Household Uses of Baking Soda
Natural Household Cleaning and Other Uses for Bicarbonate of Soda
Mar 23, 2008
Many households are looking for natural alternatives for chemical-laden cleansers. While there is no denying the effectiveness of many chemical cleansers, in many cases natural cleaning products that are just as efficient and far kinder to people and the environment.
Bicarbonate of soda, also commonly referred to as sodium bicarbonate, bicarb soda or baking soda, is a salt and alkaline that neutralises acid. It is a fine white powder that can be used on its own or combined with vinegar and/or water to achieve excellent cleaning results in many areas of the home. Bicarb soda is available in most supermarkets, generally with the baking goods.
Kitchen Cleaning with Bi-carb Soda
- Place an open box or small open container of bicarbonate of soda in the refrigerator or pantry to absorb odours. Replace every three months.
- Eliminate odours in dishwashers by running a cycle without any dishes once a week with bicarb soda in the soap dispenser and vinegar in the rinse-aid compartment. Sprinkle a handful in the bottom of the dishwasher between loads. It will reduce odours and act as an additional cleanser for the next wash.
- Clean tannin-stained tea and coffee mugs by sprinkling some bi-carb soda on a damp cloth and rubbing gently.
- For saucepans that cannot be cleaned with scourers, add cold water and one to two tablespoons of bicarb soda. Bring to the boil and simmer for a few minutes. Empty water from pan and use a steel scourer to remove any residue (ensuring saucepan has had time to cool sufficiently to handle safely).
- To eliminate odours and reduce drain blockages, put half a cup of bi-carb soda and half a cup of vinegar down the kitchen sink drain. Leave for at least an hour then rinse with boiling water (use hot water only for plastic pipes).
Using Bicarbonate of Soda in the Laundry
- Dissolve two to three tablespoons of bicarb soda in a bucket of warm water to pre-soak cloth nappies and/or items with mould or stubborn stains. Allow to soak, then wash items in warm soapy water and dry in the sun.
- As a natural laundry whitener, use 2 teaspoons of bicarb soda in half a bucket of cold water. Soak items for 30 minutes then wash as usual.
- Add half a cup to the washing machine for the rinse cycle to keep clothing and linen fresh.
General Cleaning with Sodium Bicarbonate
- Sprinkle sodium bicarbonate into smelly sports shoes and leave for a few days to reduce foot odour.
- Make a paste with three parts sodium bicarbonate to one part water (adjust to suit individual needs). Use as an alternative to Gumption or other paste cleansers.
- Sprinkle carpets with sodium bicarbonate, leave for a few minutes, then vacuum as usual to help eliminate household odours. This also works on pet bedding and car upholstery. Sprinkle and leave for 15 minutes before vacuuming.
- Freshen children’s stuffed toys by sprinkling with bicarb soda. Leave for 15 minutes, then brush off residue.
Personal Uses for Bi-carb Soda
- Dissolve half a cup in warm bathwater for a relaxing bath that will leave skin feeling smooth and refreshed. This can also help to soothe sunburned skin.
- Use a paste of bicarb soda and water as an occasional toothpaste alternative to keep teeth clean and white.
- Mix three parts bicarb to one part water for a gentle facial scrub.
Versatile, Convenient and Inexpensive
Bicarbonate of soda is a useful product to have on hand as a first option for cleaning and eliminating household odours.
References:
- The House Book (Murdoch Books, 2006)
- Spotless (ABC Books, 2005)
 |
