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Baking soda is cheap and effective
The Many Uses for Baking Soda
by Chantal King
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Just 4 Ingredients
Baking Soda 10 Common Uses for Baking Soda |
Say the words “baking soda” and I bet one thing comes immediately to mind: that open orange box in the fridge. “Sodium Bicarbonate” has been around for centuries. The company Arm & Hammer® has been around for 150 years. We grew up knowing you’re supposed to keep a box in the fridge to help absorb unpleasant odors. Yet there are many more uses of the versatile white powder with the humble name.
Non-Toxic Cleaning Products photo from Shutterstock
About six months ago, I started sprinkling about half a box into the cat litter box. Even though I am diligent about cleaning it every day, there used to be a lingering odor. Now there is absolutely none. Even my mother-in-law, who dislikes cats, said, “I can’t smell anything anymore! Your house smells so clean!”
I also sprinkle a light dusting on the carpet before I vacuum it. I let it sit for about half an hour. Then I vacuum as usual. The baking soda eliminates all odors that are trapped in the fibers. You can also spot clean stains by adding a little water to a teaspoon of baking soda and gently rubbing the stain. Rinse with clean water.
When airing out our feather duvet and comforters on the deck railing, I sprinkle a little baking soda over the surface. Then I firmly beat the fabric until all the powder is gone. You can also vacuum it up. This fluffs up the filling and keeps the bedding smelling fresh for an excellent night’s sleep.
Try adding a tablespoon down your sink drains and disposals. After a few minutes, run warm water. You can also deodorize smelly diaper pails and garbage baskets. I leave an old jar lid with two tablespoons of baking soda in the bottom, under the plastic sack.
In addition to deodorizing the fridge, you can put a box in the freezer. Try the new convenient, spill-proof box that has breathable sides to allow airflow. I keep a box in our van as well as the coat closet.
You can also use baking soda as an antacid. Simply add 1/2 teaspoon to four ounces of water and let it completely dissolve. My Dad even adds a pinch to his toothpaste every day to keep his pearly whites sparkling!
Don’t forget about baking! Before the advent of specialty flours with self-rising properties added, baking soda was and still is a staple for breads, cookies, and cakes.
The best thing about baking soda is its price. It is very affordable. Yet where you purchase it is important. If you find it in the laundry aisle, you will pay double. If you spot it in the checkout lane in the dreaded “impulse buys,” you are looking at triple the price for the same size box. Pick it up in the baking aisle, and you will enjoy savings of a 16-ounce box for only $.63.
There is even a money back guarantee. If you are not satisfied in any way, simply contact the Consumer Relations Department at Arm & Hammer® at 1-800-524-1328. (Don’t forget that a box costs just a little more than a postage stamp.)
The secret is out. Baking soda is a very inexpensive cleaner and deodorizer for your home and beyond. It is also environmentally safe; in fact, it can be ingested in safe amounts. You can’t get much healthier than that! I predict that we will see many more cleaning and deodorizing products on the market as more and more people discover the many amazing uses of baking soda.
Take the Next Step:
- Would you like more ideas on how to use baking soda? Then visit here for great recipes for homemade cleaners.
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