5 natural uses of baking soda to help you live sustainably
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways around the house. From cooking and cleaning to personal care and beauty, baking soda has numerous benefits that make it a must-have item in every household. In this article, we’ll explore the six best uses of baking soda and how you can incorporate it into your daily routine.
- Cleaning
Baking soda is a natural cleaner and can be used to clean a variety of surfaces around the house. It’s great for removing stains and odors from carpets, upholstery, and clothing. It can also be used to clean kitchen appliances, like ovens and refrigerators. To use baking soda as a cleaner, mix it with water to make a paste and apply it to the surface you want to clean. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth. It is not recommended to be used on soft metals like gold jewelry or on marble as it can scratch these surfaces. I have a dated white laminate countertops that get coffee stains regularly (thanks hubby). A little bit of baking soda and some elbow grease and they look like new again.
2. Personal care
Baking soda can also be used for personal care, as it has a variety of benefits for the skin and hair. It can be used as a natural deodorant, as it neutralizes odor-causing bacteria. It’s also great for exfoliating the skin, as it gently removes dead skin cells and unclogs pores. When used as a hair treatment, baking soda can help remove buildup from styling products and leave hair feeling soft and shiny.
3. Household deodorizer
Baking soda is a powerful deodorizer and can be used to freshen up a variety of areas in your home. It’s great for eliminating odors in the fridge and freezer, as well as in trash cans and litter boxes. Simply place an open box of baking soda in the area you want to freshen up and let it absorb the odors.
4. Pest control
Baking soda can also be used as a natural pest control solution. It’s effective at repelling ants and cockroaches, as they’re unable to digest it. To use baking soda for pest control, mix it with sugar and place it in areas where pests are known to gather. The sugar will attract them, and the baking soda will eliminate them.
5. Beauty
Baking soda can also be used for a variety of beauty treatments. It’s great for whitening teeth, as it gently removes stains and plaque. It can also be used as a natural exfoliant for the body, as it helps remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. When used in a foot soak, baking soda can help soothe and soften tired feet.
In conclusion, baking soda is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways around the house. Whether you’re using it for baking, cleaning, personal care, household deodorizing, pest control, or beauty, baking soda has numerous benefits that make it a must-have item in every household. Opt for the cardboard box version to save on plastic packaging and feel good about the other plastic you save by replacing household cleaners and personal care items with good ol’baking soda.
If baking soda is the yin, vinegar is the yan – check out this post about vinegar uses.
*Green nerd addendum (Warning: oversonsumption could lead to knowledge and behavior change)
Although baking soda is a naturally occurring substance, it requires a chemical manufacturing process to make household grade baking soda we buy in the store. These processes are not inherently sustainable as they use energy and other resources. If you want to read more about this, I highly recommend this Treehugger post.
Happy Cleaning