It seems like the world can’t get enough of baking soda. This unassuming product has so many uses in and around the household. PLus it’s really cheap. Here are more obscure uses for baking soda.
Restore Plastic Containers
Sprinkling baking soda on a damp sponge can effectively remove stains and odors from plastic food containers. This method is especially useful for containers that have held strong-smelling foods or have become discolored from tomato-based products. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning to ensure no baking soda residue remains.
Revive Cloudy Glassware
Soaking cloudy glassware in a solution of baking soda and warm water can restore their shine. This is an effective way to combat the film that sometimes develops on glasses after numerous dishwasher cycles. After soaking, rinse the glassware with clean water and dry for a sparkling finish.
Scuff Mark Eraser
Baking soda can be used on walls or floors to erase scuff marks. Simply make a paste with a small amount of water and gently rub it on the scuff mark using a soft cloth or sponge. This method is safe for most surfaces and leaves them looking clean without harsh chemicals.
Refresh Linens
Adding half a cup of baking soda to the rinse cycle of your wash can freshen linens and towels. This helps to eliminate odors and can also soften the fabric naturally. It’s a simple, eco-friendly way to keep your linens smelling fresh and feeling comfortable.
Remove Water Rings
A paste made of baking soda and water can remove water rings from wood furniture. Apply the paste gently with a soft cloth, rub in a circular motion, then wipe away to reveal a clean surface. It’s a gentle alternative to harsher chemical cleaners that can damage delicate finishes.
Cuticle Care
Soaking nails in a baking soda solution can soften cuticles and prepare them for a manicure. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda in warm water and soak your nails for 10 minutes. This natural treatment leaves cuticles soft and easy to push back or trim.
Foot Soak
A baking soda bath can relieve foot odor and soothe tired feet. Dissolve three tablespoons of baking soda in a basin of warm water and soak your feet for 15-20 minutes. This soak can also help soften rough skin and alleviate discomfort from foot ailments.
Boost Hair Volume
Adding a pinch of baking soda to your shampoo can add volume to hair. This works by clarifying the scalp, removing build-up from styling products, and leaving hair feeling cleaner and more voluminous. It’s a simple trick for those looking for a lift without heavy products.
Freshen Books
To remove musty odors from old books, sprinkle baking soda between pages and let it sit for a few hours before brushing away. This method gently deodorizes books without damaging delicate pages, preserving their integrity while improving their smell.
Minimize Hair Product Build-up
Soothe Razor Burn
Applying a solution of baking soda and water to affected areas can alleviate the discomfort of razor burn. This gentle treatment helps to soothe and calm irritated skin, providing relief from itching and redness.
Weed Killer
Baking soda can be sprinkled in cracks on sidewalks and driveways to kill weeds. The sodium in baking soda dries out the plants, making it an eco-friendly alternative to chemical weed killers. Apply on a dry, sunny day for best results.
Clean Bird Baths
Scrubbing bird baths with baking soda cleans and deodorizes without harming the birds. This non-toxic cleaner removes algae and water stains, ensuring the bird bath is safe and inviting for feathered friends.
Refresh Outdoor Furniture
A solution of baking soda and water can remove mildew and stains from outdoor furniture. This natural cleaner is safe for use on a variety of materials, including plastic, metal, and fabric, leaving furniture looking and smelling fresh.
Preserve Fresh Flowers
Adding a teaspoon of baking soda to vase water can extend the life of fresh bouquets. This simple trick helps to keep the water clean and alkaline, reducing the growth of bacteria that can shorten the lifespan of cut flowers.
Dry Shampoo for Pets
Sprinkling baking soda through the fur of pets and brushing it out can freshen them between baths. This natural dry shampoo absorbs oils and odors, leaving pets smelling cleaner without the need for a full bath.
Remove Oil and Grease from Laundry
Pre-treating greasy stains with baking soda before washing can help to lift the stain. Sprinkle baking soda on the stain, rub gently, let it sit for a few hours, then wash as usual. This method boosts the stain-fighting power of your laundry detergent.
Refresh Closets
Placing an open box of baking soda in closets can neutralize musty odors and maintain freshness. The baking soda absorbs unwanted smells, keeping your closet and its contents smelling clean.
DIY Lip Scrub
Mixing baking soda with honey creates a gentle lip scrub that removes dead skin and moisturizes. This natural exfoliant leaves lips soft and smooth, ready for lipstick or balm application.
Dissolve Sticky Residue
A mixture of baking soda and coconut oil can remove sticky residue from labels or stickers. This solution breaks down the adhesive, making it easy to wipe away without damaging the surface.
Refresh Mattresses
Sprinkling baking soda on mattresses, letting it sit, then vacuuming it up can remove odors and freshen up the mattress. This is an easy way to maintain a clean and fresh sleeping environment.
Clean Dishwashers
Running an empty cycle with baking soda can clean and deodorize your dishwasher. This helps to remove lingering odors and residue, ensuring your dishes come out clean and smelling fresh.
Enhance Liquid Soap
Adding baking soda to liquid soaps can boost their cleaning power and scrubbing ability. This is particularly useful for hand soaps or dishwashing liquids, making them more effective against grease and grime.
DIY Air Freshener
A mixture of baking soda, essential oils, and water in a spray bottle creates a natural air freshener. This customizable blend can be tailored to your scent preferences, offering a non-toxic way to freshen your home.
Minimize Appearance of Pores
Using baking soda as a face mask mixed with water can help reduce the appearance of pores. This natural remedy cleanses and exfoliates, leading to clearer skin and minimized pores with regular use.
Clean Piano Keys
Cleaning piano keys with a damp cloth dipped in baking soda gently removes fingerprints and stains without harming the ivory or plastic. This method ensures the keys remain white and pristine.
Soothe Chapped Hands
A hand soak in warm water mixed with baking soda can relieve chapped and irritated skin. This soothing solution moisturizes and heals, restoring softness to rough hands.
Clarify Nails Before Manicure
Scrubbing nails with a baking soda paste removes oils and residue, ensuring a better polish application. This prep step leads to a smoother, more durable manicure.
Exfoliate Elbows and Knees
Applying a paste of baking soda to rough skin areas gently exfoliates and softens. This targeted treatment is effective for smoothing skin without harsh chemicals.
Remove Oil Stains from Concrete
Applying a thick paste of baking soda to oil stains on driveways or garage floors, letting it sit, then scrubbing off can effectively remove the stains. This method draws out the oil, restoring the appearance of the concrete.
Clean Barbecue Grills
Sprinkling baking soda on a damp brush to scrub the grill clean is an effective way to remove grime without harsh chemicals. This ensures your grill is ready for cooking, without leaving any residue behind.
Enhance Bloom Color in Hydrangeas
Sprinkling baking soda around the plant can subtly affect the pH level, potentially changing the bloom color in some hydrangea varieties. This natural method offers a way to experiment with the aesthetics of your garden.
DIY Ant Repellent
Mixing baking soda with equal parts salt and sprinkling around entry points can deter ants without using harsh insecticides. This eco-friendly solution keeps ants at bay, protecting your home in a safe manner.
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