Baking soda – you have a box in the fridge and one in the pantry but do you know all of the amazing uses? From natural remedies for heartburn and indigestion relief to skin care. You can also use it throughout the home, from your windows to your floors, the possibilities are endless.
So – what exactly is Baking Soda?
The official term for baking soda is Sodium bicarbonate. When baking soda mixes with either an acid or an alkaline substance it has a neutralizing effect on it. That’s why it’s great in baking and cooking (this test says it makes the best carmelized onions!) It’s also a gentle abrasive so that’s why it can help keep so many different things clean.
There are countless household uses and if you Google “Baking Soda Uses” you’ll find a plethora of posts to give you suggestions on using that white stuff. We’re going to give you our top tested picks:
In The Kitchen:
- Neutralize beans.Beans making you feel bloated? Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of baking soda in water while soaking dry beans.
- Wash your produce.Add ¼ cup of baking soda to a sink full of water. Wash your fruits and vegetables while under water in that solution, then rinse with clean water.
Self Care:
- Gently exfoliate: Mix 3 parts of baking soda to 1 part water. Gently rub in a circular motion and then rinse clean. While this is a versatile exfoliant you can use from your face to your feet, only use on occasion. The mixture has an alkaline pH which is not recommended for daily use.
- Relieve insect bites: Make a simple paste of water and baking soda and apply as a onto affected skin.
- Homemade Deodorant: Baking soda and a few other natural ingredients like coconut oiland shea butter make an easy natural deodorant that works better than most commercial ones. Check out this great recipe from Wellness Mama.
- Detox Baths: When just a few ingredients, baking soda can make for a great bath that helps pull toxins from the body. Check out this great recipe from Wellness Mama.
- For Acid Reflux: Dissolve 1/2 tsp in a 4-ounce glass of water (source: Healthline)
*Consult your doctor first, this is meant to provide short term relief.
Around The House
- Clean the oven.Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom surface of your oven and spray with water to dampen the soda. Let sit overnight and scrub in the morning, rinsing thoroughly.
- Clean pots and pans.Remove baking residue by shaking a generous amount of soda onto pots and pans. Add hot water and dish detergent, soak for 15 minutes and wash.
- Boost your laundry detergent.Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your liquid detergent to get your clothes brighter.
- Freshen your rugs.Sprinkle baking soda on a carpet, wait 15 minutes or overnight, and vacuum up for rug that looks and smells brand new.
- Cut oil and grease. Baking soda makes oil easier to clean when you add a heaping scoop to your regular dish soap. Let soak for a while.
So next time you see baking soda, think outside the box!
