The Chicago Journal

Baking Soda Isn’s Just for Cooking

Surprisingly, there are so many ways to use baking soda that isn’t familiar to everybody. Baking soda is not just for cooking but not limited to the kitchen because aside from home hacks that we learn it also has many health advantages more than we could ever imagine. 

Disinfect Toothbrush

Baking soda can eliminate the bacteria that stick to our toothbrush with just water and vinegar. After 30 minutes of soaking it will be good as new.

Mouthwash

As an alternative to mouthwash it can be made at home with baking soda and warm water. This way you’ll have a fresher breath as well as antibacterial and antimicrobial benefits.

Whiter and Brighter Clothing

Baking soda is an alkali, meaning it is a soluble salt that can get rid of stains. If you’re looking to brighten up your laundry without wasting money at the dry cleaner, just add 1 cup of baking soda your normal load and you’ll have brighter and fresher clothing by the end.

Clean Dirty Fruit and Vegetables

A great way to clean your vegetables and fruits is to soak them in baking soda and water and then finish off with a good scrub and you’ll have clean food in no time.

Clean Rugs and Carpets

Whether you have young children, pets, or a dirty husband, your rug or carpet will inevitably collect stains over the years. Add a good amount of baking soda combined with hot water and wait for the combination to absorb overnight. Afterward, you can finish off with a vacuum and you’ll have a fresh new carpet.

Deodorant

Baking Soda deodorant is an excellent way to leave a fresh smell under your apartment, and avoid chemical exposure. Mix baking soda and water and give a little rub under your pits for better results.

Air Freshener

Brand air fresheners are quite poor at their intended job. Not only do they mask bad smells instead of getting rid of them but we also are completely unaware of the chemicals involved. Baking soda is a safer alternative to air fresheners and is better because it manages to fix the problem.

Bathroom Cleaner

This is the most common home hacks of baking soda. And true enough, it can be extremely difficult getting rid of the marks on the bathroom floor or bathtub. The water stains just won’t go away and you want to scream. There are plenty of products out there for you to try but baking soda can do the job much more effectively and for half the price.

Polishing Silverware

Silverware is great until it tarnishes and its time to throw it away. Baking soda is a great tool as it creates a chemical reaction to get rid of these tarnish marks. Just apply a little and rub down to get shiny and polishing results.

Cleaning Shoes

Stinky shoes are the worst and especially when your friends are laughing at you because of it. Pour in 2 tablespoons of baking soda into the shoes and leave it there for a sufficient period until the fabric has fully soaked up the product.

Garbage Disposal Odors

Sometimes we get so used to disposing of items in the garbage disposal that we forget about the terrible smell it may create. However, if you run hot water for a minute, add 1/4 baking soda and turn on the disposal for about 2 minutes, and finally 10 minutes later add vinegar, you will see bubbles forming and viola a fresh smell.

Whiten Your Teeth

Apply with water on to your toothbrush and your stained teeth will be gone.

Lighten Dark Underarms

The best way to get rid of these dark marks quickly so you can flaunt your new bathing suit is to rub baking soda and water for 30 minutes, 2-3 a week.

Cure Dandruff

Rather than wasting your time on shampoos you should rub in dandruff to your scalp and let it soak in the shower for the best results. Just don’t forget to rinse it out after.

Make Your Floors Shine

Seeing your floors deteriorate is a painful experience. You want the shine to last forever and your dread the possibility of branking the bank to restore them. Instead, you can combine baking soda in a warm bucket of water and mop your floors to make them shine instantly.

Clean Walls

If you’re children suddenly get creative edges don’t worry because baking soda can fix this mess right away. Put some on a wet cloth and rub subtly. 

Keep Flowers Fresh

Receiving flowers is such a nice gesture, however it’s rather sad when they die faster than you were hoping. If you want to keep up the freshness then you can add a teaspoon of baking soda to water for a longer life expectancy.

Oil Spills

That’s when baking soda absorbs grease/oil on any cloth. Apply the product and scrape off any leftover grease. All it to sit for 10-15 minutes so it fully absorbs. Then you can finish it off by vacuuming or washing in a cold cycle.

Cloth Furniture

Cloth furniture, unfortunately, absorbs odors and smells after sitting for a long time. To keep your items fresh, just apply baking soda and allow it to sit overnight. Then get rid of it by vacuuming over.

Dry Shampoo

Baking soda is the dominant ingredient in baking soda and you can make your product without spending the extra dollar. Add some to your hairbrush and apply through your hair and viola, say goodbye to excess hair oils and hello to volume and shine.

Fabric Softener

Fabric softeners are rich in actually toxic chemicals. Baking soda has another great hack you definitely are not acquainted with. With a half cup of baking soda, you can replace this product and have softer clothes.

Clean Fridge

Refrigerators can build up bad smells after long periods and it’s important to clean them regularly. If you want to fully clean the fridge, you should place a small pot of baking soda in your fridge to absorb the excess smells. You can even wipe down all the shelves with a damp cloth that has baking soda, before rinsing.

Remove Mold and Mildew

Getting rid of the pests mildew stains all over your bathroom can be frustrating. With a sponge and baking soda, you can say goodbye to the struggle and the mold because you’ll have a shining bathroom in no time.

Washing Machine

Washing machine sounds smelly? No fret! You can easily fix this by doing a large hot load with no clothing and only baking soda and vinegar. This way your washer will be mold-free.

Treat Athlete’s Foot

We’re fully convinced that baking soda is that best and it just better. It also has antifungal qualities that allowed it to stop fungal growth in human skin and nail infections. If you have this kind of problem you can treat it using baking soda paste, rinse, and dry. You can also add baby powder afterward.

Opinions expressed by The Chicago Journal contributors are their own.