Baking Soda – Not Just for Baking

We are all familiar with baking soda as a rising agent in baking.  Then of course there is the mandatory box in the back of the fridge.  Now that orange box is coming out of the cupboard and taking center stage as a green friendly cleaning product.

If you want to be earth friendly and save a few dollars consider using baking soda, (alias sodium bicarbonate), for these common household jobs:

 

• Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to one part water to remove tough stains on counter tops or floors.
• Shine the stainless steel sink by placing baking soda on a damp sponge.  Just scrub, rinse, and dry.
• Apply as a mildly abrasive cleaner for glass or ceramic cook tops.
• Use in the bathroom sink, shower, and tub in place of soft scrub or comet. With a little water and elbow grease it will remove stains and soap scum.

• Sprinkle baking soda anywhere there is an offensive smell.  It works great to neutralize odors in trashcans, dishwashers, diaper pails, litter boxes, and garbage disposals.
• Dust over the carpet, let sit 15 minutes, and then vacuum as normal.
• Add one-half to one cup baking soda to the washing machine for cleaner clothes.  It can be used alone or to improve the performance of existing laundry detergent.  It makes sweaty gym clothes smell fresh again.
• Keep swimming pools sparkling clear and maintain water PH levels (Don’t add if pH is above 7.5 or alkalinity is 110 ppm or higher).

These are just a few ideas for a fresher and cleaner home with baking soda. In addition to cleaning and deodorizing it can be used for personal hygiene.  Some popular uses are teeth whitener, facial scrub, hair cleanser, and antacid treatment. Just watch the oral intake as it contains high amounts of sodium (1/8^th teaspoon of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda contains 150 mg of sodium or 6% of daily value).

With so many uses be sure to buy in bulk.  My last purchase was a 12-pound bag from a wholesale club (like Costco, Sam’s, B.J.’s etc) that ran about $12.00.  You can also buy sodium bicarbonate in non-cooking quality from feed stores or pool maintenance companies.

It is surprising how many toxic household chemicals you can avoid with a green living approach.  Just keep three simple items on hand (vinegar, baking soda, and the best green cleaning cloth) for a full arsenal of cleaning products. These environmental friendly cleaning products save money, remove toxic chemicals, and are kind to the earth.

Start living green one day at a time,

Tracy Z