Baking soda isn’t just for baking. Some people even remember using it to brush their teeth. While most people are inside, what a great time to try some of the many different uses.
Obvious uses
OK, we know we can brush our teeth with it. Simply put a wet toothbrush in the box, withdraw it, and brush. Good in an emergency, but I prefer toothpaste. We also know to put an opened box in the fridge and freezers for freshness and odors, replacing the box every six months.
House Cleaning
Baking soda cleans. It works on sinks. You can mix essential oil or lemon juice with it to make the room smell fresh. Mixing with salt and vinegar to make a paste helps clean a shower of soap scum. While you’re homebound and cleaning, try a baking soda and water paste to clean your oven or stove. It even works on some microwaves. Please check the manufacturer’s advice before attempting. In this virus age, we worry about what we eat. It’s ok to fill your sink with water, add about four teaspoons of baking soda, and soak your fresh produce for around five minutes. Rinse it thoroughly and it’s ready to eat. When you do clean, don’t forget to freshen up your sponge. Simply soak it in baking soda and water. Disregard this advice for old sponges that need to be thrown away.
Freshening Up The Home
Baking soda added to your laundry detergent when washing items like towels gets rid of odors and freshens them up. Baking soda can be sprinkled on the carpet. When you vacuum, it will smell better. This method works on pet beds and blankets. While we’re making the house smell better, what about those shoes? You can sprinkle it in your shoes. You can make small pouches with baking soda in it, too. Perhaps put some in an old sock. Put the sock in your shoes when you aren’t wearing them. Works like a sachet.
Other Cleaning
Baking soda cleans stains in the carpet. Vinegar added on top of the soda creates a reaction that extracts the stain. When it dries, vacuum it up. This works with most carpets, not all.
Insect Stings
Baking soda mixed with water to make a paste to draw out an insect stinger. This method helps reduce swelling and itching. This same mixture relieves mild sunburn.
All that being said, baking soda has many fresh, cleaning uses. For pennies on the dollar, it is worth trying out while awaiting the end of quarantine.
