Household uses for baking soda

Baking soda is a very popular item in most homes. Not only is it a staple for most home bakers, but it also provides double duty as a cleaning aid. Baking soda has been used as a cleaner for years, but it is getting more popular all the time due to the fact that not only is it a green way to clean, it is also inexpensive. Being good for the environment and your wallet is a winning combination.

Stains on wood furniture

Have you ever left a glass on a wood surface and left a ring? This has happened to most people at one time or another. Are you thinking that you need to have the piece of furniture refinished? Maybe not, depending on how deep the stain is. Take some regular white toothpaste and make a thick paste with some baking soda. Rub it gently into the stain. It may take a while, and it may take more paste, but chances are you are going to see the ring fade and eventually disappear.

Clean the bowl

In the bathroom, hard water is the enemy of a clean bowl. It often requires a lot of scrubbing if it is allowed to make a brown ring in the bowl. To avoid this, place a cup of baking soda in the bowl every week when you do the regular cleaning. Let it sit for 30 minutes and then spray with white vinegar and brush. You will be totally non-toxic in your cleaning and it is effective as well. This is especially nice if you have pets who like to use the bowl as a drinking bowl.

Skip the cleanser

When it comes to cleaning in your kitchen, baking soda can take the place of cleaners like Comet. If you have a stain on your counter top, sink, appliances or cutting board, a sprinkle of baking soda, a little water and a lot of elbow grease will remove just about any stain. If a stain is stubborn, make a paste and apply and let sit before scrubbing again.

Clean the air

One of the most popular uses for baking soda is as an air cleaner. A box can be placed in the refrigerator to tackle any offensive smells that may arise. To keep the carpets in your home smelling sweet, sprinkling some baking soda and allow to absorb a little before you vacuum. Another great use is in the litter box; a sprinkle a day will keep anyone from knowing that you have a cat or cats.

In the laundry

Baking soda is also very helpful in the laundry. Not only can it be used as a stain remover in a pre-soak, it will help to freshen the clothes as well.

These are just a few of the many uses of baking soda around the house. Additionally, it can help as an antacid if you have indigestion and can whiten your teeth and freshen your breath. All this on top of its use as a leavening agent in your baking.