25 Practical Uses For Baking Soda That You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

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25 Practical Uses For Baking Soda That You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

February 4th, 2016

Awake Goy

Baking soda is an extremely versatile ingredient to keep around your house. Not only can it be used for baking and for deodorizing your fridge, it also has many other uses as well, many of which may surprise you. One of the best features of this product is that it is super economical and non-toxic. Listed below are the top 25 ways you can use it, but a quick online search will yield you many more.

1. Toothpaste

You can dip your toothbrush right into baking soda and scrub your teeth for an amazing, all natural alternative to toothpaste. I’ll admit, it’s not the greatest tasting thing in the world, so feel free to add some coconut oil and peppermint oil to create a more familiar taste and texture.

2. Gentle Exfoliator

Mix a small amount of baking soda with warm water and rub gently in a circular motion on your face for a great all natural exfoliator.

3. Heartburn Relief

I assure you, baking soda is more effective than Tums, and much cheaper, too. Next time that heartburn comes raging on, mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with ½ cup of warm water and drink up. This provides almost instant relief.

4. Shampoo or ‘No-Poo?’

Baking soda can be used in place of your regular shampoo, and the greatest part about this method is that, once you start, you don’t have to do it as often to keep your hair nice and soft. Just work a small amount of baking soda into wet hair, starting at the roots and working your way down. The gentle pumice texture of the baking soda helps to naturally remove grease and other build up accumulated from styling or just living in general.

5. Relieve Diaper Rash

Mixing a couple of tablespoons of baking soda into your baby’s bathwater can help to relieve the symptoms of diaper rash and help soothe the skin.

6. Relief From Insect Bites

Just mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste and then apply to the bites for almost instant soothing relief.

7. Deodorant

A simple concoction of baking soda, arrowroot powder, and coconut oil works wonders for an all-natural deodorant. Get the recipe here.

8. Dry Shampoo

Instead of using an aerosol spray that’s loaded with chemicals, just sprinkle a little baking soda on top of your roots and shake off excess to soak up any grease and leave your hair looking clean.

9. Acne Treatment

For a super simple acne treatment, simply mix baking soda with honey, apply to your face for 15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.

10. Nail Cleaner

If your nails are looking a bit yellow, particularly after removing nail polish, mix a paste of baking soda and peroxide and scrub your nails clean.

11. Add To Bath

For a detoxifying and relaxing bath, add 1 cup of Epsom salts and ½ cup baking soda to warm water and let the tensions and the toxins melt away.

12. Foot Soak

To soften your feet, apply ½ cup of baking soda to a foot bath or a tub full of warm water. For extra benefit add a few drops of peppermint essential oil.

13. Produce Wash

For a simple and cheap produce wash, sprinkle baking soda into a damp sponge and wipe your produce clean.

14. Carpet Freshener

To eliminate odors or just freshen up carpet or rugs, sprinkle some baking soda directly onto your carpet, allow it to sit for at least for 15 minutes, and then vacuum up.

15. Boost Laundry Detergent

Add ½ to 1 cup of baking soda to your next load of laundry to brighten whites and freshen up any odors.

16. Keep Litter Boxes Odor Free

Before adding litter to your litter box, sprinkle a layer of baking soda on the bottom. Every time you scoop up your kitty’s waste, sprinkle some baking soda on top to help stop odors in their tracks.

17. Unclog Drains

Did you ever make volcanoes in school using baking soda and vinegar? You can use this same principle to clean out and unclog your drains. Simply pour 1 cup of baking soda down your clogged drain followed by 1 cup of hot vinegar.

18. Neutralize Odors From Cloths & Sponges

Do your dishcloths and sponges have a mildew smell? Simply soak them in a bucket or sink full of hot water and half a cup of baking soda and hang to dry.

19. Homemade Air Freshener

The majority of store bought air fresheners are loaded with toxic, carcinogenic chemicals such as propylene glycol, acetaldehyde, and many others. You can make your own natural version using water, baking soda, and essential oils. Find the recipe here.

20. Toilets, Tubs, & Sinks

Make a paste of warm water and baking soda to rub onto soap scum, stained tubs, toilets, and sinks. Let sit for a few minutes then scrub off with a sponge and warm water.

21. Extinguish A Grease Fire

Simply and easily extinguish a grease fire on a burner or open flame by throwing on some baking soda.

22. Clean Coffee & Tea Pots

Just scrub some baking soda onto the stained area and rinse with warm water. For more stubborn stains, soak about ¼ cup of baking soda with warm water overnight before scrubbing clean.

23. Clean Floors

For un-waxed tile floors, easily remove dirt, grime, and grease by adding ½ cup of baking soda to your bucket of water. Mop clean and rinse.

24. Deodorize Trash Cans

Make a simple ‘deodorizing pack’ by folding a coffee filter into a pouch, taping the sides closed, pouring about ½ cup of baking soda in, and folding down and taping the top shut. Place this in the bottom of your garbage can to help neutralize odors. Simply flip the pouch every time you change the garbage out and replace the pack every month or so.

25. Freshen Closets

Add an open box of baking soda to a shelf in your closet to keep clothes smelling fresh. Or, to keep your drawers fresh, you can use the same idea listed above and make a deodorizing pack for your drawers.

Are there any other genius ways you like to use baking soda that aren’t listed here? Please let us know in the comments section below!

Much Love