Different Uses for Baking Soda

Baking soda is known to have many uses. It is commonly found in refrigerators, baking recipes and the laundry room. Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is able to neutralize acidic and alkaline substances. This makes it a natural deodorizer and useful in many other ways.

Personal Care

• Baking soda is a great, natural alternative to chemicals in personal care items. It can be used alone or combined with herbs for safer products. Uses include toothpaste, deodorant, bath soak, mouth freshener and skin scrub. Oral appliances such as dentures and retainers can also be soaked in baking soda and water for safe cleaning.

Remedies

• You may be surprised to find that baking soda can also be used to treat and prevent health problems. It can be used as an antacid, to treat insect bites, for scalp problems and as a hand cleanser.

Cleaning

• Baking soda is most commonly known for its ability to help clean and deodorize around the house. It can also be used as a paste to scrub kitchen/bathroom surfaces, clean coffee/tea pots, polish silverware, clean brushes/combs and clean the oven. Simply placing baking soda in places can have a great deodorizing effect, and not only in the refrigerator. Litter boxes are always in need of deodorizing, and a simple sprinkle in the bottom of the pan before placing litter will reduce odors. Baking soda can also be sprinkled down garbage disposals to remove odors.

Other Uses

• There are many other ways to use baking soda including to put out fires, clean fruit and vegetables, and as an additive for septic systems. When applied as a paste (mixed with water) to windshields, baking soda will repel rain.