We all have baking soda in the cupboard, waiting for our next batch of cupcakes or quick bread. Who am I kidding, I never make cupcakes and don't do a ton of baking. But I do have baking soda in my kitchen cupboard and a giant bag from Costco in my pantry. Why would I have a giant bag if I don't do a lot of baking? Because baking soda is good for so much more than baking.
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Ten Uses For Baking Soda
As Toothpaste - dampen your toothbrush, then dip the bristles into baking soda and brush away. If you want to get fancy, you can put your baking soda in a little container, add a couple of drops of peppermint oil, mix it around and you have peppermint-flavored baking soda for your teeth.
Soft Scrub - when I need a mild abrasive for cleaning, I sprinkle on some baking soda and start scrubbing, It has a slight abrasive quality while still being gentle. It seems to be safe for most surfaces, but always spot-check to be sure!!
Laundry Freshener - when I'm washing an especially stinky load of laundry I add 1/4 cup of baking soda to help remove the smells. I also sometimes get a little more creative and make a batch of laundry freshener by mixing equal parts baking soda and Epsom salt, then adding in some citrus essential oil. I keep this in a jar by the washer and just add a couple of scoops into the basin before I start the load.
Drain Cleaner - when drains get a little slow and a little stinky, simply put about 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain and then wash it down with a cup of white vinegar. Be sure to open a window to ventilate the area.
Treat a Sore Throat - mix 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt into 1/2 cup of water and us this to gargle.
Vacuum (& Carpet) Freshener - When I put a new bag in my vacuum, I put a scoop (about 1/4c) of baking soda into the bag. This absorbs odors and keeps my vacuum from getting stinky. If you have a bagless vacuum, you can still deodorize with baking soda. Simply sprinkle some baking soda on a rug and then vacuum it up. You kill two birds with one stone, deodorizing the rug and the vacuum at the same time.
Deodorant - I make this simple homemade deodorant and use it all the time. The amounts you use depend on your container's size and may take a little experimentation. I take a scoop of baking soda and sometime a scoop of cornstarch, then add melted coconut oil until it creates a paste. To use it, take a little bit (about the size of a pea) and rub it into my underarms after a shower. It works great to control odor and absorb moisture.
Treat Bee Stings - next time you get stung, create a paste from baking soda and water (or witch hazel if you have it) and apply it to the bee sting. It relieves the sting and helps reduce swelling. However, if you are allergic to bees, skip the baking soda and seek medical attention immediately!
Remove Blood Stains - mix baking soda and water to create a paste. Apply it to the stain and allow it to sit for 30-45 minutes. Remove the paste, blot the stain with water. Repeat if needed and then launder as usual. Do not put the garment through the dryer until you know the stain has been fully removed as heat is likely to set the stain and make it more difficult, if not impossible to remove.
Antacid - have you ever read your box of baking soda? Most brands actually have instructions on the box for how to use it as an antacid. Simply blend a small amount of baking soda (1/4-1/2 tsp) into a small glass of water (4-8oz) and drink it slowly. Granted, it's not the best tasting, but it works in a pinch.
BONUS - keep baking soda near your stove to extinguish grease fires. When something on the stove catches fire, our first instinct is to reach for water, but that is the last thing we want to do. Smother the fire by heavily sprinkling baking soda over it.
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