18 ways to use baking soda in your home

baking soda in the kitchen
It helps make cakes and biscuits rise, but bicarbonate of soda is also a powerful - yet gentle - cleanser with a host of uses.

There are countless ways to use baking soda in the home. As a mild, alkaline powder, it’s cleaning, antibacterial and deodorizing properties make it a powerful staple in the home.

In the kitchen

  • Fix acidic dishes. A great neutraliser, add a little baking soda to stews, soups and curries to balance out the acidic, tangy flavour.
  • Get rid of food stains. Remove annoying food stains in pots, pans and dishes with a generous sprinkle of baking soda. Leave for 10-15 minutes before washing off.
  • Clean kitchen sponges. Freshen up cleaning sponges by soaking them in warm water and baking soda overnight, followed by a thorough rinse in the morning.
  • Clean coffee and tea pots. Remove coffee and tea stains by washing mugs and coffee makers in a solution of 1/4 cup baking soda dissolved in a litre of warm water.
  • Deodorise your refrigerator. Sprinkle baking soda on a damp cloth and wipe up spills on fridge shelves. To neutralise smells, place an open container of baking soda in the back of the fridge.
  • Clean fruit and vegetables. Baking soda is a safe way to clean dirt and residue off fresh fruit and vegetables. just sprinkle a little on to the product, scrub and rinse.
  • Polish tarnished silver. Use a baking soda paste made with three parts baking soda to one part water. Rub onto the silver with a clean sponge. Rinse thoroughly and polish dry.

 

Home remedies

  • Treat heartburn. Baking soda is proven to help treat heartburn, known as acid reflux, by countering stomach acid with its alkaline properties. Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 cup of water and drink slowly.
  • Soothe itchy, burnt skin. A combination of can be used to treat mild sunburns or irritated skin. Mix baking soda with water to form a paste and apply to the affected area. For itches and bug bites, try a baking soda bath by adding 1-2 cups of it to a lukewarm bath.
  • Alleviate mouth sores. Canker sores are small, painful ulcers in the mouth. Studies show that a baking soda mouthwash can be used to soothe the irritation caused by these sores. See below for the DIY mouthwash recipe.

 

Cleaning the house

  • Deep-cleaning dishwashers. A sprinkle of baking soda in the dishwasher can help deodorize and remove stains. Click here for an easy guide to deep cleaning your dishwasher.
  • Brighten clothes in the laundry. Give whites and colours and extra bright look by adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to your wash, alongside your regular detergent. And like the dishwasher, it can also be used to clean your washing machine.
  • Get rid of odours. Naturally deodorizing, sprinkling a little baking soda is an easy way to get rid of bad smells. Try a little sprinkled on smelly shoes, mix with vinegar to clean bad-smelling surfaces, or simply leave a couple bowls of it around the house to get rid of unwanted aromas.
  • Clean rugs and carpets. Freshen up carpets and rugs with a sprinkle of baking soda. Leave for 15-20 minutes then vacuum up.

 

In the bathroom

  • Natural deodorant. Wanting to try some more natural, at-home remedies? Try a simple DIY deodorant. Mix up 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1/2 cup of cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Add tbs of coconut oil and about 15-20 drops of an antibacterial essential oil (such as peppermint, tea tree or lemongrass).
  • Clean toothbrushes. Soak toothbrushes overnight in a combination of 1/4 cup water and 3 tablespoons of baking soda. Rinse thoroughly the next day before using.
  • Whiten yellow nails. Nail polish left nails with a yellowy tinge? Get rid of stains by mixing baking soda with warm water until it forms a paste. Cover nails and leave for 10 minutes before washing off.
  • DIY mouthwash. Baking soda is a common alternative to mouthwash. Its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties helps freshen breath and get rid of bacteria. Add 1/2 teaspoon to 1/2 cup of water, gargle and spit like a normal mouthwash.

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