Clever uses for bicarbonate of soda
Safe, inexpensive and incredibly versatile, bicarbonate of soda – otherwise known as baking soda – can do so much more than help bread and cakes rise.
It’s a powerful natural remedy and household cleaner in its own right – for the price of less than two pounds you have an ingredient that’s more capable than many of its more expensive, chemical-laden counterparts.
Here are some clever uses for baking soda to try at home.
Clear a clogged drain
If you have a clogged drain, instead of using chemicals, try this simple solution instead. Sprinkle a cup of bicarbonate of soda into the drain, then follow with a cup of hot vinegar. Wait several minutes, then flush the drain with boiling water.
Remove pesticides
If you’re worried about lingering dirt, wax or pesticides on your fruit and veg, try washing with baking soda. Add two tablespoons to a bowl of water and then gently soak your fruit and veg for a few minutes to dissolve anything unwanted on your produce.
Clean your toothbrush
Remove bacteria from your toothbrush to help prevent spreading germs after you or someone in your home has been sick. Soak the toothbrush in baking soda and warm water – leave for a few hours or overnight. It works with hairbrushes, too!
Remove grease
Baking soda can also help you cut through baked-on grease on pots and pans. Add a spoonful of bicarbonate of soda to your dish detergent to make it even more effective. If you have a heavily burned pan, leave it soaking overnight in a few inches of water and a spoonful of bicarb – by the morning it will be easy to scrub away.
Musty carpets
If old rugs and carpets around the home have a tendency to smell less-than-fresh, try sprinkling the area with baking soda. Let it sit for at least thirty minutes, then hoover to remove the bicarbonate of soda – it will absorb any foul smells with it.
Remove crayon
If you have a budding young artist in the family who sometimes likes to use walls as well as paper for their creations, don’t fret. Instead of repainting, you can remove crayon by scrubbing lightly with a damp sponge that has been sprinkled with bicarbonate of soda.
Whiten laundry
Baking soda is also a very useful stain remover, and works very well with laundry. You can pre-treat specific stains or add ½ cup to your white wash along with any bleach to help keep your laundry looking as good as new.
Relieve bites
Baking soda can also be used to relieve insect bites and reduce sunburn. Mix a small amount of bicarbonate of soda with water to create a paste and spread it over any small bites. For sunburn, add a scoop to a warm bath and soak to help relieve itching and burning.
Do you know any clever uses for baking soda? Share your wisdom in the comments below!
Rachel - Silversurfers Assistant Editor
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