Sodium Bicarbonate- also known as baking soda, is one of the most versatile household products you have. From first aid to cleaning, it can be your favorite go-to product. Here are 30 great uses for that baking soda you have sitting in your pantry.
First Aid- *Note- Always use common sense when it comes to first aid. Any signs of distress or prolonged infliction should be examined by a doctor.
Insect stings- Make a paste of baking soda and water to neutralize insect venom and soothe pain/itchiness.
Heat Rash- Combine baking soda and water and spread throughout the affected area. Let sit until it dries up and can be dusted off. This should minimize rash and give relief to irritation.
Poison Ivy- Combine baking soda and vinegar to create a paste with the consistency of peanut butter. Let sit on the affected area for relief from irritation. Rinse off with cool water.
Sunburn- Add a cup of baking soda to a bathtub of cool water for sunburn relief.
Diaper Rash- Make a solution of 1 cup water and 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda. Use a clean rag, soaked in the solution to clean the diaper area. Pat area dry, leaving the powder to help absorb liquid. *Note- always check with a doctor for any infant remedy.
Cleaning
Glass top stoves- Sprinkle baking soda over stove top. Use a wet, soft scouring pad to scrub burned areas. For stubborn spots, add vinegar to the solution and let sit before scrubbing. Wipe off residue with wet towel.
Silver Cleaning- A 3:1 baking soda water ratio is a great way to clean tarnish off of your silver. Rinse with water and dry with a soft cloth immediately to prevent spots.
Clean Coffee Pots/Cups- Add 1/4 cup baking soda to 1 quart water. Let coffee pot/cup soak, scrub, then wash off with water.
Grout - Sprinkle grout with baking soda, then mix 1:1 ratio of vinegar and water and spray on top. Let stand for 5-10 minutes then scrub with a stiff brush.
Oven Cleaning- Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the oven then spray with water. Let sit overnight. Scrub in the morning and then either wipe up the baking soda or vacuum it up.
Washing Machine- 1/2 cup baking soda in addition to your normal laundry detergent is a great laundry boost.
Sports Equipment- Sprinkle baking soda in your kids' sports bags to help absorb odor. Wash goalie/football gloves with baking soda and water to help neutralize the odor.
Oil/Grease Stains- Sprinkle baking soda on your oil stains and let sit for a few minutes. Scrub the stain with a wet, hard bristled brush.
Clean Crayon Off Walls- Apply baking soda to a wet sponge to gently clean marks off of painted walls without compromising paint or leaving a residue. Rinse off with water.
Deodorize Refrigerator- Keep an open box of baking soda in your refrigerator to absorb odors. Change out baking soda every month.
Deodorize Trash Cans- Every time you change the liner, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda at the bottom of the can. This can help neutralize odors.
Deodorize Drains/Garbage Disposals- 1-2 heaping tablespoons mixed with water can help keep your drains smelling fresh and clean.
Deodorize Carpets- Sprinkle baking soda throughout your carpets once a month before you vacuum. Let the baking soda sit for about 10 minutes and then vacuum it up. The baking soda will absorb odors.
General Scrubbing- Baking soda is a safe, non-toxic, easy way to scrub dishes, pots/pans, etc. While it's great for use at home, it's also fantastic for camping and emergency situations.
Eliminate Urine Odor from Mattresses- Pour baking soda over offending spot, then spray with vinegar. Let sit for an hour and then vacuum with a wet/dry vacuum.
Prevent Ant invasion- Sprinkle baking soda around pet dishes, in the pantry, or wherever ants go. They don't like to cross baking soda.
Clean Produce - Put 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart of water. Use that solution to scrub produce of pesticides and bacteria.
Personal Hygiene
Baking soda is one of those inexpensive, versatile, non-toxic, wonder products that can replace many of your expensive hygiene products.
Dandruff- Add 1 tsp to your shampoo and massage onto your scalp. Let sit for a couple minutes, then massage your head as your rinse.
Healthy hair- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda added to your shampoo can not only help with dandruff, but it can help clear product buildup in your hair.
Dry Shampoo- Sprinkle baking soda onto oily sections of your scalp, tousle, and brush out. *Note- If you have dark hair, use sparingly. It can be hard to brush all the way out.
Razor Burn- Make a paste of water and baking soda, apply it to affected area, let it dry. Wash off with warm water. This should minimize the irritation.
Skin Rejuvenation- Mix equal parts coconut oil and baking soda. The baking soda will help exfoliate and cleanse while the coconut oil will moisturize.
Under-eye Bags/Circles- Seep 1 bag chamomile tea, 1 tsp baking soda in hot water. When it cools to skin temperature, soak a cotton ball/disk in the solution. Place it over your eyes for 10-15 minutes. This should help minimize the problem.
Whiten Teeth- Mix baking soda and water or hydrogen peroxide to form a paste. Brush as you would regularly. *Note- while this can whiten teeth and scrub them, it does not contain fluoride and should not be used as a daily toothpaste.
Foot odor- A little bit of baking soda sprinkled in shoes helps keep foot odor away. Try making a powder with a couple drops of your favorite essential oil for fresh feet every day.
Armpit stains- Are you tired of deodorant stains on shirts? In a spray bottle put 1 part Dawn dish soap, 2 parts hydrogen peroxide, and 1 part baking soda. Spray on stains and scrub with a soft brush. Launder as usual for minimized stains.
Baking soda has almost limitless uses and should be kept in any prepared home. What are your favorite baking soda solutions?
