Most people keep baking soda in the kitchens for things like baking, deodorizing the refrigerator, and pouring down drains to get rid of the damp smell. Baking soda can be used for multiple purposes throughout the home and can often replace more expensive products.
Dishwasher Deodorizer
Sometimes dishwasher can acquire a musty or mildew smell that transfers to plastics and other porous materials. To solve the issue of dishwasher smells toss a handful of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher between washes. The baking soda has the added bonus of giving your glassware and extra sparkle.
Wallpaper Washer
Wallpaper can become dusty and dirty just like painted walls; however, using the same cleaners on wallpaper that you would use on painted walls is a mistake. Harsh chemicals found in wall cleaners can eat away at the integrity of wallpaper leaving unattractive mars. To clean wallpaper, make a thick paste from baking soda and water. Rub the paste on the wallpaper in circular motions. Allow to dry and then brush off. Remove any residue with a damp cloth.
For older and more delicate wallpapers, test the paste in a small unseen corner before cleaning the entire wall. Some older types of wallpaper have raised or flocked designs that may come off when cleaning. Other types of older wallpaper were made of several layers of rice paper subjecting them to easy tearing.
Furniture Blancher
To spruce up white painted furniture used a solution of one quart warm water and one tablespoon baking soda. Using a soft cloth or sponge wash the furniture and let air dry.
Battery Saver
Car batteries can build up battery acid on and around the connection terminals. To remove battery acid from terminals use a paste of three parts baking soda and one part water. Disconnect battery before cleaning. For safety, always wear protective goggles and rubber gloves to protect eyes and hands when cleaning the terminals. Apply paste on and around terminal post using and old toothbrush. Scrub gently until all battery acid is removed. Rinse with water and wipe dry. Make sure terminals are completely dry before reconnecting.
Grill Scourer
Any ease way to clean grills and oven racks is to allow them to soak in a solution of ¼ cup baking soda for every quart of warm water. Soak for about twenty minutes to remove grease and encrusted food from the racks; for stubborn spots use baking soda on a damp sponge and scrub. Rinse the grills and oven racks thoroughly with water and dry.
Dog Shampoo
Baking soda can be used as a dry shampoo to clean your dog’s coat. Rub dry baking soda into fur and let stand for ten minutes; using a pet brush, brush dog’s coat to remove baking soda. This is a quick solution for dogs that are hesitant to be bathed and is a quick refresher for between fully fledged baths.
Two tablespoons of baking soda can also be added to your dog’s bathwater to add extra luster and softness to your dog’s coat.
Skin Emollient
Sometimes skin can become so dry that no amount of moisturizer seems to help. On those occasions soak in a warm bath containing a ½ cup of baking soda. The baking soda will help your skin absorb the moisture that it needs leaving your skin feeling softer and smoother.
Sting Slave
Sooner or later everyone ends up with a bee sting; baking soda can provide relief from the pain and itch of a sting. A paste made of equal parts baking soda and water applied to the sting will give almost instant relief; let sit for a few minute before brushing off. If the stinger is still in the wound remove before applying paste.
Hopefully, these simple solutions will provide some helpful remedies to everyday problems.
