What do you think of when you hear the word “baking soda”? Maybe it makes you think of your favorite cookies, like chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin. Baking soda is an easy-to-find household product that you can use in a variety of creative ways, not just the practical uses like baking cookies. That’s right – this versatile substance has many uses around the house! Read on to find out different creative ways to use baking soda at home.
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Freshening Up Sweaty Sneakers
Your sneakers can get pretty stinky, especially if you wear them all the time. If you have some baking soda on hand, you can freshen them up in a snap! Just fill a small bag with baking soda and place it in your sneakers overnight. Not only will baking soda get rid of the smell, but it will also absorb any sweat so your shoes won’t be wet. Your feet will be very happy and thankful to you for the added freshness! Also, this trick will work for any type of shoe, not just sneakers.
Helps Soothe Bug Bites
It’s a pain to get bug bites – not only are they itchy, but some people may develop an allergic reaction. To help soothe the itchiness of these unwelcome visitors (and prevent any further problems), mix water and baking soda until you form a thick paste. Then, apply the paste over your bug bite like you would with an ointment. The paste will help reduce the itchiness of your bug bite. It’s better to use this treatment at night before you sleep to get the most relief overnight.
Clean Brushes And Combs
You probably clean your hairbrush or comb with soap and water once or twice a month, but did you know that you can use baking soda to deep-clean it every week? Simply sprinkle some baking soda on the bristles of your brush and scrub them gently using an old toothbrush. Rinse with warm water and watch the baking soda come right off. For combs, create a paste out of baking soda and water and apply it to the comb. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water. The paste will help get rid of any built-up hair products or residue.
Whiten Teeth
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to whiten your teeth before having friends or family over, grab some baking soda! Just mix water and baking powder until you get a thick paste. Then, apply the paste all over your teeth like you would with regular toothpaste. Leave it on for about two minutes before rinsing off. The baking soda will help remove any surface stains on your teeth. Just be careful not to use this treatment too often, as it might start to wear down your tooth enamel over time.
Sanitize Sponges
Sponges are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, but did you know that baking soda can help kill these germs? It’s not always possible to clean sponges in the dishwasher, so what can you do when they get really dirty? Sanitize them with baking soda! Fill a bowl with baking soda and soak the sponges in it for about 30 minutes. The baking soda will help kill any bacteria or fungus that might be living on your sponges.
Deodorizing Your Refrigerator
You might have noticed that your refrigerator doesn’t smell too fresh, even after you’ve cleaned it. To help rid the fridge of any foul odors, sprinkle baking soda on a sponge and scrub the inside of the refrigerator. Baking soda will absorb any smells left behind by old foods or spills. This method is also good for cleaning cabinets. You can either use baking soda and a sponge or mix it with water to form a paste for a deeper clean.
Polishing Your Silverware
Jewelry isn’t the only item that can get tarnished – silverware can also develop unsightly rust over time. Instead of buying expensive jewelry cleaner, make your own by mixing water and baking soda to form a paste. Then, apply the paste straight onto the silverware and rub it in using a soft cloth. Rinse the silverware with warm water and let it air dry. The baking soda will help lift any built-up tarnish and rust, leaving your silverware looking shiny and new!
Getting Stains Out Of Carpets
If you’ve dropped a piece of food on your carpet, use baking soda to help get it out! Sprinkle some baking soda over the stain, let it sit for about 10 minutes, and then vacuum. Doing this regularly might be enough to prevent any stains from setting in the long term. It’s also a great way to clean up pet accidents. Just make sure to blot the area with a paper towel before sprinkling on the baking soda.
Conclusion
There are so many ways to use baking soda beyond just baking. It’s probably one of the most versatile household items you’ll ever come across. If you don’t have any baking soda around the house yet, go out and grab some today. Once you start using it for all of these amazing purposes, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!