Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a versatile and handy household item that you probably have in your pantry. As the name suggests, baking soda is most commonly used for baking. However, in addition to making your cakes and cookies extra fluffy, it can also be used to achieve a deeper and more natural clean.
Baking soda is a naturally occurring substance, meaning it is free of the harmful chemicals found in most traditional cleaning products. In addition to being better for your health, natural cleaning products are also better for the environment and provide a more sustainable solution to staying clean. Whether you’re whipping up a batch of chocolate chip cookies or doing spring cleaning in the kitchen, baking soda is here to save the day!
Ready to kick harsh chemicals to the curb and discover the magic of baking soda? Here are our three favorite ways to use this grocery store staple.
Green Cleaning Tips
Neutralize Odors
From garbage disposals to trash bins, baking soda helps to neutralize odors so that your home can smell like spring all year long. Rather than masking the scent, baking soda eliminates odor particles, resulting in a deeper level of deodorization. Simply spread some baking soda at the bottom of your garbage bin to prevent foul fumes until it’s time to take out the trash.
Fruit and Veggie Wash
Pesky pesticides can be a real problem for people looking to eat as healthy and clean as possible. However, baking soda makes removing pesticides from your fruits and veggies as easy as one, two, three. Rather than peeling your produce and missing out on the nutrient-dense skin, simply soak them in a solution of baking soda and water for about 15 minutes. For every two cups of water used, add one teaspoon of baking soda.
Stain Remover
Stains can affect everything from your clothes to your carpet, and sometimes they seem impossible to remove. Nonetheless, a simple combination of vinegar and baking soda can remove even the most stubborn of stains. Start by sprinkling some baking soda over the stain and then mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the stain with your solution and allow it to dry for one hour before scrubbing the baking soda loose. Upon vacuuming or wiping off the residue, your stuff should look good as new!
To learn more about the other 174 uses for baking soda, visit our friends at Arm and Hammer to get inspired!