Everything else.. 5 Uses for Baking Soda

5 Uses for Baking Soda

2017 May 19

If you go check your pantry right now, chances are there’ll be a weathered box of baking soda just sitting there. Even though it’s technically supposed to be for making baked goods, its uses are surprisingly varied. From acting as a deodorant to a pesticide, baking soda seems to be quite the handy household item to have around.

1. Itch Reliever

You know those pesky little maduruwas circling around everywhere in this little tropical island of ours? And how their bites drive you insane with the need to itch them? Well, baking soda can help with that. Mix some with water and apply the paste on your skin. It offers some relief from the itching and helps soothe your irritated skin. You can do the same if you have an allergic reaction as well.

2. Exfoliator

Did you know that baking soda is perfect for getting rid of dead skin? Make a paste where the ratio of baking soda to water is 3:1, and gently rub it on your face and body, and rinse if off. The mixture isn’t too strong at all and therefore perfect for daily use. Ideal for when you’ve run out of your expensive exfoliator scrub and need that smooth, glowing look in a hurry.  

3. Hair Care

Take a break from putting all that coconut oil on your hair (now that it’s all the rage) and give baking soda a chance. It’s great at getting rid of any harmful chemicals in your hair, (you know, the type that’s in almost every shampoo you use), as well as other grime and unnecessary oils. Just add a teaspoon or two to your shampoo for healthier and shinier hair. Be careful with this one though, because if you use it too much and too many times, your hair can dry out.

4. Oral Hygiene

Turns out, baking soda works wonder on your teeth and helps whiten and polish them. Just mix some baking soda with water and leave the paste on your teeth for 5 minutes, no more than once a week. It helps with plaque removal as well and keeping your breath fresh, so dip your toothbrush in a little baking soda, and get to brushing for a smile as white as the baking soda itself and less vile morning breath.  

Make sure that you don’t do this too often, however, as excessive use of baking soda on your teeth is said to be too harsh on the enamel.

5. Home Cleaner and Deodoriser  

Use a damp rag sprinkled with baking soda to do away with any dirt or smells in your sinks, microwaves, bathtubs and tiles; have them sparkling after a thorough scrubbing. Also, make a paste of three parts baking soda and one part water, rub it on your silverware and rinse it off after a few minutes. You’ll see them look squeaky clean in no time.

Baking soda has deodorising powers as well, so sprinkling some in your garbage cans or inside your shoes will get rid of any nasty smells that may be coming from them. You can even combine your favourite essential oils with baking soda and water, and make your own air fresheners.  

There are many things you can do with this useful little ingredient but we’ve listed just 5 down for you. Go forth and put your newly gained knowledge of baking soda to good use. Fair warning that your family might get excited thinking that you’re going to bake something yummy when you go looking for that baking soda in order to get that glossy hair, but oh well.

    single_template_7.php
single_template_7.php