Here is a list of 25 ways to use baking soda. If you want to reduce spending and cut down on things you really don’t need, why not utilize what you already have around the house? This will be part of my “Use What You Have” series of posts. In each post, find out about different ways you can use common everyday items you are likely to already have around the house. You are probably familiar with the standard everyday uses for baking soda like deodorizing the refrigerator, so here are some not so common uses that should come in handy for future reference. See any uses not on the list? Please feel free to share your tips in the comments, thanks!
25 Ways to Use Baking Soda
1. Flower Freshener. Keep fresh cut flowers longer by adding a teaspoon of baking soda to the water.
2. Antacid. The sodium bicarbonate in baking soda acts as a stomach acid neutralizer. The Mayo Clinic recommends adults take 1/2 teaspoon in a glass of cold water every two hours to reduce stomach upset or heartburn.
3. Hand Deodorizer. Make a paste with baking soda and water. Rub your hands with the paste, rinse well and presto, no more odor!
4. Itch Relief. Make a paste of baking soda & water to help relieve insect bites. It is also said to bring relief to sunburns.
5. Deodorant. Mix 1/2 teaspoon with a bit of water, making a paste, then rub on your armpits. Or, use a mixture of one part dry baking soda and six parts cornstarch and dust your pits with a powder puff. I’m not sure if I’m brave enough to try out this tip, but I love the idea of using a natural product for a deodorant. In the past though, I haven’t had much luck with any natural deodorants.
6. Skin Softener. Add a cup to your bath water to relieve skin irritations. You can make a body scrub out of it as well when paired with essential oil.
7. Nail Whitener. Make a paste with two parts baking soda and one part hydrogen peroxide. Massage into your fingernails (or toenails) and rinse.
8. Fire Squelcher. Put out small fires using baking soda.
9. Produce Wash. Clean your fresh fruits and vegetables with it. Add two tablespoons of baking soda to a gallon of water.
10. Fluffier Omelets. Add a pinch of baking soda for a fluffier omelet.
11. Grease Remover. Remove grease from your pots and pans.
12. Toilet Bowl Cleaner. Sprinkle a cup of baking soda in your toilet bowl. Let set a few minutes, scrub and flush. Not only will it clean your toilet, but it will absorb odors as well. Good for hard water stains too.
13. Drain Cleaner. Keep your drains flowing by adding a few teaspoons weekly.
14. Modeling Clay. Yep, modeling clay! Be sure and check out I Can Teach My Child’s tutorial and instructions for homemade modeling clay, she does an excellent job of explaining it.
15. Garden Helper. Sprinkle around your garden to help deter rabbits. Apparently, they hate the stuff.
16. Insect Deterrent. Roaches and ants aren’t fans either, use baking soda to repel both of these pesky critters.
17. Seed Preserver. Keep by seeds dry by storing with a packet of baking soda. Helps absorb humidity.
18. Rain Repellent. Wipe your windshield with it to repel rain.
19. Label Remover. Need to get a pesky label or tag off of a jar or glass? Make a paste with one part baking soda and two parts cooking oil to remove a stubborn label. Just don’t use this on any item that might absorb the oil. It works great on glass though.
20. Stain Remover. A thick paste of baking soda & water will remove unsightly stains from your plastic containers.
21. Sponge Reviver. Soak your kitchen sponges to help freshen them up.
23. Stuffed Animal Cleaner. Put a stuffed animal in a sealed plastic bag with baking soda and shake well. The baking soda helps remove dust and dirt.
24. Sneaker Refresher. Sprinkle in your shoes after a particularly strenuous day. Just don’t forget to tap the baking soda out of your shoes before you wear them again.
25. Jewelry Cleaner. Spiff up your sterling silver jewelry by making a paste of three parts baking soda to one part water. Apply with a cloth and rinse.
Note: This post is part of my “Use What You Have” series where I regularly take a look at a common household product and list 25 ways to use each one. If you want to reduce spending and cut down on things you really don’t need, why not utilize what you already have around the house?
25 Ways To Use Lemons – everything from making your lettuce crisper to diy grout cleaner.
25 Ways To Use Honey – everything from hiccup reliever to lip conditioner.
25 Ways To Use Vinegar – everything from washing machine cleaner to creating a fruit fly trapper.
25 Ways To Use Borax – everything from DIY cleaning slime to making your own bouncy ball.
25 Ways To Use Hydrogen Peroxide – everything from toilet bowl cleaner to seed germinator.
25 Ways to Use Old Magazines – everything from making gift bows to reshaping wet shoes.
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