Most people think of baking soda as the ubiquitous box at the back of the fridge, but there are many other uses for baking soda. Let's take that box out and use it around the house for cleaning and deodorizing
Many cleaning products use artificial scents to cover up odor. If you’re like me, these scented products can really irritate your skin and nose. That’s why baking soda is so great. Instead of covering up odors, it absorbs them and locks them away. You know it can get rid of odors in the fridge, give it a try for garbage cans (sprinkle a bit in the bottom of the can), shoes, litter boxes, and or even sitting out in kitchens, bathrooms and even y our car (the vented boxes are good for this). Baking soda is a great way to remove offensive odors from pretty much anywhere.
Baking soda is a great way to remove dirt and anything else that might be stuck on surfaces. Just sprinkle a wet wash cloth with baking soda and scrub gently. Baking soda is less abrasive than other scrubs so you really don't have to worry about it damaging the surface and causing more stains to develop. You can even use baking soda to get stuck on grease off your floors, counters and even pots and pans. If it’s really stuck on, you may need to soak it in baking soda and water before you start scrubbing. Remember to rinse all your surfaces well afterwards so there isn’t a residue left.
While baking soda can be used for general cleaning, it’s also a great way to get out stubborn stains. Mix with a little water to make a paste. You can then apply this to stains in your kitchen, bathroom, and even your clothes. Just let sit and then scrub. This paste is also a great way to clean your silver.
You can use baking soda to disinfect objects like toys or other items around the house that get really germy (door handles, telephones). If the items can be soaked, they can be put in baking soda and water and left. It they can’t, simply cover the area and let it sit for a minute before wiping it off.
You can get even more cleaning power from your baking soda if you combine it with another wonderful natural cleaner: vinegar. If you’ve ever seen a model volcano at a science fair, you probably already know what happens when you mix these two chemicals together. When these baking soda and vinegar mix, they release thousands of tiny carbon dioxide bubbles. These powerful bubbles are great for cleaning out clogged drains, toilets, and garbage disposals. If you want the bubble with a fresh scent, try mixing baking soda with lemon juice instead.
These are just a few ideas for how to clean with baking soda. It is such a versatile product, the possibilities are endless. So why not pull your baking soda out of the fridge and give it a try all around your house? You may find yourself buying a lot more baking soda on your next shopping trip.
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