We all have it in the back of our fridge as well as in our pantry for baked goods, but did you know there are literally hundreds of things you can do with this hidden gem, baking soda? Here are 10 Great Household Uses For Baking Soda that you are sure to find helpful around the house this summer. Whether you buy an extra box for a specific purpose or reach for the box in the pantry as a last minute substitute for something else, you are sure to find this list helpful.
10 GREAT HOUSEHOLD USES FOR BAKING SODA
- CAR SURFACE CLEANER: Looking for a way to help shine up your car without a pricey wax job? Make a paste of baking soda and water and rub on your paint job. Allow the paste to sit for up to 15 minutes then rinse off as usual. This makes a great extra easy way to shine up your car.
- MOUTHWASH: Run out of mouthwash? No worries. You can help rid your teeth and mouth of plaque by mixing a tablespoon of baking soda with 12-16oz of water to use as a great rinse. Mixing just 1/8 Teaspoon with 1/4 cup water makes a great “single serve” mouthwash as needed.
- SKIN EXFOLIATOR: If you have a problem with dry skin or just want a quick at home facial option, create a paste of baking soda and water (3:1 ratio) and simply apply to skin massaging as you go. Simply rinse off and continue with your skin care regimen as normal for a nice clean look.
- LAUNDRY DETERGENT ADDITIVE: Not only will 1/2 cup baking soda mixed into your laundry detergent help remove odors but it will also brighten your colors. Feel like your laundry needs a bit of freshness? Try this trick with your next large load.
- HOMEMADE CLAY FOR KIDS: Don’t have modeling clay or play dough on hand? Mix 1 1/4 cups water, 1 Cup Cornstarch and 1 Tablespoon Baking Soda for a great modeling clay alternative. Play with different paint or dye to create colors for fun experiments. Make sure to store any extra in air tight containers.
- DEODORANT: If you are out of your regular deodorant simply pat your underarms with a light dusting of baking soda. This will absorb odors but won’t be very effective as an antiperspirant. A great trick if you are in a rush and don’t have any on hand.
- TOILET BOWL CLEANER: A sprinkle of baking soda around the bowl and 1/2-1 cup poured directly into the bowl will cleanse your toilet and eliminate odors. The baking soda also acts as an abrasive when using your toilet brush to help eliminate stains. Let this mixture sit for 1/2-1 hour and scrub as normal for a sparkling toilet bowl.
- AIR FRESHENER: We already use baking soda in our fridge to help draw out and eliminate bad odors but you can do the same thing throughout your home. Sprinkle in cat litter pans, over pet stains on the carpeting (vacuum after allowing to sit for a half hour), in the bottom of trash cans and even boxes in our closets to help with that musty smell that a dark closet can sometime have.
- FOOT SOAK: Mix 1/4 Cup Baking Soda into 1 Gallon warm water and soak your feat for a relaxing at home foot spa.
- DE-ICER: Baking soda is a great substitute for salts that are traditionally used to help de-ice a driveway in the winter. Sprinkle over your walkways to help create traction and prevent falls.
As you can see these 10 great household uses for baking soda encompass all kinds of things within your home. Not only can you use it for it’s intended purpose but you can also take advantage of having it on hand in a pinch for simple around the house jobs. Next time those coupons come out or it is on sale, stock up with a few extra boxes to have on hand for emergencies.