Baking soda is a multifunctional item that should be present in any household. In addition to being a common ingredient in cooking recipes, it has a wide range of household applications that can simplify daily life.
Splinter Removal
If you have a splinter in your finger and have difficulty removing it, we have the solution. Simply mix some baking soda with water and apply it around the splinter, covering it with a bandage. After approximately 12 hours, remove the bandage and extract the splinter easily and with less pain.
Extinguishing Small Fires
Small kitchen fires, often caused by the contact between water, grease, and fire, are not uncommon. A highly effective way to extinguish these fires is to sprinkle a substantial amount of baking soda over the flames. It will coat the flames and extinguish them.
Baby Diaper Rash Relief
Baking soda can alleviate the discomfort of diaper rash in babies. Add it to bathwater for soothing and healing effects on the skin.
Odor Elimination
Baking soda is an excellent odor absorber. Place an open container of baking soda in the refrigerator, pantry, or areas with unpleasant odors to neutralize them.
Natural Deodorant
You can use baking soda as a natural deodorant. Just apply a small amount to your armpits to neutralize body odor. However, it’s important to perform a sensitivity test, as some people may have rare allergies.
Facial Exfoliant
Prepare a gentle paste with baking soda and water to use as a mild facial exfoliant, removing dead skin cells. Its fine granules leave the skin smoother, radiant, and rejuvenated. Additionally, its antifungal and antibacterial properties can help combat acne and blackheads.
Stainless Steel Appliance Cleaning
To keep your stainless steel appliances shining, make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the surface. This will remove dirt and fingerprints.
Homemade Laundry Detergent
Baking soda is an essential component in creating effective homemade laundry detergent. Mix it with grated soap and use it as a laundry detergent that softens water, removes stains and odors, and brightens colors and whites.
Natural Toothpaste
Mix baking soda with water to create a paste and use it as a natural toothpaste for whitening teeth and fighting plaque.
Cleaning Tile Grout
Baking soda is an ally in cleaning tile grout. Apply a paste of baking soda and water, let it sit, and scrub to remove dirt and stains.
Burn Soothing
If you’ve suffered a sunburn and your skin is burning and sensitive, baking soda can be your ally. Just create a paste with water, apply it to the affected area, and wait for 20 minutes. Then rinse with cold water for immediate relief.
Crayon Marks Removal from Walls
Crayon marks can be removed with a paste of baking soda and water. Gently scrub to remove the marks without damaging the surfaces.
Fruit and Vegetable Sanitization
Given the widespread use of chemicals on today’s fruits and vegetables, along with the risk of harmful bacteria and viruses to health, you can use a teaspoon of baking soda and a cup of water to wash your fruits and vegetables. Use a brush to scrub thoroughly and rinse with running water. Baking soda creates an alkaline layer that facilitates effective cleaning.
Heartburn and Indigestion Relief
Baking soda can occasionally be used to relieve symptoms of heartburn and indigestion. However, it’s important to consult a doctor before using it as a regular treatment.
Cutlery Polishing
Use baking soda to polish your cutlery. Prepare a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the cutlery, and gently scrub to restore shine.
Burned Food Residue Removal from Pots and Pans
To clean pots and pans with burned food residue, sprinkle baking soda, add a little water, and let it sit. This will make it easier to remove the burned residues.
Soap Scum Removal from Shower Doors
Baking soda is effective in removing soap scum from shower doors. Apply a paste of baking soda and water to break down the soap scum and clean the surface.
Silver and Stainless Steel Utensil Cleaning
Baking soda is effective in restoring the shine of silver and stainless steel utensils. Sprinkle a little on a damp sponge and clean the pieces to remove stains and marks.
Additionally, you can clean your microwave and oven with a mixture of water, neutral detergent, and baking soda (in equal parts). Apply the mixture to the desired area, wait for 20 minutes, and scrub. Baking soda creates an alkaline layer that neutralizes odors and dissolves acidic residues, making cleaning easier.
Cutting Board Cleaning and Deodorizing
Sprinkle baking soda on cutting boards and scrub to remove stains and persistent odors. Its alkaline properties neutralize odors and ensure a clean surface.
Laundry, Carpet, and Upholstery Washing
Adding baking soda to your laundry can help remove odors and stubborn stains. It can also work as a natural fabric softener.
Oil and Grease Stain Removal from Clothing
Oil and grease stains can be treated with a paste of baking soda and water. Apply, let it sit, and wash as usual.
Homemade Playdough for Kids
Baking soda is an essential ingredient in making homemade playdough. Mix it with flour, salt, and water to create a malleable dough, providing hours of creative fun for children.
Refrigerator Deodorization
Place an open box of baking soda in the refrigerator to absorb odors and keep the interior smelling fresh.
Mold Stain Removal from Shower Curtains
Mold stains on shower curtains can be eliminated with a paste of baking soda and water. This mixture breaks down the mold and makes cleaning easier, restoring the curtains to their original state.
Oil Stain Removal from Concrete
Oil stains on concrete can be treated with a paste of baking soda and water. Apply, scrub, and rinse to eliminate the stains.
Bedding and Pet Litter Box Deodorization
Baking soda is effective at neutralizing odors in bedding and pet litter boxes. Simply sprinkle it to keep these areas fresh.
Hairbrush and Comb Cleaning
Baking soda helps remove oils, dead cells, and debris from hairbrushes and combs. Soak the tools in a baking soda and water solution for a deep clean.
Trash Can Deodorization
Prevent unpleasant odors in trash cans by sprinkling baking soda at the bottom before placing the garbage bag. It will absorb odors and keep the trash can smelling fresh.
Worn Floor Stain Removal
Baking soda helps eliminate worn floor stains. Just apply a paste, scrub, and rinse to restore the original appearance.
Rust Removal from Metal Surfaces
Baking soda is an effective ally in rust removal. Make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to the rusty area. After a few minutes, scrub and rinse to restore the original shine.
For Insect Bites
If you’ve been bitten by an insect and are experiencing itching, burning, swelling, or redness, mix baking soda with water and apply it to the insect bite. This paste acts as a remedy due to its alkaline properties, neutralizing the acidic venom from the bite and providing immediate relief.
These are just some of the countless useful ways to use baking soda in your daily life, making it a valuable ally for cleaning tasks, personal care, and even solutions to minor household problems. Are you impressed by the uses of baking soda? Share your thoughts in the comments and don’t forget to share these tips with friends and family.