Baking soda is a simple, yet extremely versatile powder that has been used for many years. It’s commonly used in baking because of its ability to raise batter and dough; however, baking soda has many more uses outside of the kitchen.
Here are 5 different ways you could use your baking soda:
- Deodorize and remove scents: leave an open box in your fridge and freezer, or sprinkle a little powder onto your carpets, shoes, pet bedding, bottom of your garbage bins, etc. to neutralize any smelly odors in/around your home.
- Freshen and clear clogged drains:
- Pour hot or boiling water down your drain
- Add ½ cup of baking soda
- Add 1 cup of vinegar and allow this mixture to sit for 10 minutes
- Rinse again with hot or boiling water
- Keep flowers fresher: dissolve 1 tsp. of baking soda with water and add it to a vase to keep your freshly cut flowers alive and preserved for a day or two longer
- Whiten your teeth: baking soda is mildly abrasive and can help remove surface stains (from drinking tea, coffee, smoking, etc.) on your teeth to make them appear whiter. Create a paste by mixing equal parts baking soda with water and brush it onto your teeth for two minutes. However, please proceed with caution and use this whitening method no more than once a week to prevent damage to your tooth enamel. And for deeper stains, please consult a professional.
- Brighten your white clothes: when doing your laundry, add ½ cup of baking soda to your washer to brighten your white clothing and remove any odors. You can also use baking soda as a replacement for fabric softener.