Uses for Baking Soda Beyond Baking
Cleaning and Deodorizing
Photo: Flynnside Out Productions |
1. All-Purpose Cleaner
Baking soda can be your trusty sidekick when it comes to tackling tough messes around the house. Mix it with water to create a paste and scrub away at countertops, sinks, and even stubborn grime on stovetops.
2. Odor Neutralizer for Carpets and Upholstery
Got funky smells hanging around? Sprinkle baking soda liberally on carpets and upholstery, let it sit for a bit, then vacuum it up to banish odors and freshen up your space.
Personal Care Applications
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1. Gentle Exfoliant for Skin
Say goodbye to rough patches and hello to smoother skin with a baking soda exfoliating scrub. Just mix it with a little water to form a paste, gently massage onto damp skin, then rinse off for a radiant glow.
2. Natural Deodorant Substitute
In a pinch and out of deodorant? Dust a bit of baking soda under your arms to help neutralize odors and keep you feeling fresh throughout the day.
Health and Wellness Benefits
Illustration by Laura Porter for Verywell Health |
1. Heartburn Relief
Too much spice got you feeling the burn? Mix a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water to help alleviate heartburn by neutralizing stomach acid.
2. Teeth Whitening Agent
Brighten up your smile by creating a homemade toothpaste using baking soda and a dash of water. Gently brush to remove surface stains and reveal a whiter, brighter grin.
Household Remedies
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1. Stain Remover for Laundry
Fight stubborn stains on your clothes by pre-treating them with a paste of baking soda and water before tossing them in the wash. Say goodbye to pesky stains and hello to fresh laundry.
2. Drain Cleaner
Got a slow-moving drain? Pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain, let it sit for a bit, then flush with hot water to help clear away gunk and keep your pipes flowing smoothly.
Gardening and Outdoor Uses
1. Pest Repellent in the Garden
Tired of bugs treating your garden like an all-you-can-eat buffet? Sprinkle some baking soda around your plants to send pests packing. It's like giving them a not-so-subtle hint that they're not welcome here!
2. Soil pH Balancer
Plants throwing tantrums because the soil pH is out of whack? Baking soda to the rescue! A sprinkle here, a sprinkle there, and before you know it, your soil will be balanced and your plants will be singing "Hallelujah!"
DIY Beauty and Skincare Products
photo credit naturalremedyideas.com |
1. Soothing Bath Soak
Had a rough day? Treat yourself to a soothing bath soak with a dash of baking soda. It's like a hug for your skin, calming and comforting all your stress away. Bonus points if you add some bubbles and a glass of wine!
2. Hair Clarifier
When it comes to hair care, many people struggle with product buildup from styling products, excess oil, and environmental pollutants that can weigh the hair down, making it look dull and lifeless. Baking soda, with its fine, gritty texture, acts as an effective exfoliant; it helps to break down these residues and deeply cleanse the scalp and hair strands. By creating a paste with baking soda and water, individuals can gently scrub their scalp, allowing the alkalinity of baking soda to lift away impurities and restore shine.
In conclusion, the myriad uses for baking soda outlined in this article demonstrate its value as a versatile and eco-friendly alternative for various household needs. With its affordability and effectiveness, incorporating baking soda into your daily routine can not only simplify tasks but also contribute to a greener and healthier lifestyle. Embrace the power of this common kitchen ingredient and unlock its potential to enhance different aspects of your life.
Do you find other uses for baking soda besides baking? We’d love to hear from you.
Thanks for this handy list. I knew some of these uses but glad to know about the others.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome and thanks for the comment!
DeleteI use baking soda for just about everything! I stay stocked up all the time!
ReplyDeleteYes it's definitely a good thing to have around the house. thanks for the comment!
DeleteI love this! I use baking soda for cleaning a lot but definitely learned some new things here. I can’t wait to try it on my garden next year as a pest repellent and as a stain remover! Thanks :)
ReplyDeleteWe hope it works for you and thanks for commenting!
DeleteI love all these tips about baking soda! It’s amazing how such a simple and common ingredient can be so incredibly versatile. From cleaning and deodorizing to personal care and health benefits, baking soda truly proves to be a must-have in every household. It’s like a hidden gem with endless practical uses that can make everyday tasks easier and more cost-effective. So cool to see how it can enhance our lives in so many unexpected ways!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the comment!
Delete