15 Things You Can Do With Baking Soda

Baking soda is something that you find in everyone’s pantry. While not all of us use it on a regular basis, it just somehow finds its way on our grocery shopping list. Perhaps this is because in the back of our minds, we know that we can always find some use for baking soda at one point or another.

The truth is that baking soda has so many uses for the home. This unassuming product is a chemical compound that is very friendly to the environment. And, since this powdery substance can be used for a host of applications, it is the best thing that you can have in your pantry!

So what can you do with baking soda? Here are 15 things that you can use baking soda for while saving money and helping the environment at the same time.

In the kitchen…

Use baking soda to deodorize your fridge. You know how your fridge tends to smell like the worst item of food it holds? Get a cupful of baking soda and leave it inside. This will absorb the odor and keep your fridge smelling fresh.

Use baking soda to clean and deodorize your microwave. The microwave is another household appliance that tends to smell and accumulate stubborn stains. Mix a tablespoon or two of baking soda in water. Place this mixture inside a microwave safe bowl and microwave for a couple of minutes. After, you can wipe the insides of your microwave down.

Use baking soda to wash your veggies and fruits. You can buy solutions that are meant to do this, but why spend extra money when you can use baking soda? Fill a pot with water and then add 3 to 4 tablespoons of baking soda.

Use baking soda to eliminate odor in the trash can. When you change your trash bags, sprinkle baking soda liberally first. This will help reduce odor as your trash accumulates.

Use baking soda to clean counter tops and stove tops. Sprinkle baking soda onto your counter tops and stove tops and then wipe clean with a rag soaked in warm water. Not only will this remove stubborn stains, it will also make your kitchen smell fresher.

For personal use…

Use baking soda to whiten your teeth. You’ve probably noticed toothpaste ads claiming baking soda content. This is because baking soda really does help whiten teeth! Get some peroxide paste, add half a teaspoon of baking soda, and voila – you have homemade toothpaste!

Use baking soda for softer skin. You can add baking soda to your bath water. Soaking in this mixture will result in soft skin.

Use baking soda to treat skin irritation. If you have a rash or an insect bite that won’t stop itching or swelling, you can use baking soda as well. One way to do this is to mix it with bath water. Another way is to make a paste of baking soda and water. You can then apply this paste onto the affected areas.

Use baking soda as a mouth disinfectant. Instead of using strong commercial mouthwash, mix half a teaspoon of baking soda with a cup of warm water. Use this to gargle for fresher breath!

Use baking soda as an antacid. If you suddenly have an acid attack or a heart burn attack, and you’re out of store bought antacid, don’t panic. Grab some baking soda – about half a teaspoon – and mix it with half a glass of water. You can down this and feel the attack subside. Of course, you’d still need to see a doctor if your symptoms persist, but having some baking soda handy can help as first aid.

Other useful tips…

Use baking soda to put out small fires. If, for one reason or another, a small fire starts in your home, grab some baking soda and throw it over the fire. When it burns, baking soda emits carbon dioxide, which puts out the fire.

Use baking soda to eliminate smoke odors. If you smoke inside the house, sprinkle some baking soda inside your ash trays. This will help reduce that awful smell.

Use baking soda to clean your carpets and rugs. These household fixtures tend to become musty and smelly if not taken care of properly. Before vacuuming, sprinkle some baking soda onto the surface of the carpet or rug. The truth is, you don’t have to spend more money on carpet powders – they’re practically all baking soda-based anyway.

Use baking soda to keep your fresh flowers fresh for longer. When you place the flowers in a vase, make sure to add a teaspoon of baking soda to the water. This mixture will make your flowers last longer and eliminate the bad smell that the water sometimes gets.

Use baking soda to deodorize your shoes. Got smelly feet? No one would want to admit that, but in case you do have a problem keeping your shoes, boots, slippers, and other footwear from smelling bad, then just get some baking soda. Sprinkle this in the insides of your footwear at night. You’ll be glad that you did!

The best thing about using baking soda for all these purposes is that you reduce your usage of products that may be harmful to the environment! And, of course, it doesn’t hurt that you get to save some money, as well.