When started detoxifying my household, I spent a lot of time researching chemicals in everyday household cleaners. I think there is an assumption that household cleaning products are benign and non-toxic for the most part, but that is not necessarily the case. The more I read the more determined I was to remove as many chemicals as possible from my home. In researching making my own cleaning products, I found that Baking Soda was recommended over and over again. I bought a little book on baking soda uses and began integrating it throughout my own home. Below are a few of my favorite ways to use baking soda in my own home.

Baking soda is a commonly used household product and the popular name for sodium bicarbonate, which is a white powdery substance. It is made from Soda ash, processed from the Trona rock deposits. From its name you can deduce that it is high in sodium and therefore has a salty taste. Baking soda is invaluable in the kitchen as a leavening agent that helps bread and dough to rise, which is why we know it as “baking” soda. Though we think of it as a cooking ingredient, baking soda is an amazing substance that is super useful all over your home.

Cleaning

• Scrub your toilets, sinks and showers – Baking soda is a non-abrasive, non-toxic alternative to abrasive bleach powder cleansers. I keep a mason jar of baking soda in my cleaning caddy.
• Non-Abrasive Scrub for Stainless Steel – This is great paired with half a lemon. Scrub in the direction of the metal grain, rinse and polish with vinegar.
• Degreasing – A naturally powerful degreaser, baking soda is great at cleaning up oily messes.
• Sink drain – Pour into drains as maintenance to break up grease and avoid clogs.
• Dirty Pots and Pans – Speed up after clean-ups after dinner by adding baking soda into your messy pans. It helps to break up the grease and make them easier to clean.
• Carpet Cleaner – Remove stains and odors from upholstery and carpets by sprinkling baking soda, letting it sit, then vacuuming.
• Laundry Booster – Add baking soda to your laundry to help brighten whites, remove stains, and neutralize odors.
• Non-toxic Silver Polish – Create a paste with baking soda and water to gently polish tarnished silverware and jewelry.
• Clean Up Spills – Have an oily spill on the garage floor? Pour baking soda over the spill to absorb the liquid and help you sweep it up.

Kitchen

• Fruit and Vegetable Wash – Clean produce by soaking them in a solution of water and baking soda to remove dirt, pesticides, and wax.
• Fire extinguisher – Safely extinguish small grease fires by covering them with baking soda to smother the flames.

Personal Care

• Shampoo Alternative – Read my post here about going “no-poo”!
• Teeth Cleaning – My dental hygienist recommended this as a natural alternative to toothpaste for brushing teeth. I now use this everyday instead of toothpaste.
• Non-abrasive exfoliating scrub – I use this as an occasional face scrub to smooth and soften skin.
• Teeth whitener – Use on your toothbrush to gently brighten your smile.
• Antacid – 1/2 teaspoon mixed in water makes a huge difference!
• Mouthwash – Rinse your mouth with a solution of water and baking soda to freshen breath and neutralize acidity.
• Bug Bite Relief – Make a paste with baking soda and water to apply to bug bites and stings for soothing relief.
• Sunburn Treatment – Add baking soda to a cool bath to soothe sunburned skin and reduce inflammation.

Deodorizer

• Fridge and Trash Cans – Place an open box of baking soda inside refrigerators and trash cans to soak up smells.
• Closets – Have a musty closet, add an open box on the shelf to help deodorize.
• Carpets – Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and upholstery to absorb and eliminate unwanted smells.
• Mattresses – Sprinkle baking soda on your mattress, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum to remove odors and moisture.
• Shoes – Sprinkle baking soda inside shoes to absorb moisture and eliminate odors.

Baking soda’s versatility and effectiveness make it an indispensable tool in my household. It has a myriad uses offering an affordable, natural solutions for a variety of household needs. Move baking soda out of the kitchen and save money, reduce your environmental footprint, and help you to detoxify your home.