Baking Soda isn't Just for Baking

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Try using natural products like baking soda usually kept in your kitchen for cooking to clean your home and you’ll not only save money over expensive cleaners, you’ll get your home sparkling clean while doing your part to save the environment and your family — including pets — from harsh chemicals. You can even feel good about having your kids help with these chores, knowing they are not exposed to dangerous chemicals and can have some fun helping you. Here are a few suggestions for using baking soda in your home…

  • Lightly sprinkle baking soda on your carpets and let sit for 10 minutes before vacuuming to deodorize and absorb dampness and odors
  • Remove scuff marks on tile and vinyl by wiping a damp sponge dipped in baking soda over the spots
  • Remove crayon, pencil or scuff marks from walls by gently rubbing over spots with a dampened rag lightly sprinkled with baking soda
  • Put a fresh opened box of baking soda in your fridge, freezer, and closets every few months to absorb odors and keep things smelling fresh
  • Soak sponges overnight in baking soda and water to refresh
  • Rub a paste of baking soda and warm water onto stained clothing before laundering. Be sure to check for colorfastness first. If you don’t want to spread the stain, absorb by pouring baking soda on the stain to absorb and then run warm water over it to get it out. Add baking soda to your wash load to help eliminate odors
  • Refresh your garbage disposal by pouring baking soda down the drain and running the disposal with warm water
  • Clean grease and grime as well as deodorize by making a solution of ¼ cup of baking soda, ½ cup of vinegar, and 1 gallon of hot water
  • Clean and remove yellowing of white appliances including the microwave oven by mixing ¼ cup of baking soda with a few cups of warm water and wash down the outside of white appliances. Allow it to stand for 15 minutes before rinsing clean and it will restore the whiteness
  • clean stained pots by boiling baking soda and water for 10 minutes to clean the outside and scrubbing the pots inside with a baking soda and water paste. Sprinkle baking soda on your copper-bottomed pots and pans. Pour vinegar over the pan and use half a lemon as your “scrub brush”. Rinse thoroughly and your pots will be shiny as new again. Non-stick frying pans can benefit from a mixture of baking soda and water to remove lingering food smells and tastes from your pans. Use baking soda to remove stains in non-stick frying pans, by boiling the pan in a solution of 4 tablespoons baking soda and ½ cups of water. Rinse thoroughly. Clean any roasting pan by sprinkle the surface well with baking soda. Combine 1 cup of hot water and 1/3 cup of vinegar, poured onto the baking soda. The fizzing action will remove the roasted food particles