Baking soda, a remarkably versatile product, has been utilized for centuries in traditional medicine, cleaning, and cooking. While well-known for its ability to prevent and treat conditions like acid reflux, gastritis, and arthritis, the benefits and uses of baking soda span across a wide range of areas, including plant care and household cleaning. Here are 20 surprising uses of baking soda that you might not be familiar with:
- Stain Removal:
- Sprinkle baking soda on oil and grease stains, then scrub with a damp brush.
- Surface Cleaning:
- Use baking soda to clean surfaces like bathtubs or kitchen countertops. Dust baking soda on the surface, scrub with a wet sponge, let it sit for 5 minutes, and then wipe clean.
- Floor Cleaning:
- Add 80 grams of baking soda to a bucket of water for a natural floor cleaner.
- Laundry Booster:
- Enhance the effectiveness of your laundry detergent by adding 80 grams of baking soda.
- Shoe Deodorizer:
- Place one or two tablespoons of baking soda in shoes before storing to eliminate odors.
- Teeth Cleaning:
- Mix equal parts baking soda and water to create a toothpaste for thorough cleaning and whitening.
- Exfoliant:
- Combine 3/4 baking soda with 1/4 water for a gentle face or body scrub; rinse after applying in circular motions.
- Deodorant:
- Mix a pinch of baking soda with a few drops of water and apply directly to the underarms.
- Foot Fatigue Relief:
- Soak feet in warm water with 3 tablespoons of baking soda for a few minutes.
- Detox Bath:
- Add a cup of baking soda to a warm bath to expel toxins and purify the skin.
- Splinter Removal:
- Mix a spoonful of baking soda with water and apply to the affected area to ease splinter extraction.
- Insect Bite Relief:
- Mix water and baking soda, then apply to insect bites for itch relief and quicker healing.
- Fungal Disease Prevention for Plants:
- Mix 3 liters of water with 4 tablespoons of baking soda; apply to roses and fruit plants to combat black spots caused by fungi.
- Plant Pesticide:
- Pour a tablespoon of baking soda into a water bottle and spray on plants to eliminate pests.
- Ant and Cockroach Repellent:
- Sprinkle baking soda on plant soil to deter ants and cockroaches.
Baking soda’s versatility extends far beyond the kitchen, offering a natural and cost-effective solution for various everyday challenges.
