The most common use of baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is in cooking. It acts as a leavening agent that helps baked goods rise.
But this versatile product is being used successfully for so much more than cooking. Here are some of the ways those of us at HealthCompany.com use baking soda.
Baking Soda as an Odor Absorber
If there is a bad odor in your house, the chances are that baking soda can help neutralize it:
- Keeping an open box of baking soda in your refrigerator helps absorb objectionable odors.
- Sprinkle a little bit of baking soda over the litter in your cat's litter box to help keep the odor down.
- Pour about a tablespoon of baking soda into your drain, let it sit for about an hour, then run hot water down after it to help keep foul drain smells away.
- A little baking soda sprinkled into shoes can eliminate their nasty odors.
- Baking soda can be used to make homemade deodorants and avoid the potential dangers of conventional antiperspirants.
- Dissolve 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda into a cup of water and use it to rinse your mouth out to combat bad breath.
Basically, if it's stinky, a little baking soda should help.
Remove Splinters and Stingers with Baking Soda
If you have been stung by a bee or you have a splinter, make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the area. Allow it to dry, and rinse it off gently. Not only can this help relieve the pain, but it can also draw the splinter or stinger out for you.
Ease Hard-Boiled Egg Peeling with Baking Soda
Hard-boiled eggs are nutritious, easy, and fast as part of a protein-packed breakfast or for a healthy snack when you're in a hurry. But nothing is more frustrating than trying to peel a hard-boiled egg that's being stubborn.
When you boil your eggs, add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda to the water, and you'll find that your eggs peel easily every time.
Baking Soda Can Help with Heartburn
Baking soda can neutralize the stomach acids that are causing your heartburn. Dissolve 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 8 ounces of water and drink it for heartburn relief.
Be sure to talk with your doctor if your heartburn is excessive or frequent. Not for use in children. May be contraindicated if you are taking certain medications; check with your doctor or pharmacist. High doses of baking soda orally can be dangerous; use infrequently for mild heartburn.
Baking Soda Is a Great Exfoliator
Mix 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with a cup of water and scrub your face or feet with it, then rinse and pat dry.
You can also wash your hands with the mixture to get rid of odors from chopping onions or garlic, and your hands will feel nice and soft afterward, too.
Baking Soda Can Whiten Your Teeth
You can use 2 teaspoons of baking soda, add enough water to make a paste, and apply it to your teeth. Let it sit for about 1 minute, then rinse it off well (don't swallow). Brush your teeth with your regular toothpaste afterward.
You can do this routine 2-3 times per week, but check with your dentist first. Baking soda is abrasive, so you need to take care with this method; you do not want to damage your enamel.
Clean and Deodorize Your Carpet
Sprinkle baking soda all over your carpet, and let it sit for about 15 minutes before vacuuming for a chemical-free carpet cleaner.
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