Bicarbonate of soda most commonly known as “Baking Soda” is an everyday household product most known for its useful addition in baking. Little do you know that this product is not limited to cooking. Baking Soda is a versatile ingredient used in many household products and surprisingly, has a lot of health benefits. Here are 25 helpful uses for baking soda that you never even expected!
Clean Your Produce
The best way to get rid of those filthy pesticides from your fruits and vegetables is actually by using baking soda. Soak your produce in a bowl with just 1 teaspoon of baking soda per 2 cups of water or scrub with a damp sponge and there you go!
Clean Rugs And Carpets
Freshen up your rugs and get rid of those stains by sprinkling bicarbonate of soda on your carpet. Sprinkle a generous amount over the rug and pour hot water on top. Allow the mixture to sink in overnight and then vacuum over for the best results. If it is a tricky stain, reapply the mixture a few times. Just like that, your carpet is looking new and your wallet didn’t even have to suffer for it!
Mouthwash
Tired of having bad breath no matter how hard you try to get rid of it? Mouthwash is the perfect way to reach the far ends of your mouth that a toothbrush just can’t access. Baking soda can be the perfect solution to freshen your breath, while also providing antibacterial and antimicrobial benefits. This recipe is super simple and only contains half a teaspoon of baking soda, warm water, mix as needed.
Deodorant
Using baking soda as a deodorant supplement is an easy way to get rid of odors, while not exposing your body to chemicals. All you need is a little bit of baking soda and some water. Rub this mixture under your arms and you’re smelling good as new.
Air Freshener
Most commercial air fresheners just mask bad smells instead of eliminating bad smells. Also, do we even know what chemicals are contained in these bottles? The answer is no! Baking soda is your safer alternative and interacts with the odors instead of simply covering them up.
Whiter And Brighter Clothing
Just add 1 cup of baking soda to your laundry along with your regular detergent to get cleaner and brighter clothing. This is because baking soda is an alkali, a soluble salt that helps remove and stains. When it interacts with acids in the stains it helps remove them.
Bathroom Cleaner
Bathrooms can be difficult to clean. Those bathtub marks that just won’t budge, it makes you want to pull your hair out. There’s a variety of products available, but baking soda is your cost-effective cleaning opportunity. It not only whites bathroom surfaces but also disinfects them. It is suitable for anything from bathroom tiles to toilets and everything in between! Create your mixture, rub it throughout the intended area/s, and wipe after 20 minutes.
Polishing Silverware
The annoying thing about silverware is that it tarnishes over time. But how great do these items look when they are shiny and clean! Baking soda comes in handy as it initiates a chemical reaction to target tarnish marks. Pour hot water mixed with baking soda over the silverware and observe the chemical reaction that takes place. You will be pleasantly surprised with the results!
Spa Treatment
Feeling overwhelmed from a long week at work but don’t have the funds to treat yourself to a relaxing getaway? You can create a spa in your own bathtub by combining a hot bath with 1 oz of sprinkled baking soda. Not only did you not waste your money, but you didn’t even have to leave your home!
Disinfect Toothbrush
Cleaning your toothbrush is something you probably don’t think about daily. But with cold and flu season upon us, this is extremely important. Think about it, you’re putting this in your mouth every single day, we want it to be clean! Baking soda can get rid of all the bacteria when combined with water and vinegar. In just 30 minutes you’ll have a clean toothbrush.
Treating Bug Bites
It isn’t safe to apply baking soda every day to your skin. but it is useful in soothing the redness, itching, and stinging that goes with an insect bite. Most of the creams suggested contain baking soda, when in fact you can create your own solution by using just baking soda and water!
Burnt Pot
You’ve tried everything and you’re about to throw away your favorite pot because you’ve accidentally scorched the bottom when cooking. The worst! These types of accidents can be difficult to clean but that’s before you heard of this baking soda solution. Just boil water and baking soda together and pour over the burnt areas.
Cleaning Shoes
Baking soda is your go-to remedy to get rid of that embarrassing problem of having stinky shoes. All you have to do is pour 2 tablespoons of baking soda into two clothes. Secure the fabrics together and leave them in the shoes for the best results.
Heartburn
Heartburn commonly known as acid reflux is a burning sensation from your throat to your stomach, essentially going down your esophagus. It can be caused by overeating, stress, spicy foods, and certain fruits. It can be super painful but that’s before you found baking soda which combats this issue and neutralizes stomach acid. Drink a glass of water with 1 teaspoon of baking soda and you should be feeling back to normal soon!
Fluffy Omelet
For people who don’t love eggs, they make feel like omelets are not a sufficient way to sustain them for the day. By adding 1/2 teaspoon for every 3 eggs, this produces bubbles of carbon dioxide and lightens the omelet. Your eggs will appear fuller and tastier too!
Cleaning Drains
Whether it’s your kitchen or bathroom, backed up drains are the absolute worst! All you need is vinegar, baking soda, and a pot of boiling water and within 5-10 minutes you’ll have your drain completely cleared out!
Garbage Disposal Odors
Every once in a while, something is thrown in the garbage disposal that racks up a terrible odor. This is where the baking soda- vinegar solution comes in to play. Begin by running hot water in your garbage disposal for about one minute. Next, pour in 1/4 baking soda into the drain and turn the disposal on for 2 seconds. After 10 minutes, add 1 cup of vinegar and the bubbles will start to develop. End with running water and there you go, your kitchen will be smelling fresh as new.
Whiten Your Teeth
We’re all addicts to tea or coffee. But too much of these guilty pleasures can have consequential effects, like changing colors. If you don’t want to give up these hot drinks you may end up spending up more than half your salary on dental products or teeth cleaning. We have the best solution to keeping your pearly whites looking healthy and clean! Just try a quarter teaspoon of baking soda mixed with water and apply using your toothbrush.
Sore Throat
Are you a victim to frequent sore throats, or worse, strep throat?! This sickness can be the worst and taking too many antibiotics can be harmful to your body. Try gargling with baking soda three times a day for fast and healthy relief!
Whiten Yellow Nails
Some of us can’t kick the habit of leaving our nail polish on too long and picking it off until our nails turn yellow. Gross! You can easily get rid of these stains just by mixing baking soda with a small amount of peroxide. Next, scrub the mixture on your nails and your nails will be back to normal before you know it.
Lighten Dark Underarms
When summer is just around the corner there’s nothing more humiliating than having dark underarms. How can you get these marks away at the last minute so you can strut your stuff in that adorable new sundress? Well, the answer is easier than you think and all you’ll need is baking soda, water, and a bowl to achieve this. Create the mixture and apply and massage the area for 1 minute. Leave it to stay for up to 30 minutes and then wash with warm water. Do this process 2-3 times a week for best results.
Exercise Performace
Baking soda can be extremely useful for athletes too! This product can help you perform at your peak for longer, specifically during high-intensity workouts. Baking soda works by delaying the fatigue you may experience as your workout increases. Now that’s something we never expected!
Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease causes a gradual loss in the function of one’s kidneys. Functioning kidneys are so important for our health as they remove excess water and waste from our blood. Thankfully baking soda can slow the progression of this disease and can be consumed by taking supplements.
Kill Weeds
Keep those ugly weeds away from your home by sprinkling some baking soda in the cracks of your driveway and sidewalk. Repeat when needed and watch time go by without having to pull weeds out!
Clean The Microwave
Sprinkle a bit of baking soda onto a clean damp sponge. Rub it gently along the inside and outside the microwave and rinse well with warm water. After this, your microwave will look and smell like new with no harsh chemical residue left behind.
Melt Ice On Driveway
If you live somewhere with harsh winters, you know the pains- both emotionally and possibly physically- of having a driveway covered with a sheet of ice. If you find yourself in a bind and don’t have any road salt laying around, try sprinkling baking soda on the driveway. It’s not as strong as the salt, but it will still get the job done!
Cure Dandruff
If you’re suffering from dandruff and have tried everything you could possibly think of to cure it, we have another idea for you. Instead of using shampoo, for a few weeks simply massage your wet scalp with a handful of baking soda in the shower. Be sure to rinse it out really well!
Clean Your Hairbrush
To get your hairbrush or comb looking like new again, soak both of these items in a mixture of 1 teaspoon of baking soda and a small amount of warm water. Rinse off and dry completely before use.
Make Your Grill Sparkle
When summer and warm weather is right around the corner, there’s nothing better than going into the backyard for a family barbecue. After your grill has been sitting alone all winter, it’s going to need a nice deep clean to get back into tip-top shape. Put some baking soda on a damp brush, scrub the grate, then rinse. It’s that simple!