Do It Yourself
Pharaohs Secret: 50+ Ways to Use Baking Soda
Ancient Egyptians were the first people known to use a rudimentary version of baking soda called Natron.
Over the last few hundred years, Natron has been purified and synthesized down to the familiar baking soda we know today.
Since it's discovery the name may have changed but it's uses have not. it has been used for thousands of years as a cleaning product for both the home and body.
Blended with oil, it was a very early form of soap.
It softens water while removing oil and grease.
It was used a cleanser for the teeth and an early mouthwash.
It was also an ancient household insecticide, was used for making leather and as a bleach for clothing.
If anything we have only found more and more uses for this handy powder. It is inexpensive and you already keep in your fridge or pantry, but so few people realize just how versatile baking soda really is.
Check out below to see just a few ways you can use this powder and save yourself a little green while you're at it:
1. Clean a microwave oven. Sprinkle Arm & Hammer Baking Soda on a damp sponge, scrub, and rinse.
2. Remove tarnish from silver. Mix a thick paste of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda with water, apply the silver with a damp sponge, rub, rinse, and buff dry.
3. Clean a stainless steel sink. Sprinkle Arm & Hammer Baking Soda on a damp sponge, scrub the sink, and rinse clean.
4. Boost the strength of liquid laundry detergent. Add one-half cup Arm & Hammer Baking Soda with the usual amount of detergent in your regular wash cycle.
5. Clean a fiberglass bathtub or shower. Sprinkle Arm & Hammer Baking Soda on a damp sponge, scrub, and rinse clean.
6. Clean bathroom tile. Sprinkle Arm & Hammer Baking Soda on a damp sponge, scrub, and rinse clean.
7. Maintain your septic tank. Flush one cup Arm & Hammer Baking Soda down the toilet once a week. Baking soda helps maintain proper pH and alkalinity, controlling sulfide odors.
8. Deodorize cloth diapers. Mix one-half cup Arm & Hammer Baking Soda in two quarts of water, and soak diapers in the solution. This also works to deodorize those nasty diaper pails. Just sprinkle a good amount in the pail and the odor should clear up.
9. Clean a refrigerator. Sprinkle Arm & Hammer Baking Soda on a damp sponge, scrub, and rinse clean.
10. Deodorize garbage disposals and sink drains. Instead of throwing out that old box of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda that's been sitting in the refrigerator or freezer, gradually pour it down the drain and flush with water. Or better yet, pour two tablespoons Arm & Hammer Baking Soda down the garbage disposal every week.
11. Deodorize a dishwasher. Sprinkle one-half cup Arm & Hammer Baking Soda on the bottom of the dishwasher between loads.
12. Boost the strength of Dishwashing Liquid. Add two full tablespoons Arm & Hammer Baking Soda to the usual amount of detergent you use.
13. Remove burnt-on food from cookware. Dampen area, sprinkle with Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, let soak overnight, then scrub with a sponge, rinse, and dry.
14. Clean and deodorize a cutting board. Sprinkle Arm & Hammer Baking Soda on a damp sponge, rub the cutting board, and rinse clean.
15. Deodorize food containers. Mix one-quarter cup Arm & Hammer Baking Soda with one quart water, swish food containers in solution, soak overnight, and then rinse clean.
16. Clean coffee and teapots. Wash in a solution of one-quarter cup Arm & Hammer Baking Soda and one quart warm water, then rinse clean.
17. Deodorize kitchen garbage. Sprinkle a handful of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda in the garbage pail each time you add garbage.
18. Deodorize carpet. Sprinkle Arm & Hammer Baking Soda lightly over the dry carpet, let sit for fifteen minutes, and then vacuum up.
19. Deodorize a cat litter box. Cover the bottom of the litter box with one-quarter inch Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, and then add the litter.
20. Soothe poison ivy rash or insect bites. Make a paste of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda and water, and apply to the affected area.
21. Soothe insect bites. Make a paste of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda and water, and apply to the affected area.
22. Soothe sunburn, windburn, and prickly heat. Dissolve one-half cup baking soda in a tepid bath. Soak in the bath for fifteen minutes.
23. Take a refreshing bath. Dissolve one-half cup Arm & Hammer Baking Soda in a tub of warm water for soft, smooth-feeling skin and a relaxing bath.
24. Brush your teeth. Plain baking soda is a gentle abrasive that cleans like the strongest toothpaste. Apply Arm & Hammer Baking Soda to a damp toothbrush, brush as usual, and rinse. Note: Arm & Hammer Baking Soda does not contain fluoride.
25. Wash your mouth. Add one teaspoon Arm & Hammer Baking Soda to one-half glass warm water, and swish through teeth for a refreshing mouthwash.
26. Reduce heartburn. Dissolve a spoonful of baking soda into a glass of water and drink, the acid neutralizing properties of baking soda should help with heartburn.
27. Neutralize vomit odor. Sprinkle Arm & Hammer Baking Soda generously to cover the stained area, let sit for an hour, then vacuum up.
28. Soothe tired feet. Add three tablespoons to a basin of warm water and soak feet in the solution.
29. Use as a deodorant. Dust baking soda under arms.
30. Clean dirt, grime, and scuff marks from doors, stoves, laminated tabletops, linoleum floors, and tile. Sprinkle Arm & Hammer Baking Soda on a damp sponge, wipe clean, and dry.
31. Remove coffee or tea stains from china. Dip a damp cloth in baking soda, gently rub the china, and rinse clean.
32. Minimize the smell of dirty laundry. Sprinkle some baking soda into your hamper or laundry bag.
33. Deodorize a closet. Place an open box of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda on a shelf.
34. Deodorize garment storage bags. Sprinkle Arm & Hammer Baking Soda into the bottom of the bag.
35. Deodorize shoes or sneakers. In the evening, sprinkle Arm & Hammer Baking Soda inside shoes to eliminate odors. Shake out in the morning.
36. Remove crayon marks from walls or wallpaper. Sprinkle Arm & Hammer Baking Soda on a damp sponge, scrub gently to avoid mussing the paint or wallpaper, then wipe clean.
37. Clean dirt and grime from hands. Sprinkle Arm & Hammer Baking Soda onto wet hands with liquid soap, rub vigorously, rinse, and dry.
38. Remove conditioner and styling gel build-up from hair. Wash hair once a week with a tablespoon of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda mixed with your regular shampoo; rinse thoroughly, then condition and style as usual.
39. Refresh stuffed animals. Sprinkle Arm & Hammer Baking Soda on the stuffed animal, let sit for fifteen minutes, and then brush off.
40. Clean high chairs, car seats, strollers, and plastic mattress protectors. Sprinkle Arm & Hammer Baking Soda on a damp sponge, wipe clean, and dry.
41. Clean baby bottles, nipples, and bottle brushes. Soak in a solution of warm water and Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, then sterilize before use.
42. Make baby clothes smell even fresher. Add one-half cup Arm & Hammer Baking Soda to baby's laundry.
43. Boost bleach. Use one-half cup Arm & Hammer Baking Soda with your normal liquid bleach. This will help boost the bleaching action and freshen the wash.
44. Brighten dingy white laundry. Add one-half cup Arm & Hammer Baking Soda to regular liquid laundry detergent.
45. Clean up pet accidents. Clean with club soda, let dry thoroughly, then sprinkle on Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, allow to sit for fifteen minutes, and then vacuum up.
46. Deodorize pet bedding. Sprinkle bedding liberally with baking soda and allow to sit for 30 minutes. Take out side and shake out or beat it like you would a rug.
47. Clean chrome bumpers and hubcaps. Sprinkle Arm & Hammer Baking Soda on a damp sponge, rub surface, and wipe clean with a dry cloth.
48. Remove dead insects from a car or truck windshield. Sprinkle Arm & Hammer Baking Soda on a damp sponge, clean glass, and wipe clean with a dry cloth.
49. Get rid of “wet dog” smell. Rub baking soda thoroughly through the pets fur and it should soak up the smell.
50. De- skunk fido. Rub baking soda over the animal to help effectively remove the skunk smell. This also works for any unfortunate person who gets skunked.
51. Deodorize carpeting in a car. Sprinkle Arm & Hammer Baking Soda on the carpet, let sit for fifteen minutes, and then vacuum up.
52. De-grease and clean barbecue grills. Make a paste by mixing equal parts Arm &Hammer Baking Soda and water, apply with a wire brush, wipe clean, and dry with a cloth.
53. Clear a clogged drain. Empty one-half cup baking soda down the drain, followed by one-half cup white vinegar. Cover the drain and let mixture stand for a few minutes. Then pour a pot of boiling water down the drain. The baking soda and vinegar dissolve fatty acids, allowing the clog to wash down the drain.
Want to know more? Check out these articles from our site:
34 Ways to Use Duct Tape for Survival
35 Reasons You Should Never Be Without Vinegar
Benefits of Honey | Using Honey for Wellness and Survival
-
Paracord Projects1 year agoParacord Projects | 36 Cool Paracord Ideas For Your Paracord Survival Projects
-
Paracord Projects1 year agoHow To Make Paracord Survival Bracelets | DIY Survival Prepping
-
Medical Care1 year ago21 Home Remedies For Toothache Pain Relief
-
Knife Laws1 year agoAre Switchblades Legal? Knife Laws By State
-
Do It Yourself1 year agoSurvival DIY: How To Melt Aluminum Cans For Casting
mariowen
February 18, 2013 at 8:07 AM
When I was a child, we always used baking soda mixed with salt instead of toothpaste. It left your mouth smelling fresh and clean.
Also, when my stove gets greasy and the hood, especially, I make a thick paste of baking soda and water and scrub away. It magically cuts through the grease better than all that expensive cleaner you buy. When you wash it off, the residue goes down into the drain plumbing and can deodorize as it goes! It is the best grease cutter I can find. Cheap, too.
SilverLynx
February 21, 2013 at 11:50 AM
This is a great product! The problem is finding it in larger quantities than the tiny boxes for the refrigerator! Any suggestions? I keep my neighbors informed about things like thise and the long life flashlight, etc. as the Neighborhood Watch coordinator. Thanks….
Joe
February 21, 2013 at 11:58 AM
costco Sams club and amazon have bigger 5 lb buckets of it Like the ones here
or you can also find it here http://www.myspicer.com/shop/baking-soda/
gary
March 5, 2013 at 7:32 AM
Thanks Joe for telling us where to find the baking soda in larger containers/I have often wondered where/Live a long ways to a large town, but i do go once a month.
mariowen
February 21, 2013 at 12:54 PM
I buy mine at Costco and they have it in big bags. It is the best way to have bulk.
vance todt
February 28, 2013 at 10:58 AM
sam’s club sells a 2-3 pound bag
with resealable closure
Anita
March 8, 2013 at 5:44 PM
I always find the big boxes of baking soda in the laundry detergent part of the store. I found one that was 4 pounds – compared to the small one for the refridgerator of 1 pound.
Teresa
February 18, 2013 at 9:45 AM
I actually only use shampoo about once a month when I make a hair mask out of food. The rest of the time I wash my hair with a tablespoon of baking soda in a cup of warm water. I usually also add a teaspoon of honey, and whatever essential oils I am in the mood for. Scrub your scalp well, and then he sure to get it all rinsed out. You can then finish with a quick rinse of apple cider vinegar diluted in water (1:5 ratio), and rinse that out. This adds shine to your hair and balances the pH. You can then use a little coconut oil as a leave-in conditioner. When I say “a little”, I mean a little. :-). Keep in mind that if you decide to switch to this “no ‘poo” lifestyle, your scalp will over produce oils (shampoo is very drying so your scalp will still think it needs a lot of oils for awhile). Then your body will adjust and within 4-6 weeks you will have healthier hair and scalp.
NJoy
February 21, 2013 at 1:49 PM
I went “no poo” several years ago but this kicked up some kind of rash on the top and back of my head that has dogged me ever since. Turns out the chemicals in store bought hair conditioners can have this effect on some people.
A couple of days ago I tried rubbing some baking soda into my scalp. No itch! So I will try using baking soda instead of shampoo as you suggest.
I already use baking soda as underarm deodorant and it’s perfect. Much better than the store bought deodorants. I dampen my fingers with a bit of water after my shower and then dip my fingers into the can of baking soda I keep beside the bathroom sink. So easy.
Also, you are right about using the tiniest dab of coconut oil as conditioner. I told a friend about this and emphasized “tiny” many times. She didn’t believe me (she has very thick, long hair) so she used a couple of tablespoons, then wrapped her head in a towel and slept that way overnight. Wow, what a mistake!
When I saw her again, 3 weeks later, she still looked greasy-headed and claimed she had been hiding in the house the whole time while washing her hair 3 x a day. Tiny really does mean TINY. An amount the size of the end of my pinky finger is way too much for me. And for heaven’s sake rub it all over your hands first then use just your finger tips to condition just the dry ends of your hair, not anywhere near the scalp. Works great though.
These ideas save amazing amounts of money over the course of a year and are better than store bought products in every way.
Roger
February 18, 2013 at 10:01 AM
Tip: Have a cold? Feel a cold coming on? Try rubbing vapor rub all over your feet, between toes, right up to your ankles. Put socks on. Do this at night before crawling into bed. (For small children, you may need to take scotch tape and loosely wrap around the top of socks to prevent child from removing socks and getting vapor rub in mouth or eyes) You will get a great nights sleep and feel much better in the morning. Can also do this with heat rub before going to work. Works all day long.
Cuz'n Ben
February 18, 2013 at 3:09 PM
Acid hazards: Sodium bicarbonate is used in many laboratories and industrial sites as an emergency neutralizer for spilled acids.
In R&D clean rooms where I used to work with many acids and bases there were always large packets of “baking soda” placed near every work station for potential safety needs.
Regards, “Cuz’n Ben”
JJM
February 26, 2013 at 12:06 PM
Because of the acid neutralizing, I sprinkle some on my vehicle battery tray and any metals below the battery. Can be difficult to find a proper replacement tray when original is eaten up by the tiniest amount of acid.
johnnie
February 18, 2013 at 4:37 PM
You guys are awesome, you brought back memories
Kim d
February 18, 2013 at 5:30 PM
I keep a box of baking soda in a cabinet near the stove.
The soda can be thrown on to a stove or oven fire to put it out.
mariowen
February 18, 2013 at 9:18 PM
I leave open boxes of baking soda in my refrigerator and freezer to absorb bad odors.
I have also heard that in case of a kitchen fire, it will work to douse the flames where you can’t use water.
John Whittington
February 18, 2013 at 9:31 PM
It has 32 cell salts that is good for digestion and many other health related things.
Enteng Estoque
February 19, 2013 at 10:57 AM
What are these cell salts if you will please. Cell salts are also used to cure a variety of ailments.
Win harrison
February 18, 2013 at 9:33 PM
Mix a 1/4 cup baking soda w/cup of warm water to help dissolve, then por over battery post that has acid build up. The mixture will dissolve or neutralize the acid. Use a bristle brush to clean up then wipe with old rag. Regrease post.
Endee Mac
February 18, 2013 at 9:43 PM
I sprinkle baking soda on my hair brush and comb, rub it through with a cleaning brush and rinse for a very clean brush and comb
It can also be used as a dry cleaner to make your hair and scalp more comfortable when shampooing is not possible. Just as for the dog! Brush some baking soda through your hair, massage your scalp, then brush well to remove soda and oiliness.
GERRY
February 18, 2013 at 10:39 PM
My Grandma taught me to use in iron skillets sprinkle some on burned on food with a little water enough to covre bottom of pan then bring to a boil for a few minutes, turn off and let sit hot, it soaks off most of the burned on food so you can get the pans nice and clean.
Great Grey
February 19, 2013 at 6:26 AM
It works well for removing the gummy adhesive left behind when removing labels and tape. Apply and rub/scrape and reapply as needed.
Also using a piece of tape with the adhesive on it at least as strong as the adhesive you are removing well work, just stick it over the spot and remove the tape immediately and the adhesive will come with it. (Hang on to one or both ends of the tape.)
Beverly
February 19, 2013 at 6:43 PM
Use baking soda for a refreshing facial to soften skin and make it more supple.Rinse your face with hot water to open your pores. shake a little baking soda into your right palm, close your hand and place your hand under running water-then scrub right side of face . then alternate with left hand on the left side of your face. Then rinse with a comfortable water temperature. You will notice a young glow in your face without a shine-just a brightness that radiates an attractive hue that accentuates your other beautiful qualities: like bright eyes, dark lashes, a pretty smile, even the shape of your face; a natural glow that is just YOU.
Also, for the men out there, my husband says that this exfoliates his face for a closer shave or a quick touch-up for a late meeting, or a pick-me-up on a long day. He uses this also to refreshen up, followed by a quick splash of cold water on his face to shake off the 2:30 Blahs.
He has a buddy who is a long-haul truckdriver that does the same thing to rejuvenate a little at meal stops.
All of us need a few little treats we can give ourselves while we persevere on in our everyday battles.
Pingback: 10 Amazing Things You Can Do With Baking Soda
Pingback: 50 Ways To Use Baking Soda Around The Home — Homestead and Survival
Pingback: 50+ Ways to Use Baking Soda - Lil Moo Creations
Reno Mack
September 21, 2014 at 9:52 AM
51. Add 1 teaspoon per gallon of filtered water to alkalize. Google the benefits of drinking alkaline water especially if you want to lose weight.
Pingback: Medical Tricks You Should Keep in Mind | Survival Life
Pingback: Baking Soda | 16 Household And Other Great Employs – Homestead Survivalism
Pingback: 11 Natural Ways To Rid Your Home of Roaches For Good - Survive!
Pingback: 11 Natural Ways To Rid Your Home of Roaches For Good
Pingback: 21 Home Remedies For Toothache Pain Relief – Viral News And Videos Today's