Baking soda, also known as “Sodium Bicarbonate,” is a common household item best known for its useful addition to baking. However, you might be surprised to learn that this product is not just for cooking. Baking soda is a versatile ingredient found in various products and has surprisingly many health benefits. Here are the 35+ baking soda uses that you may not have known about!
35+ Baking Soda Hacks That You May Not Be Aware Of
Clean Your Produce
Baking soda is the most effective way to remove those filthy pesticides from your fruits and vegetables. Soak your produce in a bowl with 1 teaspoon baking soda per 2 cups water, or scrub with a damp sponge, and voila!
Clean Your Produce
Clean Rugs And Carpets
By sprinkling bicarbonate of soda on your carpet, you can freshen it up and get rid of those stains. Pour hot water over the rug after sprinkling a generous amount over it. Allow the mixture to soak in overnight before vacuuming over the top for best results. Reapply the mixture a few times if the stain is difficult to remove. Your carpet looks brand new in no time, and your wallet didn’t have to bear the costs!
Clean Rugs And Carpets
Mouthwash
Tired of having bad breath that refuses to go away no matter how hard you try? Mouthwash is a great way to get to those hard-to-reach areas of your mouth that a toothbrush can’t. Baking soda is a great way to freshen your breath while also providing antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. This recipe is straightforward to make, requiring only half a teaspoon of baking soda, warm water, and mixing as needed.
Mouthwash
Deodorant
Baking soda can be used as a deodorant supplement to eliminate odors without exposing your body to chemicals. All you’ll need is a pinch of baking soda and a glass of water. You’ll smell as good as new after rubbing this mixture under your arms.
Deodorant
Air Freshener
Most commercial air fresheners mask unpleasant odors rather than eliminating them. Also, do we even know what chemicals these bottles contain? No, it’s not true! Baking soda is a safer alternative because it interacts with the odors rather than simply masking them.
Air Freshener
Whiter And Brighter Clothing
To get cleaner and brighter clothes, add 1 cup of baking soda to your laundry along with your regular detergent. Baking soda is an alkali, a soluble salt that aids in the removal of stains. When it interacts with the acids in the stains, it helps in their removal.
Whiter And Brighter Clothing
Bathroom Cleaner
Bathrooms are notoriously difficult to keep clean. It makes you want to pull your hair out when you see those stubborn bathtub marks. There are a variety of cleaning products available, but baking soda is the most cost-effective option. It not only cleans but also disinfects bathroom surfaces. Make your mixture, rub it into the desired area/s, and wipe it clean after 20 minutes.
Bathroom Cleaner
Polishing Silverware
Look at how nice these items are when they’re shiny and clean! Baking soda is useful because it starts a chemical reaction that removes tarnish marks. Observe the chemical reaction that occurs when you pour hot water mixed with baking soda over the silverware. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the outcome!
Polishing Silverware
Spa Treatment
You’re exhausted from a long week at work, but you don’t have the funds to take a relaxing vacation? By combining a hot bath with 1 oz of sprinkled baking soda, you can create a spa in your own bathtub. You didn’t waste any money, and you didn’t even have to leave the house!
Spa Treatment
Disinfect Toothbrush
Cleaning your toothbrush is probably not something you think about daily. This is especially important now that the cold and flu season has arrived. Consider this: you’re putting this in your mouth every day; we want it to be as clean as possible! When combined with water and vinegar, baking soda can kill all bacteria. You’ll have a clean toothbrush in 30 minutes.
Disinfect Toothbrush
Treating Bug Bites
It’s not a good idea to use baking soda on your skin every day. However, it is effective in reducing the redness, itching, and stinging associated with insect bites. The majority of the creams recommended contain baking soda, but you can make your own with just baking soda and water!
Treating Bug Bites
Burnt Pot
You’ve tried everything and are about to toss your favorite pot out the window because you scorched the bottom while cooking. The absolute worst! Accidents like these can be difficult to clean up, but that was before you heard about this baking soda solution. Combine boiling water and baking soda and pour over the burned areas.
Burnt Pot
Cleaning Shoes
Baking soda is your go-to solution for getting rid of stinky shoes, which can be embarrassing. Pour 2 tablespoons of baking soda into two pairs of clothes. For the best results, tie the fabrics together and leave them in the shoes.
Cleaning Shoes
Heartburn
Acid reflux, also known as heartburn, is a burning sensation that travels from your throat to your stomach, essentially down your esophagus. Overeating, stress, spicy foods, and certain fruits can all contribute to it. It can be excruciatingly painful, but before you discovered baking soda, it alleviated the problem by neutralizing stomach acid. You should be feeling better in no time if you drink a glass of water with 1 teaspoon of baking soda in it.
Heartburn
Fluffy Omelet
They make it seem like omelets aren’t enough to keep people going throughout the day if they don’t like eggs. This produces carbon dioxide bubbles and lightens the omelet by adding 1/2 teaspoon for every 3 eggs. Your eggs will look fuller and taste better as well!
Fluffy Omelet
Cleaning Drains
Blocked drains are the worst, whether they’re in your kitchen or bathroom. All you need is vinegar, baking soda, and a pot of boiling water, and your drain will be obvious in 5-10 minutes!
Cleaning Drains
Garbage Disposal Odors
Now and then, something goes down the garbage disposal that emits a foul odor. The baking soda-vinegar solution comes into play at this point. Start by running a minute of hot water through your garbage disposal. After that, pour 1/4 baking soda into the drain and run it for 2 seconds. After 10 minutes, add 1 cup of vinegar and watch the bubbles form. Finish with a rinse under running water, and your kitchen will smell as good as new.
Garbage Disposals
Whiten Your Teeth
Too much of these guilty pleasures can have unintended consequences, such as color shifts. If you don’t want to give up these hot beverages, you could end up spending more than half of your salary on dental products and cleaning. We have the most effective way to keep your pearly whites looking bright and healthy! Use a quarter teaspoon of baking soda mixed with water and a toothbrush to apply.
Whiten Your Teeth
Sore Throat
Do you suffer from recurrent sore throats or, worse, strep throat? This illness can be extremely unpleasant, and taking too many antibiotics can be dangerous to your health. Gargle three times a day with baking soda for quick and healthy relief!
Sore Throat
Whiten Yellow Nails
Some of us can’t seem to stop ourselves from leaving our nail polish on for too long and then picking it off until our nails turn yellow. By combining baking soda with a small amount of peroxide, you can easily remove these stains. Scrub the mixture on your nails after that, and your nails will be back to normal in no time.
Yellow White Nails
Lighten Dark Underarms
Nothing is more humiliating than having dark underarms when summer is just around the corner. To accomplish this, all you’ll need is baking soda, water, and a bowl. Make the mixture, then apply it to the affected area and massage it for 1 minute. Allow it to sit for up to 30 minutes before washing it off with warm water. For best results, repeat this process 2-3 times per week.
Lighten Dark Underarms
Exercise Performace
Baking soda can also be beneficial to athletes. This supplement can help you maintain peak performance for longer, especially during high-intensity workouts. Baking soda works by delaying the onset of fatigue as your workout intensity increases. That’s something we didn’t expect!
Exercise Performance
Chronic Kidney Disease
The function of one’s kidneys gradually deteriorates as a result of chronic kidney disease. Kidney function is critical for our health because it removes excess water and waste from our blood. Baking soda, thankfully, can help slow the progression of this disease and can be taken as a supplement.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Kill Weeds
Sprinkle some baking soda in the cracks of your driveway and sidewalk to keep those pesky weeds away from your house. Repeat as needed to pass the time without having to pull weeds!
Kill Weeds
Clean The Microwave
Using a clean, damp sponge, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda. Rinse well with warm water after gently rubbing it all over the inside and outside of the microwave. Your microwave will look and smell brand new after this, with no harsh chemical residue left behind.
Clean The Microwave
Melt Ice On Driveway
If you live somewhere with harsh winters, you know the agony of having a driveway covered in ice, both emotionally and possibly physically. If you’re in a pinch and don’t have any road salt on hand, try sprinkling baking soda on your driveway instead. It’s not as strong as salt, but it’ll do the job just fine!
Melt Ice On Driveway
Cure Dandruff
If you have dandruff and have tried everything you can think of to get rid of it, we have another suggestion for you. Instead of shampoo, massage your wet scalp with a handful of baking soda in the shower for a few weeks. Make sure to rinse it thoroughly!
Cure Dandruff
Clean Your Hairbrush
Soak your hairbrush or comb in a solution of 1 teaspoon of baking soda and a small amount of warm water to restore its appearance. Rinse and dry thoroughly before using it.
Clean Your Hairbrush
Make Your Grill Sparkle
When summer arrives, and the weather warms up, there’s nothing better than gathering the family in the backyard for a family barbecue. After sitting unused for the winter, your grill will require a thorough cleaning to return to its former glory. Scrub the grate with baking soda and a damp brush, then rinse.
Make Your Grill Sparkle
Make Your Floors Shine
If you have wood or tile floors, you understand the agony of watching the shine fade away, as well as the high cost of repairing them. Dissolve 100g of baking soda in a bucket of warm water to brighten a dull floor finish at home. Clean your floors by mopping and rinsing them.
Make Your Floors Shine
Appliances Like New
Appliances like your dishwasher or coffeemaker can become less clean and fresh after a long period of use. To solve the problem, run an empty cycle with a scoop of baking soda inside the dishwasher and coffeemaker.
Appliances Like New
Litter Box
This one is for cat lovers. Nobody wants their cat’s litter box to emit an odor throughout the house, but finding a solution can be difficult at times. To keep pet odors to a minimum, sprinkle baking soda in the litter box before adding the glitter on top.
Litter Box
Exfoliate
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t enjoy a relaxing spa night, but there are times when you need to shake things up. Try making a paste with three parts baking soda and one part water to exfoliate your skin. Rub in gently in a circular motion with your fingertips, then rinse with warm water.
Exfoliate
Hair Treatment
Everyone wants their hair to be healthy and strong. Mix a little baking soda into your conditioner and lather it on your hair to achieve this as a home remedy. This will keep it in good shape and protect it from split ends.
Hair Treatment
Trash Bin Miracle
Nothing is more unpleasant than opening your trash can and being greeted by a foul odor emanating from deep within. Sprinkle a little baking soda in the bottom of your trash bag or bin to solve this dreadful problem. This will aid in the elimination of foul odors.
Trash Bin Miracle
Rain Repellent
Driving in the rain is dangerous enough, but driving in the rain when your windshield wipers aren’t up to par can be impossible. Wipe your windshield with a damp cloth sprinkled with bicarbonate of soda to help repel rain. The next time it rains, you’ll notice the difference.
Rain Repellent
Chicken Pox Cure
Consider yourself one of the lucky ones if you’ve never had chickenpox. If you have, you are aware of the agony and suffering that everyone has experienced! Stir half a tablespoon of baking soda into a glass of water to help relieve itching. Apply the mixture to the body’s affected areas with a soft washcloth and let it dry completely.
Chicken Pox Cure
Clean Food Containers
We’ve all seen how easily food containers can become stained and smelly. It’s no surprise that your containers aren’t looking so great after all of your packed lunches, pasta sauces, and soups. Sprinkle baking soda on a clean sponge and scrub and rinse your containers to restore their shine.
Clean Food Containers
Clean Your Sponges
What’s the point of using a filthy sponge to clean your dishes? You should always check that the sponge you’re using is in good condition. If your sponges have seen better days, soak them overnight in warm water with baking soda and rinse them thoroughly the next morning.
Clean Your Sponges
Pet Bed Odors
Everyone adores their pets above all else, but most people wish they could live without the odors that come with them. If your dog or cat’s bed is starting to smell, sprinkle some baking soda on it, let it sit for 15 minutes, and then vacuum it up. Your pet’s bed will have a fresh scent.
Pet Bed Odors
Canker Sores
Canker sores are pretty common and extremely painful, but what is the best way to relieve the discomfort? We figured it out: rinse your mouth twice a day with baking soda mouthwash until the canker sore goes away. That’s all there is to it!
Canker Sores
Calluses
While calluses aren’t harmful to your health, they can cause pain and discomfort when you apply pressure to them, such as when walking. According to recent research, soaking your calluses in a baking soda bath can soften them, remove any scabbing, and relieve discomfort.
Calluses
Oil Or Grease Fire
When baking soda comes into contact with heat, it produces carbon dioxide, suffocating and extinguishing the fire. This means that baking soda can be used to put out small grease and oil fires. However, don’t expect baking soda to put out large fires, as larger fires absorb more oxygen, which can counteract baking soda’s effects. When in doubt, seek assistance.
Oil Or Grease Fire
Diaper Rash
No parent wants to see their child in pain or discomfort, but a diaper rash is unavoidable at times. Creams and cures can be costly, but a pinch of baking soda in your baby’s bathwater is much less expensive and just as effective. Allow them to soak in it for a while, and they will feel instantly relieved.
Diaper Rash
Clean Walls
Kids have the most vivid imaginations, and they often believe that the entire world—including their own home—is their canvas. Don’t worry if your little Picasso decides to scribble all over the walls with their crayons; there’s a solution. Apply baking soda to a damp cloth and gently rub it in. Wipe down your walls with a clean, dry cloth to restore their appearance.
Clean Walls
Cloth Diapers
If you use cloth diapers on your baby, you’re probably familiar with the struggle of cleaning them and keeping them sanitary for re-use. To keep your diapers in tip-top shape, dissolve 1/2 cup baking soda in 2 quarts of warm water and soak the diapers completely before washing them.
Cloth Diapers
Coat Closet Cleanliness
Have you ever opened your coat closet for the first time since February in October and realized your jackets don’t smell as fresh as you remember? To keep these odors at bay and to freshen the air and your jackets, keep an open box on the shelf in your closet.
Coat Closet Cleanliness
Keep Flowers Fresh
Receiving a bouquet from a loved one is always a joy, but it’s always a disappointment when the flowers fade quickly. Add a teaspoon of baking soda to the vase’s water to keep the flowers fresh for a little longer. This will give them a new outlook on life!
Keep Flowers Fresh
Shower Curtain
They’re usually made of PVC, a hazardous material, and buying a new one can expose you to fumes and harm your health. Especially when inhaling them while in a hot shower. Cleaning shower curtains, believe it or not, is a lot easier than you might think. Combine 1 cup of baking soda, some light-colored towels, and 10 drops of tea tree oil in a laundry basket. Toss the curtain and towels in the washing machine with the mixture on a 40-60 laundry cycle to get a much cleaner result.
Shower Curtain