I have been trying to compile this post for some time now, but I kept discovering more and more useful, brilliant, and ingenious uses of baking soda that I just kept adding to the list. Now the list is almost getting out of control and I decided to put on my editorial hat and compile them in an orderly manner. Brace up for a long read on the many uses of baking soda.
BAKING POWDER FOR PERSONAL CARE
1. To Make Toothpaste
A paste with 97% baking soda and a 3% hydrogen solution is an effective alternative to commercial non-fluoride toothpaste. The paste produces a minty smell and hence a refreshing mood. If you still need an extra boost, you just need to dip your toothbrush with toothpaste into baking soda.
2. To Freshen Your Mouth
A teaspoon of baking powder in half a glass of water can keep your mouth fresh. You only need to make the solution, swish, spit and rinse. This neutralizes odor as opposed to covering them up as with commercial mouth fresheners.
3. Soak Oral Appliances
You can also soak oral appliances like retainers, dentures, and mouthpieces in a solution of 2 teaspoons of baking soda which has been dissolved in a glass of warm water. The baking soda helps in loosening food particles as well as neutralizing odors to keep appliances looking and smelling fresh. Also, baking soda is effective when it comes to brushing appliances clean.
4. As a Facial Scrub
Give your body a gentle scrub by use of baking soda. Make a paste using baking soda and water by mixing 3 parts to 1 part respectively. Then, rub your body in a gentle circular motion to exfoliate your skin. Rinse clean and do that regularly. Luckily, this is gentle enough even for daily use.
5. As a Hand Cleanser and Softener
You can always avoid harsh soaps and lightly scrub away any dirt and neutralize possible odors on hands using a paste of baking soda and water. Mix 3 parts soda with 1 part water or 3 parts of baking soda and gentle liquid hand soap. Use it to clean your hands then rinse clean.
6. Cleaning Hair
Vinegar is popular for hair treatment, but baking soda has its place in the shower too. You only need to sprinkle a small amount of baking soda into your palm and mix it with your favorite shampoo. Clean as usual then rinse thoroughly. Baking soda is effective at removing residue that remains behind after using styling products; your hair is now clean and manageable.
7. Clean Combs and Brushes
Do you want lustrous hair with more shine? You need to keep the brushes and combs clean. You can use baking soda to remove hair product residue and natural oil build-up. Soak brushes and combs in a solution of 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a basin of warm water. Rinse them and allow them to dry.
8. Make a Bath Soak
Add a half cup of baking soda to your bathing water to ensure that you neutralize any acids on the skin and wash away perspiration and oil. The rinse will leave your skin looking soft. You can also include Epsom salts for added health benefits.
9. Soothe Your Feet
In a tub of warm water, dissolve three tablespoons of baking soda and stir. You can soak your feet inside and gently scrub. Additionally, you can make a soak for your feet.
10. Treat Dry Elbows
Sometimes your elbows may turn dry, but a paste of lemon juice is enough to restore their natural condition. Rub the paste gently onto the dry elbows and wait for 15 minutes. Rinse well and moisturize.
11. Use As Deodorant
Who needs a deodorant when a little baking soda is everything you need? Apply a little soda to your arm pits and stay fresh. Baking soda aids in neutralizing odor and that means it’s one less thing you have to buy.
12. Sooth Razor Burn
If you shave your face or legs using a razor, then you know that a razor burn hurts. In fact, it looks terrible to the eye. Dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water and apply it gently to the area. Wait for 5 minutes to ensure it dries on the skin and rinses with cool water.
13. Use As An Antacid
Apart from just the skin benefits, baking soda offers other benefits too. Your baking soda box probably contains instructions on how you can mix it with water to soothe an upset stomach. If you’re yet to see that, then here is how you do. Mix ¼ teaspoon of baking powder in 4 ounces of water and use it for your stomach upsets. The alkaline solution will help fight the acidity in the stomach.
14. Reduce Ulcer Pain
Ulcers can be a bigger menace than occasional indigestion, but both are caused by the same thing; excess acid. Baking soda in water is a remedy for both as it treats acidity. For ulcers, a maximum of 2 teaspoons in 8 ounces is enough.
15. Treat Insect Bites and Itchy Skin
Skin irritations caused by insect bites or poison ivy may result in discomfort. Mix baking soda with water and dump it on your skin after bathing. You can also apply it as a salve.
16. Treat Sunburn
If you’ve got a sunburn, you have an excuse to soak in the tub with baking soda in water. You can also try adding baking soda to the body lotion you apply to the skin.
17. Enhance Kidney Function
Achieving balanced PH levels, it benefits your entire body. Excess acid is enough to weaken kidney function among other negative effects. By drinking soda water, your kidney is relieved of some of its cleaning functions.
18. Improve the Smell of Baby Bottle
Plastic water bottle smell awful or a bit stale? Soak it in a baking soda solution and rinse well. Similarly, if your lunch box is smelling stale, add a heavy layer of soda and let it stand overnight. Wash in hot water with dish soap.
Other uses include;
- Eliminate odor from sports gear and other luggage
- Clean silver- use a soft cloth on tarnished silver and rinse well the dry with a dish towel.
- Freshen up the hamper when it’s odorous
- Use baking soda solution to clean and deodorize baby toys
BAKING SODA AS A DEODORIZER
1. Deodorizing Cars
Car carpet and upholstery can keep odors locked and thus each time you sit on chairs or step on carpets, they release the odors into the air. You can eliminate these odors by sprinkling baking soda on the car carpets and fabric seats. Let it settle for around 15 minutes or longer if there is a strong smell. Wipe it clean with a wet cotton cloth. The smell will be gone.
2. Deodorize Your Vacuum Cleaners
You can remove odor from vacuum cleaners by following the method above for car carpets and upholstery. Baking soda will eliminate the smell and leave your cleaner with no smell.
3. Deodorizing Your Refrigerator
To remove odor from your refrigerating machine, you will need to put an open box of baking soda in the back of your appliance and let it do the magic.
4. Deodorizing the Cutting Board
You can clean your cutting board thoroughly by sprinkling some baking soda on it and letting it settle for around 15 minutes. Then scrub and rinse. If the cutting board has a lot of food stains and dried food particles, you can give it more time.
5. Deodorizing Trashcans
Sprinkle some baking soda on your trashcan and on the edges of its base to keep the stinky, pungent smell at bay. Baking soda will eliminate all the smells coming out of your trashcan within minutes.
6. Deodorizing Recyclables
You can ensure your recyclable container is thoroughly cleaned and free of smell from previously stored food by sprinkling baking soda on its bottom. Also, you can sprinkle some of it on a damp sponge and clean it. After that, wipe and rinse.
7. Deodorize Drains
To clean and deodorize your tub and sink drains, and keep them lingering odor at bay, put a half cup of baking soda to your drains while running tap water. The base in bicarbonate soda will counteract both the acid and basic stenches for a fresh drain. Therefore, if you have a baking soda that is nearing its expiry date, use it to deodorize your drains.
8. Freshening a Dishwasher
You can freshen your dishwasher in a couple of ways. The first method involves putting a layer of baking soda on the bottom of your appliance overnight and using a damp sponge the next morning to scrub the dry powder on the inside walls and door. After wiping most of it, run your dishwasher on empty without using any detergent. This will remove most of the baking soda.
Alternatively, you can put your dishwasher on a rinse cycle when it is empty after sprinkling a cup of baking soda.
9. Deodorizing Disposals
You can deodorize the foodstuffs and all your disposals by sprinkling baking soda on them. This will keep odors from lingering and resurfacing. Before disposing of your leftovers, pour baking soda on them and run warm-tap water. Baking soda will neutralize the basic odors and acid on your fresh disposals.
10. Removing Odors From Carpets
Generously sprinkle baking soda on your carpet and allow it to sit overnight or as long as possible. In fact, the longer the period, the better. Sweep to remove most of it and then vacuum the rest. Keep in mind that your vacuum cleaner bag will fill faster and might get heavy, so keep checking.
11. Deodorizing Cat Box
Liberally sprinkle the bottom of the cat box with baking soda, and fill it with litter as usual. When changing the litter, sprinkle baking soda on the litter after you have cleaned the box. Green tea is also another great product you can use for this purpose.
12. Deodorizing Pet Bedding
Most of the time, pets’ bedding accumulates an odor that is hard to drive off. You can eliminate it by generously sprinkling baking soda on pets’ bedding and letting it settle for 15 minutes or longer if the odor is strong. Vacuum your bedding, and the odor will be no more.
13. Deodorizing Sneakers
People with smelly legs can keep their sneakers from odor by sprinkling baking soda into them when they are not in use. Shake before wearing to pour most of the baking soda. Before donating them, make sure to apply baking soda and shake it out before packaging them in your donation bag.
14. Freshening Up Linens
Add half a cup of baking soda to your rinse cycle for fresher towels and sheets. You can also use this formula to make home-based lavender linen water.
15. Deodorizing Your Wash
You can neutralize your gym clothes and keep them odor-free by pouring a half cup of bicarbonate soda in the rinse cycle.
16. Freshening Stuffed Animals and Toys
Sprinkle some baking soda on your stuffed pets and toys to keep them smelling fresh and free from odor. Sprinkle some of it on its fur and allow it to sit for 15 minutes before brushing it off.
17. Cleaning a Pet Bed
Over time, your pet’s bed cushion can get sniffy. You can sprinkle some baking soda on it to absorb the smell, before vacuuming it.
18. Banish the Old-Paper Smell
When old books start smelling musty and dusty, sprinkle some baking soda on its pages and allow air to get inside. Experts say you can treat pages with powdery mildew by rubbing soda on the affected spots and putting them in the sun for bleaching.
19. Revitalizing Sponges
Over time, cleaning or kitchen sponges at times tend to develop mildew or stale smell. Soak these sponges in a baking soda solution for a few minutes to eliminate odor.
20. Freshening Mattresses
You need to be applying a thin layer of baking soda on your mattresses regularly. Sprinkle some soda on your mattress and allow it to sit for a few hours before vacuuming it up. This will enable it to stay fresh and clean. Do this once in a while.
21. Keeping the Trash Can Free From Odor
You can use baking soda to keep your trashcan, especially those that you use to put dirty disposable diapers, free from odor.
22. Keeping Your Litter Box Free From Odor
Very few products will keep your kitty toilet smelling fresh the way baking soda does. You can add the bottom cover of your box with soda before placing your litter on top. After scooping your pet waste, sprinkle more soda on the remaining litter.
23. Freshen Up The Microwave
Before your microwave starts retaining the smells of different meals, you can be proactive by keeping a small box of baking soda inside it to neutralize the odor and freshen things up there. Soda will absorb odors, and when you take it out, your appliance will not be having any odors.
BAKING SODA FOR GENERAL CLEANING
I hope you are still enjoying this lengthy list of uses of baking soda. Onto to more general things now. Ready for this? Then brace up for another long list
1. Cleaning Rugs and Carpets
You can freshen up your rugs and carpets by sprinkling bicarbonate soda on them. Allow it to settle for around 15 minutes or overnight if possible, then hoover. Vacuum to remove all of it.
2. Make a Surface Soft
If you are cleaning bathroom tubs, sinks, and tiles including glossy and fiberglass tiles, sprinkle your damp sponge with some baking soda and scrub as usual. Make sure to wipe thoroughly and dry the surface. You can also make a paste with baking soda, liquid dish soap, and coarse salt to make a stronger cleaning solution. Allow it to settle on the surface you want to clean and scour off.
3. For Hand-Washing Pots and Dishes
Add two tablespoons of baking soda to the dishwater with regular dish detergent to cut foods and grease left on pans, pots, and dishes. If your dishes have cooked-on foods, soak them in the water with detergent and baking soda and then use dry baking soda applied on a clean damp sponge to clean them.
4. Polishing Silver Flatware
By adding three parts of baking powder to one part of water, you can make a solution that will make it easy for you to polish your silver flatware. Rub onto silver and use a sponge or cloth to clean. Rinse thoroughly and dry for shining silver plates and serving pieces.
5. Cleaning Tea and Coffee Pots
You can remove coffee and tea stains as well as bitter after-tastes left on these utensils by washing coffee makers and mugs in a solution with ¼ cup of baking soda and one part of warm water. If you encounter stubborn stains, try soaking your mugs overnight in a solution with baking soda and detergent and scrub with a damp sponge that has baking soda the next morning.
6. Cleaning an Oven
Sprinkle some baking soda on the bottom of the oven and spray some water to make the surface damp. Allow it to sit for overnight and scrub the surface with a sponge or vacuum.
7. Cleaning Floors
After sweeping and removing dirt on a floor that does not have scratch marks, conduct your cleaning by using warm water that has baking soda in it. Mop and rinse your floor for a sparkling finish. For scuff marks, you can apply baking soda to your damp sponge and rinse.
8. Scrubbing BBQ Grill
You can keep your BBQ grill clean all summer by applying some baking soda on the damp brush you are using to scrub the grate.
9. Thoroughly Clean Dirty Vegetables and Fruits
To clean your dirty fruits and soda, put some bicarbonate soda on a damp sponge and clean your veggies and fruits. Rinse them thoroughly in running water.
10. Clean a Microwave
We discussed how you could clean the inside of a microwave. Now let’s discuss how you can use baking soda to clean the outside of a microwave. Sprinkle some baking soda on a clean damp sponge and use it to clean the outside of your microwave. Using baking soda is beneficial since you will not be leaving any harsh chemical smell in your microwave as is the case with commercial cleaners with strong scents that may find themselves in your food.
11. Cleaning Furniture
You can use baking soda to make a homemade furniture polish that you can also use to remove marks from painted furniture and walls. Simply add bicarbonate soda to a damp sponge and rub lightly on your furniture to remove marks, including crayon marks. After rubbing painted walls and furniture, wipe off with a dry, clean cloth.
12. Cleaning and Deodorizing Shower Curtains
You can clean and deodorize your shower curtains to make them sparkle by sprinkling baking soda on a damp brush or sponge. After scrubbing your shower curtain, rinse and clean them. Hang them to dry.
13. Cleaning Sports Gear
Put four heaped tablespoons of baking soda in one-quart warm water. Soak your sports gear in it and clean it. Sprinkle baking soda into your gym bags and sports bags to deodorize them. You can also clean golf irons with a baking soda solution. To do this, mix three parts baking soda with one-quart water and brush thoroughly. After that, rinse thoroughly to wash any remaining baking soda.
14. Removing Grease and Oil Stains
You can use baking soda to clean up grease spills and light-duty oils on your garage floor or driveway. Sprinkle baking soda on the spot where spills have occurred and let it settle for some time. Use a wet brush to clean the area before rinsing and drying.
15. Clean Batteries
You can also defuse battery acid oxidization on mowers, cars, etc. using baking soda because it is a mildly alkaline solution. However, ensure to disconnect the battery before cleaning to avoid getting electrocuted. Mix three parts baking soda with one part water and apply it to your battery using a damp cloth. Scrub from the battery terminal. Apply petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion in the future. Have your protective gear such as gloves and facial masks as some batteries contain a strong acid.
16. Brightening Brass
Sprinkle some baking soda onto a lemon wedge and using it to clean and polish brass objects. They will shine and sparkle after that.
17. Softening Stickers
You can soften stickers with adhesive gum by use of a baking soda paste. Besides, the baking soda will take care of the gum residue that will be left by the adhesive stickers or labels.
18. Scrubbing the Toaster Oven
Most of the time, baked-on bread crumbs drop to the bottom of a toaster, and after some time they start smelling awful. The smell worsens when you are toasting. But you can do away with the smell by scrubbing it with baking soda after popping it open.
19. Cleaning Cars
You can use baking soda to clean your car chrome, lights, tires, windows, vinyl seats, and floor mats without leaving scratch marks on their surfaces. Use a baking soda solution comprising of a quarter cup of baking soda and one quart of warm water. Use a sponge or soft cloth to apply it so as to remove tree sap, tar, bugs, and grime.
20. Making Stainless Steel Appliances Shine
You can use a damp sponge and baking soda to clean your stainless steel appliances.
21. Removing Water Stains from Wood
If you forgot to carry a coaster, you can apply baking soda paste on the surface and rub gently before wiping your wood clean.
22. Washing the Fridge
Yeah, I had proposed that you keep an open box of baking soda in the fridge to eliminate the smell of different products. However, it is important to clean the inside of your appliance with baking soda once in a while.
23. De-Greasing the Hoods
Scrub greasy buildup from different hoods with a hot, soapy cloth. Keep scrubbing, washing, and rinsing until you have removed as much grease as possible. Finish your rinsing with hot, soapy water. If grease is still present, you can use a commercial degreaser.
24. Cleaning a Patio
You can sprinkle your patio furniture and surrounding areas with baking soda to remove all dirt and grime on them.
25. Cleaning Pillow
You can also use soda to clean pillows on the patio set as most of them are made of vinyl or plastic. Apply baking soda solution on these pillows using a sponge and clean them. When storing them during winter, keep them sealed in a place that has bicarbonate soda in it.
26. Cleaning Sidewalks
You can remove ice on sidewalks by sprinkling some on it during wintertime. You can also use it to remove weeds in the driveway and sidewalk. Just sprinkle the area with weeds with baking soda, and they will die,
27. For Laundering Works
By adding bicarbonate soda to your water can make your cleaning work easier. Add a cup of soda to the liquid detergent you are using, and your clothes will be easier to clean.
28. Camping
When going camping, things such as a pot scrubber, dishwasher, deodorant, hand cleanser, fire extinguisher, and toothpaste are usually forgotten. Lucky for us, baking soda can perform all those tasks and many more.
29. Preventing Septic Tank Blockage
To keep your drains from blocking so that your septic system flows freely ensure you use baking soda regularly. A cupful of baking soda poured down the drain every week will help maintain a favorable pH in your septic tank.
30. Extinguishing fires
Baking soda, when heated produces carbon dioxide which helps in smothering flames. This can be helpful in the initial stages of handling minor electrical or grease kitchen fires. For small kitchen fires from grills, ovens, broilers or frying pans, turn off the electricity or gas if you can, without getting hurt. Throw as much baking soda as you can to the fire and call the fire department just to be on the safe side.
31. Washing Groceries
To ensure you clean all the dirt and residue from vegetables and fruits, baking soda is your safe solution. Take a clean, damp sponge and sprinkle it with baking soda and use it to wash them.
32. Pre-Treat Gasoline-Fouled Clothes
If you like doing mechanic work, the chances are that you find it hard to clean your oil-fouled clothes. To make your cleaning work easier, put your oil-fouled attires in a litter bag with baking soda and let it stay for a few days. After this, put them in a washing machine and wash as usual.
Frequently asked questions
What is baking soda?
It is a chemical compound known as bicarbonate of soda or sodium bicarbonate. It is found naturally in crystallized form, for it to be used commercially, it has to be ground into fine powder. Most people use it as a natural cleaning compound or as a leavening agent in baking.
How does baking soda work?
Since baking soda is alkaline, when mixed with an acid it produces carbon dioxide gas. When used in baking, small bubbles are created by the carbon dioxide and become trapped in the batter, making the dough inflate and rise. The commonly used acids when combined with baking soda to produce the rise and inflating effect are vinegar, lemon juice, buttermilk, cream of tartar and yogurt.
Is there a substitute for baking soda?
In the instant you find yourself in the kitchen with no baking soda, use baking powder as a substitute. Since baking powder only has a small amount of baking soda, you have to triple the amount stated in the recipe.
What’s the difference between baking powder and baking soda?
The difference between baking powder and baking soda lies in the acidity. Baking soda is stringently an alkaline compound that requires to be combined with an acid to form carbon dioxide. Baking powder, on the other hand, is bicarbonate that already contains acid. The acid compound is found in the form of a salt and requires a liquid to be added for the chemical reaction to happen. Baking soda, when used as a baking powder, helps the dough to rise as its being cooked. It releases carbon dioxide gas when an acid is added.
Is baking soda good for one’s health?
Most of the over-the-counter antacids have some form of bicarbonate. Baking soda helps by instantly neutralizing stomach acids relieving indigestion, ulcer pain and heartburn. Baking soda also helps in relieving itching and minor skin irritation by neutralizing irritants and toxins found on your skin’s surface.
What happens when baking soda is mixed with vinegar?
When you mix baking soda and vinegar, you get a fizzing effect. The reason for this reaction is because the sodium bicarbonate reacts with the acetic acid in the vinegar forming sodium acetate, water, and carbon dioxide gas which results in bubbles. The bubbles are formed as a result of the carbon dioxide escaping from the sodium acetate and water solution.
Conclusion
Thank God I’m done with this list of uses of baking soda. I hope you enjoyed my list and have learned something new. Share with us other uses of baking soda you may know in our comment section below.
