“Baking soda, baking soda,” my friend said. “Everywhere I go people say use baking soda for that. But all I ever use baking soda for is baking.”
My friend is right. Using baking soda seems to be one of the ultimate “green-living” tips – especially for the glossy magazines who can’t see beyond baking soda and overpriced “green” cleaners. But truly baking soda can do a lot of things, without harming the environment or you and your family.
What is baking soda? According to wisegeek.com, “bicarbonate of soda, sodium bicarbonate, and, less commonly, saleratus, is a chemical salt with diverse practical uses. With a chemical formula of NaHCO3, baking soda is a white powder with crystalline grains. Although it can be produced by artificial means, in its natural form, baking soda is called nahcolite, taking its name from its chemical formula.
“Baking soda is weakly alkaline. As such, it acts to neutralize acids and break down proteins. This quality accounts for its usefulness as a tenderizer and a leaven. Also, it is baking soda’s neutralizing action on acidic scent molecules that makes it an effective deodorizer. Added to the water when doing laundry, baking soda stabilizes the pH level, enhancing the detergent’s effectiveness. Baking soda may also be added to swimming pool water to balance the pH and keep the water clear.”
Here are some great uses for baking soda:
1. Cleanser. Sprinkle baking soda on your sponge and clean out your sink, pots or bathtub.
2. Carpet freshener. Sprinkle on your carpet. Let it sit for a few minutes, then vacuum.
3. Throw onto fires to extinguish flames. Recently my husband was grilling and didn’t realize the drip tray was full from our last grill out. The tray caught on fire and flames were…well let’s say we’re pretty calm people and this scared us a bit. Alex ran in to get the big bag of baking soda, a quick douse and the flames were out. Fortunately, John moved the chicken out of the way first, so we still had dinner!
4. Wash your fruits and veggies off with a little baking soda in water. This will help remove pesticides without leaving behind a soapy taste!
5. Baking soda, followed by vinegar will clear drains. After the mixture foams up (let the kids watch) pour boiling hot water down after it.
6. A quarter cup in the washer will brighten your laundry. If you’re out of detergent, it can be use on its own or with some vinegar to wash the load. You might never go back to regular detergent!
7. Place a paste of baking soda on bug bites to relieve itching. Alternatively, place a cup full in the bath.
8. Sprinkle baking soda into stinky sneakers and allow to set overnight. The results will amaze you!
9. Place a cup full of baking soda in the kiddie pool. It will keep it clearer and fresher longer. Just get a net for the bugs and leaves!
10. Use it in place of toothpaste. Really. It works just fine.
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