There’s a good chance you now have a box of baking soda hidden away on a shelf or cupboard (if not, it’s just a short walk or drive away).
But baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, packs much more power than its common use as a leavening agent in bread making might suggest. In fact, this fine powder can inexpensively replace various expensive products containing harmful chemicals that many of us commonly use in our homes.
One very important area of ​​life where baking soda can have a dramatic impact is personal care, as it is cost-effective and easy.
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deodorant
Baking soda can be used to turn it into an armpit deodorant. powder puff. To avoid irritation, pour half a cup into a reusable glass container mixed with half a cup of cornstarch.
Thank Your Body has several baking soda-based deodorant recipes, including: cream deodorant coconut oil, essential oils, and this stick deodorant Also contains beeswax.
toothpaste
You can also make your own toothpaste. of the easiest recipe Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 1/4 teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide. peppermint essential oil is an optional, but refreshing addition. You can apply this mixture directly to your toothbrush. other popular recipes use calcium carbonate, baking soda, xylitol, aloe vera gel, and Spearmint essential oil.
mouthwash
You can save money on mouthwash by mixing half a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water and gargling. This also helps relieve the pain of canker sores. this Mouthwash Recipe from The HomeMade Experiment add tea tree and spearmint essential oil. Tea tree oil’s antibacterial properties help baking soda fight bad breath. Spearmint oil masks the strong scent of tea tree and adds a refreshing mint flavor.
Itching reliever
If you don’t have calamine lotion or aloe on hand, mix baking soda with water to make a paste. Apply the paste to insect bites, rashes, poison ivy irritation, and sunburn to relieve mild pain and itching. A thick layer of paste helps reduce pain, itching, and swelling. be stung by a bee.
cockroach and ant repellent
Place baking soda under your sink and on basement windows to repel cockroaches and ants. Or mix it with the same amount of sugar. kill cockroaches and Ali Can be used around the house without endangering children or pets with toxic chemicals.
odor buster
Another specialty of baking soda is its ability to act as a general odor absorber. Place an open container of baking soda in the refrigerator to absorb odors (but be careful not to use this baking soda in recipes).
You can also sprinkle it on your shoes and socks to prevent foot odor. it is powerful enough used for cat litter It can absorb odors and can be used on dog and cat brushes to deodorize their fur.
fragrance enhancer
Spread naturally scented flowers into your home by adding a teaspoon of baking soda to the water in a vase. Helps keep cut flowers fresh Longer.
Another Mr. Cleaner
Baking soda is also very effective as a safe, non-toxic household cleaning agent that can be used in the kitchen, bathroom, and anywhere you might vacuum.
There’s no need to waste money and resources cleaning produce when you can mix baking soda with water to clean fruits and vegetables more cheaply. Scrub your sink or countertop with a baking soda and water solution. Run it through the coffee maker and rinse. You can also add a spoonful to your dishwasher to remove grease from dishes, pots, and pans.
To clean your toilet, add a cup of baking soda, let it sit for an hour, then flush it. Scrub your sink, shower, and bathtub with a baking soda and water solution, or spray and wipe down your mirrors.
To clean and neutralize odors, lightly brush baking soda onto carpets and furniture upholstery, let it sit for an hour, then vacuum.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on July 26, 2010 and updated in November 2024.
