remove foods left on dishes, pots, and pans. For pots with stuck food, let them soak in a solution of baking soda, detergent, and soda water first, then use dry baking soda on a sponge or a clean, damp cloth in powder form to prevent scratches.
- Remove odors from sponges: Soak smelly sponges in a strong baking soda solution to get rid of dirt (4 tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in 1 quart of warm water).
- Clean the microwave: Sprinkle baking soda on a clean damp sponge and pass smoothly in and out of the microwave. Rinse thoroughly with water.
- Polishing silver cutlery: Use a paste made of three parts baking soda and one part water. Rub the silver with a clean cloth or sponge. Rinse well and dry to polish it.
- Cleaning coffee and tea: Remove coffee and tea stains and eliminate the bitter taste of coffee cups with a solution of 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart of warm water. For stubborn stains, try soaking overnight with a solution of detergent or washing soda and baking soda, then wipe with a clean damp sponge and baking soda.
- Clean the oven: Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of the oven. Spray with water to dampen the baking soda. Let stand overnight. In the morning, scrub and remove the baking soda and grime with a sponge or vacuum, and rinse.
- Floor cleaning: Remove dirt and grime (without unwanted scratch marks) from no-wax floors and tiles with 1/2 cup of baking soda in a bucket of warm water, mop, and rinse for a shiny floor. For scuff marks, use baking soda on a clean damp sponge, then rinse.
- Furniture cleaning: Clean and remove marks (even crayon) from walls and painted furniture by applying baking soda to a damp sponge and rubbing lightly. Clean after with a clean, dry cloth.
- Cleaning the shower curtain: Clean and deodorize your vinyl shower curtain by sprinkling baking soda directly on a clean damp sponge or brush. Rub the curtain and rinse. Hang to dry.
- Laundry: Adding baking soda to your laundry is an effective, cost-efficient, and chemical-free way to keep your clothes clean and soft. Simply add half a cup of baking soda to each laundry load if you’re cleaning the laundry manually in a tub with water, or to each rinse cycle if you’re using a washing machine. Baking soda is a particularly good choice for people who favor clothes made from natural fibers such as organic cotton, linen, or hemp.
- Gently cleanses baby clothes: Baby skin requires the most gentle cleaning. There are many specialized products on the market, but the smell and stains are difficult to remove. For tough stains, add 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of white vinegar in the wash.
- Cleaning cloth diapers: Soak cloth diapers in a solution of ½ cup of baking soda dissolved in 2 quarts of water.
- Clean sporting equipment: Use a solution of baking soda (four tablespoons of baking soda in 1 quart warm water) to clean and deodorize smelly sports equipment. For golf bags and gym bags, sprinkle baking soda to deodorize. Clean golf clubs with a paste of 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water and a brush, and rinse well.
- Remove oil and grease stains: Sprinkle baking soda on oil and grease spills on the garage floor or platform, and scrub with a wet brush.
- Cleaning Batteries: Neutralize battery acid corrosion on cars, mowers, etc. using a paste of 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water. Apply with a damp cloth to scrub corrosion from the battery terminals after disconnecting them. Wipe the terminals with petroleum jelly to prevent future corrosion. Be careful when working around a battery and wear gloves.
- Car Cleaning: Clean car lights, chrome, windows, tires, seats, and vinyl floor mats using a solution of 1/4 cup baking soda in 1/4 gallon of warm water. Apply with a sponge or soft cloth to remove road grime, tree sap, insects, and tar cloth. For stubborn stains, use baking soda spray on a damp sponge or soft brush.
- Deodorize the refrigerator: Neutralize odors in the refrigerator by placing an open container of baking soda in the back. Replace every couple of months or as needed.
- Deodorize cutting board: Sprinkle cutting board with baking soda, scrub, and rinse.
- Deodorize trash cans: Keep trash cans free of odor by sprinkling baking soda on the bottom.
- Deodorize Recyclables: Sprinkle sodium bicarbonate in the top of the container, and clean the recyclable container periodically by sprinkling baking soda on a damp sponge. Clean and rinse.
- Deodorize Drains: To deodorize sink and tub drains, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain while running warm water from the tap.
- Deodorize and Clean Dishwashers: Deodorize dishwashers before operating and then use as a gentle cleanser in the wash cycle.
- Deodorize the garbage disposal: Deodorize the disposer and prevent odors by pouring sodium bicarbonate down the drain while running warm tap water.
- Deodorize lunch boxes: Absorb odors in the lunch box by sprinkling baking soda in it.
- Remove the smell from carpets: Freely sprinkle baking soda on the carpet, let stand overnight or as long as possible, sweep up the large amounts of sodium bicarbonate, and vacuum up the rest.
- Remove the smell of vacuum cleaners: Deodorize your vacuum by sprinkling baking soda on it.
- Refresh the closet: Keep the closet smelling fresh by placing a box of baking soda on the shelf.
- Car deodorization: Eliminate odors from car upholstery and carpet by sprinkling baking soda directly onto fabric seats and carpet odors. Wait 15 minutes (or longer for strong odors) then wipe away or vacuum out.
- Deodorize cat box: Cover the bottom of the box with baking soda and then fill with litter as usual.
- Soothe sunburn Adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to lukewarm bathwater can help soothe and relieve the discomfort of sunburned skin. Alternatively, make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it directly to the affected area.
- Relieve insect bites and stings Applying a paste of baking soda and water to insect bites and stings can help relieve the itching and swelling.
- Natural toothpaste Baking soda can be used as a natural toothpaste to clean and whiten teeth. Simply mix baking soda with a little water to form a paste, and use it to brush your teeth.
- Freshen breath Add a teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water and use it as a mouthwash to freshen your breath.
- Clean and whiten teeth Mix baking soda with a little hydrogen peroxide to create a paste, and use it to brush your teeth. This can help whiten your teeth and remove stains.
- Soak oral appliances Dissolve 2 teaspoons of baking soda in a cup of warm water and use it to soak oral appliances like dentures, mouthguards, and retainers to clean and freshen them.
- Exfoliate skin Baking soda can be used as a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and leave your skin feeling smooth and refreshed. Mix a little baking soda with water to create a paste, and use it to gently scrub your skin.
- Soothe sore throat Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with a glass of warm water and use it as a gargle to soothe a sore throat.
- Relieve heartburn Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with a glass of water and drink it to help relieve heartburn.
- Deodorize carpets and upholstery Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and upholstery, let it sit for a few hours, and then vacuum it up to remove odors.
- Remove stains from coffee and tea cups Mix baking soda with a little water to create a paste, and use it to scrub stains from coffee and tea cups.
- Remove stains from plastic containers Mix baking soda with a little water to create a paste, and use it to scrub stains from plastic containers.
- Remove crayon marks Sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge or cloth and use it to scrub crayon marks from walls and other surfaces.
- Clean and deodorize dishwashers Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of your dishwasher and run a cycle to clean and deodorize it.
- Make your own natural deodorant: Mix baking soda with cornstarch and coconut oil to make a paste. Apply it to your underarms to help absorb sweat and neutralize odor.
- Soothe insect bites and stings: Baking soda can help soothe the itching and irritation that comes with insect bites and stings. Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to make a paste, then apply the paste to the affected area. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with water.
- Clean your grill: Baking soda can be used to clean your grill grates, removing stubborn food residue and grease. Make a paste by mixing baking soda with water, then apply the paste to the grates. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a brush or sponge. Rinse the grates with water.
- Freshen up your gym bag: If your gym bag has started to smell less than fresh, baking soda can help. Place an open box of baking soda in your gym bag, and let it sit overnight. The baking soda will absorb any odors, leaving your bag smelling fresher.
- Freshen up your shoes: If your shoes have a smell that isn’t so pleasant simply pour baking soda in them and let it soak up the pungent smell for a few days, it works very well!
- Prevent mold from growing: If you have mold in your home pour baking soda on it and it will help to smother it out.Baking soda can help to prevent mold growth in the bathroom, but it is not a guaranteed solution. Baking soda is an alkaline substance that can create an unfavorable environment for mold to grow. It can also help to absorb excess moisture, which is a common trigger for mold growth.
To use baking soda to prevent mold growth in the bathroom, you can sprinkle it on surfaces prone to mold growth, such as shower curtains, tiles, and grout. Leave it on for a few minutes, and then scrub the surface with a brush or sponge. Rinse the surface with water and dry it thoroughly.
However, it’s important to note that while baking soda may help prevent mold growth, it is not a substitute for proper cleaning and ventilation. To prevent mold growth in your bathroom, you should also make sure to regularly clean surfaces and fixtures, ensure adequate ventilation, and address any water leaks or excess moisture issues promptly.
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