24 Cleaning And Cosmetic Uses For Baking Soda By Alexandra Kerr

February 5, 2013 by Pharice Brown & Associates, LLC 7 Comments

You may know that baking soda is great for absorbing odors in your refrigerator or putting out small grease fires, but there’s more to this inexpensive and readily available ingredient that you may not have heard of. From clearing drains to clearing your acne, try these 24 ways to use baking soda for a cheap and easy replacement for expensive cleaners and cosmetics.

Cleaning

Clean Countertops: Sprinkle baking soda over your entire countertop, or on stains and spills. Allow to sit for five to 15 minutes, then wipe away with a damp cloth or sponge.

Clean Brushes: Soak household and cosmetic brushes in a solution of baking soda and water to cleanse.

Kitchen Surface Cleaner: Make a paste by combining baking soda and water, then cover your stove, oven, kitchen counter and sink. Allow to sit for five to 15 minutes, then wipe or scrub away.

Clean Drains: For clogged drains, pour three quarters of a cup of baking soda down them, followed by one cup of vinegar. The two ingredients will combine and fizz, helping to clear the drain. After 15 minutes, flush with very hot to boiling water.

Laundry Booster: Pour one half cup to one full cup of baking soda into your washing machine to help clean and freshen clothing.

Clean Pots, Pans & Dishes: Remove tough stuck-on food stains by making a paste of baking soda and water. Allow to set for several minutes, then wipe or scrub away.

Freshen Carpets: Sprinkle one box of baking soda over your carpet, and allow to sit for at least one hour. Vacuum when finished.

Freshen Cat Litter Boxes: Pour baking soda into your cat litter box to help fight smells.

 

 

Air Freshener: Place an open box of baking soda, or a decorative jar filled with baking soda, anywhere you’d like to freshen the air. Place an open box in the back of your refrigerator and freezer to remove bad food smells as well.

Deodorize Trashcans: Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of trashcans around your home to keep garbage from smelling.

Clean Children’s Toys: Avoid using dangerous chemical cleaners on your kids’ toys by soaking them in a mixture of baking soda and water instead.

Clean Your Grill: Sprinkle baking soda and water on your grill to help remove burnt on food.

Clean Silver: Fill your sink with water, then place a sheet of aluminum foil on the bottom. Sprinkle baking soda and two teaspoons of salt into the water, then place silver items on the foil. Tarnish will be removed or easily wiped off.

Cleanse Produce: Make sure your fruits and vegetables are clean before eating them by soaking them in a mixture of water and one-quarter cup of baking soda. Rinse thoroughly.

Remove Tough Odors From Skin: To get rid of smelly foods from your hands, clean with a paste of baking soda and water.

Beauty

Facial Scrub: Mix baking soda with oatmeal, lemon juice, orange juice or honey for a DIY facemask to cleanse and moisturize (with honey).

Tooth Whitening: Sprinkle baking soda onto your toothbrush, then brush normally for whiter teeth and fresh breath.

Mouthwash: Mix two teaspoons of baking soda with one cup of water for DIY mouthwash.

Shampoo: Skip the expense and chemicals of store-bought shampoo by making your own. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda for every eight ounces of water, and put in a bottle of your choice. Shake until thoroughly mixed, then use in place of your regular shampoo.

Exfoliate: Mix baking soda with water to form a paste. Spread on your body wherever you would like to exfoliate.

Clear Acne: Make a paste of baking soda and water, then place on acne to gently dry it out. Wash off after five to 10 minutes, depending on the sensitivity of your skin.

Soften Skin: Pour baking soda into your bath for clean and soft skin without chemical filled cosmetics.

Soothe Skin: To calm itchy or burning skin, make a paste of baking soda and water, then apply to the affected area. Allow to sit for five to 15 minutes, depending on your skin’s sensitivity, then wipe away with a damp cloth.

Antacid: To fight heartburn and indigestion, mix one teaspoon of baking soda with one glass of water. Sip until your stomach is calmed.

Using baking soda around your home is an easy way to replace expensive and potentially dangerous chemical cleaners and chemical filled cosmetics. Try replacing some of your current products and enjoy the many benefits baking soda.

 

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