More likely than not, you will have a box of it lurking somewhere in your kitchen. Baking soda – or bicarbonate of soda – is that eternal kitchen supply famed for its versatility. You can do so much with it, not least within the world of cooking where it has all manner of applications. Baking soda is cheap and tends to last for some time. Perhaps that’s why it’s so ubiquitous in homes. Yet despite its great reputation for versatility, the list of potential uses for the stuff is even longer than most people would expect.
Taken out of the kitchen, there are a range of surprising situations in which baking soda can be highly effective. It is rarely the most optimal solution, and most of the time a purpose-designed product will handle the task a little better than baking soda. But then, the reason baking soda is so useful is precisely because it is useful in a pinch, when you’ve ran out of something else or when a sudden problem demands a quick solution.
Unexpected Applications of Baking Soda
So head into your kitchen, have a look around for the baking soda and read on for some of the more surprising applications for this remarkably versatile substance.
As a Face Mask
Sodium bicarbonate can actually make for a powerful active ingredient in a cosmetic face mask. What it has going for it is that it can both unclog pores and gently exfoliate the skin. However, you cannot just dig into the box and throw it straight on – it needs to be prepared first.
To do this, you will need to make a paste out of the baking soda. Lemon juice is highly recommended for this purpose. Simply take one or two tablespoons of baking soda and add the lemon juice until it forms the paste-like consistency all cosmetics lovers should be familiar with. Add a drop of honey if you like and then apply for 15 minutes. And there you have it, a surprisingly effective facial – and certainly one of the cheapest.
Cleaning Produce
If pesticides are something that churn your stomach, baking soda could be the answer. To make a pesticide residue-busting concoction, simply mix the baking soda in a bowl of water and steep the concoction for around two minutes. Rinse off your fruit and veg with the mixture and say hello to pesticide-free food.
As a Shoe Deodorizer
Some top foot odor spray brands, such as that by ShoeFresh, can have a smelly pair of shoes smelling fresh for a whopping three months of regular use. Our humble baking soda cannot quite boast that, but in a pinch, it is an effective way to neutralize bad smells.
Baking soda can be a pretty speedy deodorizer but, for best results, it’s wise to leave a light sprinkling of the stuff in shoes overnight, or at least for a couple of hours.
As an Air Freshener
It isn’t just your shoes that baking soda can freshen up. The versatile bicarbonate of soda can even be used as an air freshener. And as well as being cheap, it comes with the guarantee that you will not be releasing any hazardous chemicals into the air. To make this all-natural air freshener, dilute one tablespoon of baking soda with two cups of water. Add a little lavender or eucalyptus for the scent and a spray liberally around any stuffy spaces.
Would space allow, this is a list that could simply go on and on. Baking soda is a marvelously versatile product that is very helpful to have around. A good job then that it nearly always is.
