10+ Unusual Uses for Baking Soda on Your Homestead
Inside: Discover 10+ creative uses for baking soda on your homestead! From cleaning to gardening, unlock the versatile benefits of this household staple.
Yes, you use baking soda to make delicious chocolate chip cookies and help with any odors in the fridge, but there are more unusual uses for baking soda in your home. Like cleaning and deodorizing it.
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10+ Unusual Uses for Baking Soda
There are many items in your kitchen that can be used for multiple purposes. But one that stands out above the rest is baking soda. Yes, that’s right, simple, every day, right out of your pantry baking soda.
Here are ten ways you can use baking soda that goes beyond simply adding it to your favorite baked goods recipe:
Drain Unclogging
Did you know that you can use baking soda as an earth-friendly alternative to unclog your drain? You sure can! It’s simple to do, less expensive than the store-bought product, and just as effective.
You’ll be amazed at how effective this combination works. The drains will be clean and you won’t have added anything toxic to the drain system.
Simply pour one cup of regular table salt, one cup of baking soda, and half a cup of white vinegar down the drain. Leave it for 15 minutes and then pour boiling water into the sink.
Stain Remover with Baking Soda
When mixed with salt, is also an effective stain remover and scouring powder.
Mix one cup of baking soda with one cup of salt. Then use this mixture the same way you would any other scouring powder. Again, an effective mixture that is less harmful to the environment.
Light spills can be cleaned by sprinkling baking soda on the spot and scrubbing with a wet brush.
Carpet Deodorizer
Sprinkle some baking soda on your carpet and let it sit for 10 minutes. When the time is up, vacuum away any stale odors that may have settled on your carpet. To add a little boost add a few drops of essential oils.
Dishwasher Boost
Add a little baking soda to your dishwasher the next time you’re loading it. The baking soda will give your cleaner an extra boost to get your dishes sparkling clean.
Oven Cleaning
Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom surface of your oven and spray with water to dampen the soda. Let sit overnight and scrub in the morning, rinsing thoroughly.
Remove baking residue by shaking a generous amount of soda onto pots and pans. Add hot water and dish detergent, soak for 15 minutes and wash.
Grease Fire
Have you ever had a small grease fire on the stove when cooking? Sprinkle baking soda on the fire can safely put out.
Fight Odors with Baking Soda
Does your cat’s box smell? Thoroughly clean the litter box, let dry in the sun, and then sprinkle enough baking soda in the bottom to cover. Now add your litter. The baking soda will help absorb the odors.
Making an equal mixture of baking soda and laundry detergent will stretch your detergent and make your laundry smell fresh.
If your refrigerator has a sour odor, place an open box of baking soda in it to absorb those odors. Don’t forget to change the box once a month to keep your refrigerator odor-free.
Wounds
Make a poultice of baking soda and water then put it on a bee sting. This will ease the pain in no time.
Adding two teaspoons of baking soda to lukewarm bathwater will help ease the pain of chickenpox.
Baking Soda in the Garden
Baking soda isn't just for the kitchen; it's a secret weapon in the garden too!
This versatile powder can be a game-changer for plant health and maintenance. Mix a tablespoon with water to create a natural fungicide, that protects plants from diseases.
Sprinkle baking soda around the soil to deter pests like ants and discourage the growth of weeds.
Baking soda is truly a multi-purpose item. The applications extend way beyond just using it to make your biscuits light and fluffy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What smells does baking soda get rid of? Baking soda a weak base, but it can also act like an acid when needed. It's like a superhero that adapts! If you've got strong-smelling foods like garlic, chillies, or curries, baking soda can absorb those odors because it plays both sides, neutralizing them.
Why sprinkle baking soda on your bed? If you can't put your mattress out in the sun and fresh air, baking soda is the next best thing. Sprinkle a layer over the entire top of the mattress and leave for several hours (or better yet, apply before an overnight trip). Baking soda will break down the acid and absorb any remaining moisture or odor.
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