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

  1. 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.
  2. Deodorize Carpets: Sprinkle baking soda on carpets, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, and then vacuum to remove odors.
  3. 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.
  4. Polish Silverware: Make a paste of baking soda and water to polish silver items, then rinse and dry for a shiny finish.
  5. Freshen Laundry: Add half a cup of baking soda to your laundry to boost detergent performance and neutralize odors.

Personal Care

  1. Natural Deodorant: Apply a small amount of baking soda under your arms to neutralize body odor.
  2. Teeth Whitener: Brush your teeth with a paste made of baking soda and water once a week to help remove stains and whiten teeth.
  3. Face Exfoliator: Create a gentle facial scrub by mixing baking soda with water. Apply in circular motions and rinse for smoother skin.
  4. Foot Soak: Dissolve baking soda in warm water and soak your feet to soothe and deodorize.
  5. Sunburn Relief: Add baking soda to a cool bath to help relieve sunburn discomfort.

Kitchen

  1. Fridge Deodorizer: Place an open box of baking soda in your refrigerator to absorb food odors.
  2. 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.
  3. Vegetable Cleaner: Mix baking soda with water to create a solution for washing fruits and vegetables, removing dirt and pesticides.
  4. Coffee Maker Cleaner: Run a solution of baking soda and water through your coffee maker to remove stains and build-up.

Garden and Outdoor

  1. Pest Control: Sprinkle baking soda around garden plants to deter pests like ants and slugs.
  2. Weed Killer: Apply baking soda in cracks of driveways and sidewalks to kill weeds.
  3. Clean Garden Tools: Use a baking soda paste to clean and deodorize garden tools.

Miscellaneous

  1. Remove Crayon Marks: Make a paste with baking soda and water to scrub crayon marks off walls.
  2. Neutralize Battery Acid Corrosion: Sprinkle baking soda on battery terminals to neutralize acid and prevent corrosion.
  3. 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.