Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a versatile household item with many surprising uses beyond baking. Here are 20 unexpected ways you can use baking soda:
Household Cleaning
- Surface Cleaner: Mix baking soda with water to create a paste for cleaning kitchen counters, sinks, and stovetops. It effectively removes grime and stains without scratching surfaces.
- Deodorize Carpets: Sprinkle baking soda on carpets, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, and then vacuum to remove odors.
- Unclog Drains: Pour baking soda followed by vinegar down the drain. Let it fizz for a few minutes, then flush with hot water to clear clogs and deodorize.
- Polish Silverware: Make a paste of baking soda and water to polish silver items, then rinse and dry for a shiny finish.
- Freshen Laundry: Add half a cup of baking soda to your laundry to boost detergent performance and neutralize odors.
Personal Care
- Natural Deodorant: Apply a small amount of baking soda under your arms to neutralize body odor.
- Teeth Whitener: Brush your teeth with a paste made of baking soda and water once a week to help remove stains and whiten teeth.
- Face Exfoliator: Create a gentle facial scrub by mixing baking soda with water. Apply in circular motions and rinse for smoother skin.
- Foot Soak: Dissolve baking soda in warm water and soak your feet to soothe and deodorize.
- Sunburn Relief: Add baking soda to a cool bath to help relieve sunburn discomfort.
Kitchen
- Fridge Deodorizer: Place an open box of baking soda in your refrigerator to absorb food odors.
- Fire Extinguisher: Keep baking soda on hand to extinguish small grease fires in the kitchen. It cuts off the oxygen supply, helping to put out the fire.
- Vegetable Cleaner: Mix baking soda with water to create a solution for washing fruits and vegetables, removing dirt and pesticides.
- Coffee Maker Cleaner: Run a solution of baking soda and water through your coffee maker to remove stains and build-up.
Garden and Outdoor
- Pest Control: Sprinkle baking soda around garden plants to deter pests like ants and slugs.
- Weed Killer: Apply baking soda in cracks of driveways and sidewalks to kill weeds.
- Clean Garden Tools: Use a baking soda paste to clean and deodorize garden tools.
Miscellaneous
- Remove Crayon Marks: Make a paste with baking soda and water to scrub crayon marks off walls.
- Neutralize Battery Acid Corrosion: Sprinkle baking soda on battery terminals to neutralize acid and prevent corrosion.
- Freshen Litter Boxes: Sprinkle baking soda in cat litter boxes to help absorb and neutralize odors.
Baking soda is an affordable, eco-friendly alternative to many commercial products. Its versatility makes it a valuable addition to your household toolkit, capable of handling a wide range of tasks efficiently and safely.