How to Clean with Baking Soda
When it comes to household versatility, baking soda is king. Here are just some of the many cleaning uses for sodium bicarbonate.
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You Will Need
- Baking soda
- Water
- A sponge
- A vacuum
- Salt
- White vinegar
- Laundry detergent
- A cotton swab
- A toothbrush
- A bowl
Steps
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Step 1
Remove stains
Get rid of stains on countertops, sinks, bathtubs, and any nonporous surface you can think of with a paste of three parts baking soda to one part water. Apply the paste to a damp sponge, scrub away, and rinse.
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Baking soda works well on metallic surfaces, like chrome or stainless steel. It won’t scratch the surface, but it’s abrasive enough to remove residue and leave the metal shining.
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Step 2
Reduce odors
An open box of baking soda in the refrigerator or a cupboard will absorb odors and excess moisture. A sprinkle in shoes and socks helps reduce foot odor. To combat a stinky carpet, drizzle with dry baking soda and vacuum it up after 15 minutes.
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Using a bowl instead of an open container is more effective because more baking soda is exposed.
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Step 3
Deter ants
Ant infestation? Sprinkling equal parts baking soda and salt near high-traffic ant areas will keep them in their place.
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Step 4
Unclog drains
Pour half a cup of baking soda into a clogged drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Let the solution bubble for a few minutes, and then flush it down with plenty of hot water. This method won’t clear heavy-duty clogs, but it works well for minor ones.
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Step 5
Keep laundry bright
Add a half-cup of baking soda to a load of wash along with your regular detergent. It helps keep clothes brighter, longer.
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Step 6
Wash brushes and combs
To remove oil and dirt from hairbrushes and combs, first remove excess hair; then soak in a tall container of warm water with a teaspoon of baking soda.
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Step 7
Reduce bug-bite itch
To reduce itching, mix baking soda with just enough water to make a paste, and apply it with a cotton swab to the bug bite. The paste can also help relieve a painful sunburn.
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Step 8
Whiten your teeth
Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda onto a wet toothbrush to clean and whiten your teeth naturally. Practice this method sparingly, as it will wear down your enamel if used too often.
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In 2007, a company unveiled a process that converts harmful carbon dioxide emissions from smokestacks into consumer-grade baking soda.
