Most people know bicarbonate of soda as “Baking Soda”, an everyday household product that is a useful addition in baking. However, did you know that Baking Soda is not only limited to cooking? It is a versatile ingredient that is used in different household products and actually has many health benefits. Here are some helpful uses for baking soda which you probably never even expected!
Surprising Uses Of Baking Soda That Will Make Your Life Easier
Clean Your Produce
Using baking soda is actually the best way to clean your fruits and vegetables and get rid of the filthy pesticides. In a bowl, mix 2 cups of water with a teaspoon of baking soda and soak your produce. You can also use a damp sponge to scrub the produce!
Clean Your Produce
Clean Rugs And Carpets
Get rid of stains on your carpet and freshen up your rugs by sprinkling baking soda on them. Sprinkle a generous amount of the household product over the rug and then pour hot water on it. For the best results, allow the mixture to be absorbed overnight before vacuuming over. If the stain is hard to remove, reapply the mixture a couple of times. Your carpet will look new and your wallet will thank you, too!
Clean Rugs And Carpets
Mouthwash
Have you tried everything but still can’t get rid of bad breath? Using mouthwash is a great way to reach the parts of your mouth which a toothbrush can’t access. You can use baking soda to freshen your breath since it provides antimicrobial and antibacterial benefits. It is a pretty simple recipe – mix warm water with a half-teaspoon of baking soda.
Mouthwash
Deodorant
Did you know that getting rid of body odors without exposing yourself to chemicals can easily be done? You simply need to make baking soda a deodorant supplement. Rub a mixture of baking soda and water under your arms. You will surely smell as good as new.
Deodorant
Air Freshener
Many commercial air fresheners only cover up bad smells rather than eliminate them. Also, we don’t even know exactly what chemicals are in these bottles. Baking soda is definitely a safer alternative and it interacts with the odors rather than simply mask them.
Air Freshener
Whiter And Brighter Clothing
A cup of baking soda with your regular detergent for your laundry will give you cleaner and brighter clothing. Baking soda is an alkali, which is a soluble salt that aids in getting rid of stains. The salt interacts with the acids in the stain, making the stain easier to remove.
Whiter And Brighter Clothing
Bathroom Cleaner
Bathrooms can be hard to clean – those pesky bathtub marks that won’t budge makes us want to pull our hair out. While there are different products available in the market, baking soda is a cost-effective cleaning opportunity. Not only does it whiten bathroom surfaces but it also disinfects them, making it suitable for bathroom tiles, toilets, and anything in between! Create the mixture, rub it on the intended area/s, and then wipe it after 20 minutes.
Bathroom Cleaner
Polishing Silverware
It is really annoying when silverware tarnishes over time, but these items definitely look great when they are clean and shiny! Baking soda is in handy since it causes a chemical reaction that targets tarnish marks. Mix hot water with baking soda and pour it over silverware. Observe the chemical reaction which takes place and the results will surely pleasantly surprise you!
Polishing Silverware
Spa Treatment
If you are feeling overwhelmed at work but do not really have the funds to go on a relaxing getaway, why not have the spa experience in your own bathroom. Combine a hot bath with an ounce of sprinkled baking soda. You don’t need a lot of money to treat yourself. What’s more, you don’t even need to leave your home!
Spa Treatment
Disinfect Toothbrush
Cleaning their toothbrush is probably not something many people think about daily. However, with flu and cold season upon us, it is actually very important. Just think about it, your toothbrush goes into your mouth every day, we’re pretty sure you want it clean! Combine water, vinegar, and baking soda and then soak your toothbrush for 30 minutes to get rid of the bacteria.
Disinfect Toothbrush
Treating Bug Bites
While it isn’t safe to put baking soda on your skin every day, it does help soothe the redness, stinging, and itching that comes with an insect bite. Many of the suggested creams contain baking soda, but you can actually create your own mix by using baking soda and water!
Treating Bug Bites
Burnt Pot
After accidentally scorching the bottom of your favorite pot when cooking, you’re about to throw it away because you’ve tried everything and nothing seemed to work! These kinds of accidents can be hard to clean but that’s because you haven’t heard of this solution before. Simply boil water with baking soda and pour over the areas that got burnt.
Burnt Pot
Cleaning Shoes
Your go-to remedy for getting rid of the embarrassing problem of stinky shoes is baking soda. All you need to do is put 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a sock, secure the garment, and leave the sock in the shoe for best results.
Cleaning Shoes
Heartburn
Acid reflux, or also known as heartburn, is a burning sensation that extends from your stomach to your throat, essentially going through your esophagus. Some possible causes include overeating, stress, and consumption of certain fruits and spicy foods. It can be really painful but baking soda can combat this issue as it can neutralize stomach acid. Just add a teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water. After you drink this, you should soon feel better!
Heartburn
Fluffy Omelet
People who are not fond of eggs make feel like an omelet is not enough to sustain them for a day. By adding half a teaspoon of baking soda to 3 eggs, bubbles of carbon dioxide are produced and you will have a lighter omelet. Your eggs will be tastier and appear fuller too!
Fluffy Omelet
Cleaning Drains
Whether it’s your bathroom or kitchen, backed up drains are just the worst! All you need is some baking soda, vinegar, and one pot of boiling water. Within 5-10 minutes, your drain will be completely cleared out!
Cleaning Drains
Garbage Disposal Odors
Every now and then, there is something in garbage disposal which racks up a terrible smell. The baking soda-vinegar solution can help with this. First, run hot water in the garbage disposal for around a minute. Next, pour in a quarter of a cup of baking soda into the drain before turning the disposal on for a couple of seconds. After 10 minutes, pour a cup of vinegar (you should see bubbles starting to develop). Lastly, run some water and your kitchen will surely smell as fresh as new.
Garbage Disposals
Whiten Your Teeth
Many tea and coffee addicts know that too much consumption of the guilty pleasures can lead to consequential effects, like changing teeth colors. Some people may even choose to spend more than half their salary on teeth cleaning and other dental products than give up these hot drinks. Well, you’re in luck because we know how you can keep your pearly whites looking clean and healthy! Just try mixing a quarter of a teaspoon of baking soda with water and use it when brushing your teeth.
Whiten Your Teeth
Sore Throat
Do you suffer from sore throat frequently, or worse, strep throat?! While this sickness can make you feel really bad, taking a lot of antibiotics can harm your body. For fast and healthier relief, use baking soda in gargling and do it three times a day.
Sore Throat
Whiten Yellow Nails
Some people can’t seem to stop themselves from leaving nail polish on for too long and then, picking it off until their nails turn yellow. If you are guilty of this, you can easily remove these stains by mixing baking soda and a little peroxide together. Then, scrub your nails using the mixture. Before you know it, your nails will look normal again.
Yellow White Nails
Lighten Dark Underarms
Having dark underarms is humiliating and when summer is around the corner, it can become a problem. How can you get rid of these marks at the last minute to be able to strut your stuff in your adorable new sundress? Well, all you need is baking soda, some water, and a bowl. Create the mixture, apply it on the area and massage it for a minute. Then, leave the mixture on for up to half an hour before washing it off with warm water. For best results, do this twice or three times a week.
Lighten Dark Underarms
Exercise Performace
Did you know that baking soda can be very useful for athletes as well? This product can help them perform at their peak for longer, specifically when they are doing high-intensity workouts. The product delays the fatigue a person may experience as their workout increases. We’re pretty sure not a lot of people expected that!
Exercise Performance
Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease results in a gradual loss in the kidneys’ function. It is very important for our health to have functioning kidneys since they remove waste and excess water from our blood. Thankfully, the progression of the disease can be slowed down by taking supplements with baking soda in them.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Kill Weeds
By sprinkling baking soda in the cracks found in your driveway and sidewalk, you can keep ugly weeds from invading your home. Repeat as needed and you will notice you won’t need to pull weeds out anymore!
Kill Weeds
Clean The Microwave
Using a clean damp sponge that has been sprinkled with some baking soda, rub gently the inside and outside surfaces of the microwave. Then, rinse well using warm water. Your microwave will smell like and look new and there won’t be any harsh chemical residue left.
Clean The Microwave
Melt Ice On Driveway
For people living somewhere with harsh winters, the pains of having a driveway that is covered with ice is something they have to deal with. If you are one of these people and find that you have run out of road salt, try sprinkling some baking soda on your driveway. It may not be as strong as salt, but it still gets the job done!
Melt Ice On Driveway
Cure Dandruff
Are you suffering from dandruff? Have you tried everything to cure it but nothing seems to work? Well, here’s another idea for you. Skip the shampoo for a couple of weeks and instead use a handful of baking soda to massage your wet scalp with in the shower. Rinse it out well and you can say goodbye to dandruff.
Cure Dandruff
Clean Your Hairbrush
If you want to get your comb or hairbrush looking like new again, try soaking these items in a little warm water mixed with a teaspoon of baking soda. Rinse off and make sure to dry completely before use.
Clean Your Hairbrush
Make Your Grill Sparkle
When warm weather and summer is just around the corner, nothing is better than a family barbecue in the backyard. After sitting alone all that time during winter, your grill will need to be cleaned nice and deep to get back into shape. Dampen a brush, sprinkle some baking soda on it, use it to scrub the grate, and then rinse the grill. It’s that simple!
Make Your Grill Sparkle
Make Your Floors Shine
Wood or tile floors can lose their shine, and it can be a pain to watch it fade away. There is also a hefty price tag which comes with fixing it. To brighten your floor finish at home that has become dull with time, add 100 grams of baking soda into a bucket of warm water and mop your floors. Rinse off and see the shine.
Make Your Floors Shine
Appliances Like New
After much use, appliances, such as your coffeemaker or dishwasher, can become not so fresh and clean anymore. To fix this, clean the appliances by adding a scoop of baking soda and running an empty cycle.
Appliances Like New
Litter Box
For all the cat lovers out there, eyes here. No one wants the litter box of their cat to give off a nasty smell throughout the house, but it seems impossible to solve this issue at times. Just sprinkle baking soda in the litter box before adding the litter on top. This way you can minimize pet smells.
Litter Box
Exfoliate
Practically everyone loves a good spa night, though sometimes you have to mix things up. Try this: create a paste of one part water and three parts baking soda to exfoliate your skin. Using your fingertips, rub in the mixture gently in a circular motion. Rinse off with warm water.
Exfoliate
Hair Treatment
Who doesn’t want to have strong, healthy hair? Well, there is actually a home remedy to achieve this. Mix a small amount of baking soda in your conditioner and then, lather on your hair. Your hair will be healthy and resistant to pesky split ends.
Hair Treatment
Trash Bin Miracle
We’re pretty sure you have tried opening your trash can and getting slapped with a horrible smell coming from deep down inside. You can fix this awful problem by sprinkling a little baking soda either at the bottom of the trash bag or bin. This can help get rid of gross smells.
Trash Bin Miracle
Rain Repellent
It’s bad enough to drive in the rain, but when your windshield wipers are not so great, driving in the rain can be almost impossible and really dangerous. Sprinkle some baking soda on a damp cloth and wipe your windshield to help repel rain. You’ll surely see the difference when you’re in the rain.
Rain Repellent
Chicken Pox Cure
Consider yourself lucky if you’ve never had chickenpox. For those of us who have had it, we all know the pain and suffering it comes with! However, did you know that baking soda can help with the itchiness? Just stir half a tablespoon of the product in a glass of water and use a soft washcloth to apply the mixture on the body’s affected parts. Let it dry completely.
Chicken Pox Cure
Clean Food Containers
Food containers can become stained and yucky pretty quickly. Between all of the packed lunches, soups, and pasta sauces, it’s no wonder the containers aren’t looking really great anymore. To make containers shine again, sprinkle some baking soda onto a clean sponge and scrub them good. Rinse afterwards.
Clean Food Containers
Clean Your Sponges
There’s really no point in cleaning your dishes if you’re using a filthy sponge. You should always make sure that the sponge you are using is in great shape. If your sponge has seen better days, soak it in warm water with baking soda overnight. Then, rinse it thoroughly in the morning.
Clean Your Sponges
Pet Bed Odors
Everyone loves their pets, but many would rather live without the odors which come with these pets. If the bed of your dog or cat is getting a bit smelly, sprinkle some baking soda onto it. Leave it for 15 minutes before vacuuming it up. You will notice your pet’s bed smelling like new.
Pet Bed Odors
Canker Sores
Canker sores are very common and very painful, but you can actually do something to ease the pain. Use a baking soda mouthwash two times a day. Do this until the canker sore goes away. It’s that simple but it’s really effective.
Canker Sores
Calluses
Calluses aren’t really a serious health concern, but they can cause discomfort and pain when pressure is applied, like when you go walking. Recent studies have shown that soaking calluses in a bath with baking soda can help soften them, get rid of any scabbing, and ease discomfort.
Calluses
Oil Or Grease Fire
Many people don’t know that there are fire extinguishers which contain baking soda. The product reacts with heat to create carbon dioxide, which smothers the fire, thereby extinguishing it. This means baking soda can be used to put out small grease and oil fires at times. However, don’t expect large fires to be extinguished by baking soda, since bigger fires absorb more oxygen, countering baking soda’s effects. Call for help when in doubt.
Oil Or Grease Fire
Diaper Rash
Parents don’t want to see their child be in any type of discomfort or pain, but unfortunately, diaper rash is sometimes inevitable. Cures and creams can be pricey, but there’s something that costs much less and is just as effective. In your baby’s bathwater, add a little baking soda and let your little one soak in it for some time. They will instantly feel relief.
Diaper Rash
Clean Walls
Children have the wildest imaginations. Sometimes, they think that the world- and the house- is their canvas. If you discover that your baby Picasso has gotten their hands on some crayons and has drawn all over the walls, don’t fret. Just sprinkle baking soda on a damp cloth and rub the product onto your walls lightly. With a clean, dry cloth, wipe it off, and you will see your walls looking clean again.
Clean Walls
Cloth Diapers
If you have been using cloth diapers on your baby, you probably know the struggle of washing them and making sure they are sanitary for re-use. Dissolve half a cup of baking soda in 2 quarts warm water. Then, soak the diapers thoroughly and put them in the wash. Doing this can help in keeping your diapers in tip-top shape.
Cloth Diapers
Coat Closet Cleanliness
Have you ever tried opening your coat closet for the first time in several months and realized your jackets aren’t smelling as fresh as you remembered? To freshen the air and keep odors at bay, place an open box of baking soda on a shelf in your closet. This way, your jackets will keep smelling fresh.
Coat Closet Cleanliness
Keep Flowers Fresh
It’s really heartwarming to receive a bouquet from a loved one, but it’s upsetting when the flowers die quickly. You can keep them fresh a bit longer by adding one teaspoon of baking soda into the water in your vase. This will add some life to them!
Keep Flowers Fresh
Shower Curtain
Shower curtains may be relatively cheap, but don’t get tempted to purchase a new one every time yours gets dirty. They’re normally made of PVC, which is a really harmful material, and a new one can produce harmful fumes, especially when you inhale them while you are in a steaming hot shower. It may be hard to believe, but cleaning shower curtains is actually easier than you think and you just need some laundry detergent, a cup of baking soda, ten drops of tea tree oil (for killing any mold) and some light-colored towels. Put the curtain, towels, and the mixture in the wash on a 40-60 laundry cycle and you will see everything come out much cleaner
Shower Curtain
Oil Spills
If there is some oil stain you would like get rid of, whether it’s on your shirt, a carpet, or anywhere else in your home, use baking soda. It absorbs oil and grease on any type of cloth. However, remember to scrape off excess grease before sprinkling some of the product and let the baking soda sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the oil. Vacuum it off and wash the stained cloth in a cold cycle.
Oil Spills
Cloth Furniture
With time, cloth furniture has the tendency to absorb weird scents and odors. To keep your chairs and couches fresh, sprinkle baking soda over them, leaving it overnight. Vacuum the residue off the next day.
Cloth Furniture
Vacuum Cleaners
Baking soda has deodorizing properties, so it can work magic on vacuum cleaners as well. Mix some baking soda and water and use it to wash off the machine’s parts like the hose, the canister, and the filter. Don’t forget to rinse and dry them completely before using the vacuum.
Vacuum Cleaners
Diamond Rings
Over time, natural body oils and sweat can tarnish diamonds’ shine due to the acidity. However, don’t go running to the store to purchase toxic jewelry cleaner. Try soaking your earrings, rings, and other pieces of jewelry in this mixture. Add 2 teaspoons of baking soda into hot water. You will see your jewelry restored to its original shine!
Diamond Rings
Dry Shampoo
Did you know that most dry shampoos’ main ingredient is baking soda? Save yourself some cash and make your own dry shampoo! Sprinkle a bit of baking soda on your hairbrush, brush through your hair, leave the product on for five minutes, and then remove any residue by using your fingers to shake your hair and massage your scalp. Besides removing hair oils, baking soda should also add some volume!
Dry Shampoo
Fabric Softener
Fabric softeners are normally full of chemicals which aren’t very good for you. Unsurprisingly, you can also use baking soda instead of fabric softeners. Just add one-half cup of baking soda to the rinse cycle in order to soften the clothes. It’s that simple!
Fabric Softener
Clean Fridge
We all know bad smells can accumulate in refrigerators over time. To completely clean that out, put baking soda in a small open pot and leave it in your fridge. This will absorb strong food odors, but make sure to occasionally stir the product so it stays effective and change the baking soda with a new batch every few weeks. To be more thorough, you can wipe the walls and shelves with a damp cloth that has been dipped in baking soda and wipe everything down with a cloth that has been rinsed in warm water.
Clean Fridge
Remove Mold And Mildew
If you are struggling with those stubborn mildew stains on shower curtains and tiles in the bathroom, this is an easy fix. Wet a sponge slightly and sprinkle some baking soda on it. Then, scrub the mold off!
Remove Mold And Mildew
Tile Grout
Another common problem which can be really annoying to see is dirty tile grout. Make a paste that is equal parts water and baking soda. Apply it on the grout in between tiles and let it soak for roughly 10 minutes. Then, with a toothbrush, scrub the grout gently and wipe over using a damp cloth.
Tile Grout
Clean Children’s Toys
Plush toys have the tendency to get very dirty really quickly. You can freshen them up by putting them in a large plastic bag with 100 grams of baking soda inside. Make sure that you tie the top well. Then, take it outside and give it a good shake. This will remove any bad odors and draw out the dust. After taking out the toys from the bag, gently vacuum them.
Clean Children’s Toys
Clean A Mattress
Use baking soda to freshen up your mattress. Sprinkle some of the product on the mattress and let it sit for 15 minutes or overnight. Vacuum it well afterwards. The baking soda will draw out any dirt or dust, and remove bad smells, like it does when used on carpets.
Clean A Mattress
Patio Furniture
Spruce up your patio furniture when you bring it out for the summer with some baking soda. Sprinkle the product on a damp cloth and wipe down the furniture. If there is some musty and dirty smell coming from the furniture, which was in the shed during the winter, sprinkle a little baking soda on them. Leave it for 15 minutes and vacuum them gently – you will be good to go!
Patio Furniture
Washing Machine
If you find your clothes smelling funky after being washed, it might be because your washing machine needs some cleaning. Nowadays, washing machines have to be cleaned more often, especially if yours is a front-loading model. Fortunately, baking soda is a great natural cleanser for the machine’s insides. Run a large, hot load without any clothes in your washer. Add vinegar and baking soda to get rid of buildup and smelly mold.
Washing Machine
Treat Athlete’s Foot
According to medical sources, there was a study that found antifungal properties in baking soda. The product helped stop fungal growth in different skin and nail infections in humans. It’s recommended to use a baking soda paste in treating fungal infections between your toes or on your feet. Just add one tablespoon of the product to lukewarm water, and rub the paste on the infection. Rinse it off and dry it well, applying some baby powder afterward in order to keep feet free of moisture.
Treat Athlete’s Foot
Soften Skin
Our skin sometimes suffer due to weather changes. If you want to revive the quality of your skin and give it that extra touch to make it soft, all you need is some baking soda and warm water. Apply it and rinse. Your skin will become softer in no time.
Soften Skin
Jellyfish Sting
Jellyfish season is the worst, especially if you get the alert during your vacation and you can’t go into the water because you may get stung. For the brave souls who still choose to enjoy the water and end up getting stung, know that there is a solution for you. Put some baking soda on the area, and you will feel some pain relief.
Jellyfish Sting
Relieve Bee-stings
Bee stings are something no one wants to get! When we hear the pesky buzzing, we usually run away but somehow the little monsters are still able to get to us. If this happens to you, know that baking soda can help with a nasty bee sting and therefore, save the day.
Relieve Bee-stings
Unblock Stuffy Nose
For those suffering from a lingering cold and having a hard time knocking those stuffy noses, give this incredible hack a try. Add 1/4 teaspoon baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon salt to 8 ounces of warm water. Using a nasal irrigation kit or bulb syringe, squirt the water into your nose. Make sure you keep one nostril closed when you squirt the water into the other one and let it drain.
Unblock Stuffy Nose
Modeling Clay
If you like the arts and enjoy getting your hands dirty, this fun activity is for you. Mix cornstarch and baking soda in a saucepan, and then gradually add water. Stir over medium heat for around 4 minutes. It has the tendency to thicken fast and will be like playdough.
Modeling Clay
Clean Ashtrays
If you smoke frequently, ashtrays can get quite dirty. Sometimes the ash from cigarette burns can leave stains which can be removed using baking soda. Adding a layer of baking soda in your ashtrays instead of some sand will absorb the smell, providing relief to your guests who are non-smokers. You can also clean the ashtray thoroughly using water and baking soda in order to have the shine back.
Clean Ashtrays
Flowerbeds
You spend a lot of time on your garden and then some rabbits come and take advantage of the hard work you have done. Keep these unwanted visitors out by putting some baking soda on the flowerbeds, and your veggies will not get eaten anymore.
Flowerbeds
Sports Drink
Sports drinks can be pretty expensive, so don’t waste your money on them and make your own drink at home. Just mix salt, boiled water, and Kool-aid. This will save you money, so go ahead and give it a try?
Sports Drink
Remove Fishy Smell
Fish is a delicious and great source of protein, but sometimes the gross fishy odor can be hard to get past. Getting rid of this stench from fish is actually easy and can be done by soaking raw fish in a solution with baking soda for up to an hour inside the fridge.
Fishy Smell
UTI Treatment
It can be painful to have a urinary tract infection. Cranberry juice or medications are the most common treatments but constantly taking antibiotics is not great for your body. We bet you didn’t know that you can drink a mixture of 32 ounces of water and 1 tablespoon of baking soda to treat these infections.
Remove Fishy Smell
Skunk Smell
It can be challenging trying to remove skunk smells because they tend to stick to your body, but this solution can help you get back to smelling good quickly. Just sprinkle baking soda into your bath. You will notice the stench fade away.
Skunk Smell
Freshly-Brewed Tea
On a hot summer day, you can complete a nice lunch for the whole family with freshly-brewed ice tea. Did you know that a dash of baking soda goes a long away? This will reduce the bitterness of the beverage, making it more enjoyable overall.
Freshly-Brewed Tea
Bad Spray Tan
Have you ever thought of getting some color before you go on vacation or a wedding but it came out looking horrible? Don’t worry because you can still remedy bad spray tans! Just mix baking soda and lemon juice and apply it to your skin. You will see yourself going back to normal coloring in no time.
Bad Spray Tan
Clean Curling Iron
Curling irons can get pretty dirty if they are used so often. Try making a paste out of baking soda and warm water. Clean off all the gunk on your curling iron instead of wasting your money by getting a new one.
Clean Curling Iron
Freshen Luggage
If you store your luggage away, it can get pretty dirty. To keep it looking and smelling fresh, sprinkle some baking soda and vacuum over it a few hours later.
Freshen Luggage