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What’s something we all have in our pantry but don’t use as much as we could? Baking soda! This little box of powder probably only gets brought out when you’re baking, but it can do so much more. From your beauty routine to cleaning and everything in between, we’ve chosen our 11 favorite ways to use baking soda everyday. Happy hacking!
1) Whiten your teeth:
No need to pay for expensive teeth whitening treatments, or even dropping a few more dollars on store-bought pastes or strips! Baking soda is a great way to whiten your teeth at home. To use this remedy, mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 teaspoons of water and brush your teeth with the paste. You can do this a few times per week.
2) Shine your silver:
Over time, your silver kitchen accessories can start to lose their shine, but baking soda can solve that problem! Simply make a paste of 3-parts baking soda to 1-part water to scrub the sliver, then rinse off with water.
3) Freshen your trash can:
Trash cans are often the culprit if your kitchen is beginning to smell, so sprinkle some baking soda into the bottom of the can to make sure the odor doesn’t get out of control.
4) Clean your veggies:
To get your fruits and veggies squeaky clean, sprinkle some baking soda on a damp sponge and scrub!
5) Stop your mosquito bite itch:
Spending summer evenings outside can lead to some itchy bites! A paste of baking soda and water can help to ease the itch. To make a paste, mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with enough water to form a paste. Apply to your bug bite and let sit for up to 10 minutes before washing the paste off your skin.
6) Freshen your cutting board:
Sometimes soap and water aren’t enough for your cutting board, and in that case you can sprinkle the board with baking soda and wash with water.
7) Revive your smelly sponges:
Kitchen sponges go up against some tough messes, and they deserve a little pampering every now and then. If you have a smelly sponge you aren’t ready to throw out, soak it in water with 4 tablespoons of baking soda. Want another trick to make your life easier? Prop your sponge up to dry by securing a binder clip onto one end and standing the sponge up with the clip arms.
8) Deodorize your litter box:
So your child has successfully cared for a starter pet, and they are moving up to cat care. Make sure they sprinkle a little baking soda under the litter (and again on top in between changes), to keep the cat box as fresh as possible.
9) Soak your feet:
There can be hidden health risks to pedicures at a nail salon, so save both time and money with an at home foot soak! Dissolve 3 tablespoons of baking soda into a tub of warm water, dip your feet in, and relax.
10) Maintain your septic system:
Septic tank issues can be expensive and messy, so dump a cup of baking soda down the drain once a week to maintain pH levels in the tank.
11) Relieve itching from eczema:
Baking soda is not a cure for eczema, but it may help relieve the itch associated with it. The National Eczema Association recommends adding 1/4 cup baking soda to a warm (not hot) bath and soaking for 10 to 15 minutes. Gently towel dry your skin and moisturize afterwards.
It’s amazing how much baking soda can do!
Looking for other household hacks? 12 Genius Honey Hacks That Will Literally Change Your Life.
