by Olivia Emisar

Created on: May 31, 2010

Baking soda is a flexible product that is useful in every room in the house, including the garage.  Arm and Hammer is sold in a variety of packages, ranging from small boxes for the refrigerator to control odors to big bags that contain pounds of this wonderful stuff.  Retailers like Wal-Mart, Costco and Sam’s Club sell it for around $6.00 in large plastic bags that should be more than enough to meet a family’s needs for months on end. 

Baking soda can be used for cleaning, shining, de-greasing, bathing, laundry and in the garden to control pests.  From humans to pets, there is a useful way to employ baking soda in every aspect of our lives.

* Cleaning –  Use it as a mild, non abrasive porcelain cleaner in bathtubs, commodes, showers, kitchen and bathroom sinks.  It not only dissolves soap scum but brightens, shines and polishes metal and porcelain while destroying odors and bacteria. 

* Kitty litter – Mixed in with regular kitty litter, it absorbs smell and refreshes the air.

* Urine – Human or pet urine on carpeting and mattresses can be eliminated by making a solution of water and baking soda instead of perfumed detergents in a steam cleaner reservoir.

* Kitchen counters – dilute or make a paste to clean and degrease counter tops.

* Garbage disposals and garbage cans – use to clean and deodorize.

* Greasy tools and engine parts – either soaked in a solution, sprayed and wiped on, will clean and shine chrome parts and cut through greasy gunk.

* Oil drips in the garage are easily absorbed by sprinkling baking soda and sweeping away afterwards.

* Laundry and bath – water, skin and the budget will benefit from the softening effects of baking soda.  It will require less soap/detergent by softening the water and it is better for your skin when bathing because it aids in hydration while protecting the skin.  Clothing will last longer and be cleaner because it also adds a laundry booster that removes stubborn stains and brightens clothing.

* - A mixture of white vinegar, warm water and baking soda will shine and disinfect toilet bowls, door handles, light switches and floor tiles.

* - To aid in digestion, dissolve a spoonful of baking soda in a glass of water.  It also helps to eliminate heartburn.

* - To freshen breath and eliminate bacteria, dissolve a spoonful of baking soda in a glass of warm water and use as a rinse agent.

* - To whiten teeth, moist toothbrush and dip in baking soda, brush normally and within a few days, your teeth will be whiter and brighter.

Baking soda is harmless to pipes, non-toxic and environmentally friendly.

Even though baking soda is an essential ingredient in most baked goods, it is also great to put out kitchen grease fires and removing scorched marks from aluminum and stainless steel pots and pans.

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