A Green Momma’s Best Friend: Baking Soda
November 17, 2011
Most of us have a small box of baking soda hanging out in our kitchen cabinet. It is a staple in many baked items; therefore, a necessity to even the occasional baker. However, did you know there are literally hundreds of other uses for this common wonder powder? I keep a 10 pound bag of baking soda in our home at all times and use it for just about everything under the sun.
Here is a rundown of some of my favorite baking soda uses.
Cleaning
You will notice that baking soda is an ingredient in many homemade cleaning products, but it can also be used solo for a natural and easy clean. I fill a spray bottle with about half a cup of baking soda then fill it with warm water. Once it dissolves you have an instant cleaner. You can spray down baby toys, carpet stains, grimy showers, bathroom floors, icky microwaves, and just about any dirty surface. Baking soda really is the ultimate green cleaner.
Deodorizer
Many of you probably already use baking soda in your fridge to help eliminate odors, but did you know it can be used all over the house? Try sprinkling a little in your diaper pail for instant freshness. You can also place an open box in a musky closet, shake a little into the garbage can, and even a sprinkle in the laundry basket for all day odor control.
Polish your Silver
Yes ma’am, you can polish your silver with baking soda. Use a paste made with 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Rub onto the silver with a clean cloth. Rinse thoroughly and dry for shining silver.
Natural Laundry Booster
Baking soda works as a natural laundry booster. Simply add a cup to your everyday laundry detergent and your clothes will come out brighter and smelling fresher than ever.
Personal Care Products
We know that healthy smiles are green, but many other personal care products can be green as well. You can start with your smile. Simply place some baking soda in a shallow dish and dip your wet toothbrush into the powder. Brush with the mixture like you would toothpaste and you will have an instant bright and clean mouth.
Baking soda can also be used as a gentle exfoliator. Simply make a paste with three parts baking soda and one part water. Rub the mixture onto your face in a circular motion then rinse. Your face will be glowing in no time.
Shine your locks with baking soda. Simply fill your sink with warm water and add a tablespoon or two of baking soda. Soak your brush for 10-15 minutes. This will help remove built up oils and increase your natural hair shine.
Need a relaxing bath? Try adding a few tablespoons of baking soda to your warm bath water for a relaxing and cleansing soak.
Baking soda has so many uses I could never name them all. For even more, check out Arm and Hammer’s solutions center.
What do you use baking soda for in your household?
