30 Uses for Baking Soda

A couple of weeks ago I bought a ten-pound bag of baking soda even though I have some at home that I am already using. Baking soda never goes bad, and I know I’ll use it so buying it in bulk is never a bad investment.

1. Of course, use it in baking that calls for baking soda
2. Use baking soda to make baking powder. Mix 2 parts cream of tartar with one part baking soda and one part cornstarch.
3. Add baking soda to dried beans when cooking to remove excess gassiness.

Baking soda is a versatile ingredient whose uses extend far beyond cooking. It can be used in personal care, medicinally, for cleaning, and more

What’s more, baking soda is inexpensive and widely available. Never let yourself run short.

Personal Care

• Use as toothpaste
• Use as a deodorant
• Use to replace soap
• Use as an exfoliant
• Use to deodorize feet in a foot bath
• Use in place of shampoo to clean scalp and hair
• make baking soda mouthwash, add 1/2 teaspoon (2 grams) of baking soda to half a glass (120 mL) of warm water, then swish as usual.
• Treat itchy or sunburned skin by putting 1 cup of baking soda into a warm bath.

Medicinally

1. Make a paste of baking soda and a small amount of water to treat insect bites especially good for relieving wasp stings
2. A teaspoon in 8 ounces of water for indigestion or heartburn
3. Bathe in a tub filled with water and ½ cup of water to treat different types of rashes
4. Soaking fruit in a solution of baking soda and water for 12–15 minutes will remove nearly all pesticide residue
5. Use to treat canker sores in your mouth. Dampen your finger, dab a little baking soda onto that finger, and touch it to the canker sore.

For Cleaning

1. Use as a deodorizer in the refrigerator
2. Use it to whiten and disinfect most bathroom surfaces, though it’s less effective than commercial cleaners.
3. Baking soda is a safe alternative to commercial air fresheners, as it’s free of industrial chemicals and neutralizes odor particles
4. Clean kitchen surfaces like ovens, stained coffee cups, stained marble, grease stains, kitchen tiles, tarnished silver, microwaves, and countertops.
5. Add 1/2 cup (110 grams) of baking soda to your regular amount of laundry detergent. It also helps soften the water, so you may need less detergent than usual.
6. Use to scour sinks, toilets, tubs, showers, and ovens. etc. Just dampen with a little water then rinse.
7.  Mix a tablespoon in a gallon of water to clean the refrigerator
8. Use baking soda with vinegar to unclog slow running drain. Pour soda into the drain, chase with some vinegar, and use the drain plug to create pressure to push any clogs beyond the drain trap. Remove the plug and pour hot boiling water down the drain to finish the job.
9. To get rid of garbage odor, baking soda sprinkled into your garbage can will help eliminate garbage smells by neutralizing acidic odor molecules.
10. A combination of baking soda and vinegar can remove the most stubborn carpet stains.
11. Clean silverware with baking soda, vinegar and warm water in an aluminum baking pan. Should remove tarnish almost immediately.
12. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the bottom of a scorched pot, and add enough water to cover the burnt areas. Bring the mixture to a boil and empty the pan as usual.

Other Uses

• Pouring baking soda on a grease fire will put it out so always keep your baking soda easily accessible in case of a fire.
• Sprinkle a few handfuls of baking soda over weeds in areas like patios and sidewalks where you want to kill off noxious weeds. However, don’t put on flower or garden beds because the baking soda may kill those plants too.

There you have it, my thirty uses for baking soda. Do you know other uses for baking soda? If so, please share them in the comments.