25 Ways to Use Baking Soda

Image courtesy of Creative Commons
Image courtesy of Creative Commons

Written by Lauren Sigler, Four Green Steps.com

We all have it at home--baking soda. What comes to mind when we hear this household item? We usually think of it as a baking ingredient. However, there are so many other ways it can be used. It can be used for many personal care, cleansing and deodorizing needs! The many variations of baking soda:

  1. Toothpaste: combine a baking soda paste with 3% hydrogen peroxide solution

  2. Mouth wash: mix 1 teaspoon in ½ a glass of water

  3. Cleansing oral appliances: soak appliance in water with 2 teaspoons of baking soda

  4. Deodorant: pat baking soda under your arms

  5. Treats insect bites: make a paste out of baking soda and water

  6. Hair care: Use baking soda to go shampoo-free

  7. Take a bath: add ½ cup of baking soda to your bath

  8. Cleanses brushes and combs: soak brushes in 1 teaspoon of baking soda and warm water

  9. Hand washing dishes: add 2 teaspoons of baking soda to the dish water

  10. Freshen sponges: soak sponges in 4 tablespoons of baking soda in 1 quart of warm water

  11. Polish silver: use a paste made of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water

  12. Cleanses the oven: sprinkle baking soda onto bottom of oven

  13. Cleans furniture: apply baking soda to a damp sponge and scrub lightly

  14. Freshen sports gear: create a paste with 4 tablespoons baking soda in 1 quart water

  15. Laundry boost: add ½ cup of baking soda to your liquid laundry detergent

  16. Cleans batteries: mix 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water and apply with damp cloth

  17. Deodorize the fridge: place an open box at the back of the fridge

  18. Deodorize lunch boxes: place a spill-proof box of baking soda in the lunch box

  19. Freshen closets: place a box of baking soda on a shelf in the closet

  20. Deodorize sneakers: shake baking soda into sneakers when they aren't being used

  21. Extinguishes fires : throw handfuls of baking soda into the fire

  22. Freshen stuffed animals: sprinkle baking soda and let sit for 15 minutes

  23. Scrub fruits and vegetables : sprinkle a bit onto a damp sponge and scrub

  24. Make your own drain cleaner: put 1/2 cup of baking soda in your drain followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar

  25. Facial scrub: create a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water