20 Uses for bicarbonate of soda in the home.

Are you worried about harsh chemicals affecting your families health?  Reach for a tub of bicarbonate of soda from your local health food store and start doing things more naturally.

Here are 20 tips on using bicarb in the place of bleaches and other harsh cleaners...

Kitchen

A box or small bowl of baking soda in the refrigerator, freezer, or any cupboard will keep away unpleasant odors.

Similarly, baking soda will keep away garbage odors; sprinkle the bottom of the pail, and then sprinkle again after you put a new bag in.

To clean surfaces, sprinkle baking soda on a damp cloth. Wipe, then rinse with clean water.

To remove stale smells from food containers, rinse out with hot water and baking soda. If the smell persists, let the container soak overnight in the baking soda and water mixture.

To clean silver, use a paste of 3 parts baking soda to one part water. Rub the paste onto each item, then rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.

To remove scuff marks or grease spills from the floor, sprinkle with baking soda and then wipe with a warm, damp cloth. This is even safe for no-wax floors!

For burnt-on food in the bottom of pots, sprinkle with baking soda, then add hot water. Let soak overnight; the dried on food will come loose much more easily.

Bathroom

To remove stubborn stains from most surfaces, use a baking soda paste (3 parts baking soda, one part water). Apply, let stand, then scrub or wipe clean.

Hairbrushes and combs can be cleaned in a baking soda solution.

To avoid clogged drains, pour 1/4 cup baking soda down weekly. Rinse through with hot water.

House

To remove scents from a carpet, sprinkle with baking soda. Let stand for at least fifteen minutes, then vacuum. Repeat as needed.

Baking soda in the litterbox will help prevent odors.

To quickly clean pets and remove "wet dog" odor, sprinkle with baking soda and brush out their fur.

To help remove spills, blot as much as possible. Then clean as you normally would. When finished, sprinkle with baking soda. Vacuum. This will decrease the chance that some of the spilled item will remain in the carpet and cause unpleasant odors later.

Children's toys can be cleaned using 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart warm water. Submerge in this mixture (or wipe with a cloth dampened in it), then rinse with clear water.

Washing

Replace half of each measure of laundry detergent with baking soda to keep clothing fresh.

To remove grease stains, either add baking soda to the wash load or pretreat the stains with a baking soda paste.

Outside the House (Garden and Garage)

Baking soda can be used to help clean up grease spills.

To remove burnt food from the grill, sprinkle with baking soda, then soak. After several hours, the charred pieces will come loose easily.

Before packing away your camping gear after a trip, sprinkle with baking soda.

Happy Cleaning! :)

Josie

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