Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is more than just plain white powder
Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate, which is an essential ingredient of almost every kitchen, has the basic function of being a food additive and is used mostly for baking purposes. What most of us do not know is about the multiple and beneficial uses of the plain white powder. Given the Covid-19 scare which led to households cleaning vegetables, fruits and groceries, the use of low cost baking soda gained currency. But there’s a lot more that one can do with it.
Cleaning Grocery Items : Fruits and vegetables can be cleaned off the dirt and pesticides that cling on to them by soaking them in a mixture of baking soda and water and rinsing them with water afterward. The measurement would be 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 2 cups of water.
Carpet and Rug Cleaning : To remove stains from rugs and carpets, an ample amount of baking soda should be scattered on them, followed by pouring hot water, to let the soda sink in overnight. Post this, vacuuming has to be done to get a carpet as good as new without wasting money on dry cleaning.
Maintaining Oral Hygiene: A mix of half a teaspoon of baking soda and warm water can be used as a mouthwash to remove bad breath, in case brushing does not bring about the desired results.
Baking soda for freshening the air : The air-fresheners available in the market contain chemicals that may be toxic. Mixing 1 cup of baking soda and drops of essential oil/ herbs can absorb bad odoir and keep the room smelling fresh.
Cleaning the Clothes : Baking soda is alkaline and mixing one cup of baking soda to detergents for washing clothes can result in cleaner and brighter clothes. The process is applicable for both hand wash or machine wash.
Bathroom Cleaner: The stains in the bathtub, bathroom surface, or tiles require a lot of effort to get cleaned. There are several products available in the market but they are expensive. A paste of baking soda and water is to be applied on the surface, kept for some time, and rubbed to clean. Post this, the area has to be wiped or washed clean with water.
Bringing back the Shine to Silverware : A paste of baking soda and hot water can clean the silverware of the tarnishes and grime. The paste has to be applied to the silver with a cloth or sponge and left for some time. Afterward, the products can be rubbed and rinsed thoroughly with water.
Disinfectant for Toothbrush : Cleaning and disinfecting the toothbrush is important although not daily, as germs can get contracted through the mouth. Toothbrushes can be soaked in a solution of baking soda, water, and vinegar for half an hour and rinsed clean to make them clean and germ-free.
Treatment for Bug Bites : In the case of bug bites, the redness and itchiness can be reduced by putting a mixture of one part of baking soda to three parts of water.
Curing Heartburn : Heartburn or acidity is caused due to excessive eating, stress, spicy food, and specific fruits. Drinking one teaspoon of baking soda mixed in a glass of water can cure this problem.
Clogged Drains : Clogged drains in the kitchen or bathroom are a common problem. First, some boiling water should be poured down the drain. Baking soda can be poured down the drain followed by vinegar. The mixture should be allowed to sit for 5-10 minutes. Post this, boiling water should again be poured to remove the clogging.
Whitening of Teeth : Those who drink tea or coffee regularly and a few times during the day may have a change in teeth color. Removing dental stains at the dentists can be quite expensive. Brushing the teeth with a mixture of a quarter teaspoon of baking soda and water can be an economical way to whiten the teeth.
Treatment of Chronic Kidney Diseases: For patients suffering from kidney diseases, baking soda in the form of tablets or a mixture of baking soda and water can be consumed in specified proportions to slow down the impact of the disease.
Microwave Cleaning : The interior of the microwave can be rubbed with baking soda, using a clean, damp sponge. Thereafter, the residue can be wiped clean with water for a fresh-smelling microwave.
Cleaning the floors : Baking soda is useful to clean both wooden or floor tiles. 100 grams of baking soda should be dissolved in warm water to mop the floors and bring back the shine.
