by E.D. Cameron

Created on: May 10, 2007   Last Updated: May 19, 2007

You could spend hundreds to thousands of dollars every year on toothpaste, face scrubs, bath oils, hair treatments, carpet cleaner, abrasive cleaner, drain uncloggers...the list goes on.

Instead, try these fifteen ingenious home made beauty and cleaning solutions with just a little box of baking powder. You don't have to be a hippie to enjoy the savings and effectiveness of homeopathic beauty and cleanliness...or to give the environment a little green love.

1. Dental care-A little baking soda on the toothbrush, damp with water, is an effective teeth cleaner. Use it regularly, and your pearly whites will be that much whiter! You can also mix with water in a glass for a quick breath neutralizer. Flavored with mint, it's better than a breath mint.

2. Spa Treatment-Body sore from a hard day? Try soaking in a bath filled with a favorite scent and 1/2 cup of baking soda. Baking soda mixture also works well to exfoliate feet when giving yourself a pedicure.

3. Facial-Using three parts Arm and Hammer with one part water will make a natural face scrub. It doesn't contain the alcohol of many store brands, so it won't dry out your skin. It also is great for people allergic to chemicals or fragrances found in many facial products.

4. Hair care-Product build up on hair can make it limp and lifeless. A sprinkle of baking soda mixed with daily shampoo can help remove build up by gently scrubbing away filmy residue.

5. BO Patrol-Enjoy the way Arm and Hammer get rid of funky fridge smells? You can apply the same principle to your underarms. Arm and Hammer now makes a deodorant for your underarms.

6. Stomach pains-Arm and Hammer is also an effective antacid. A teaspoon mixed with club soda or warm water to help soothe upset stomach.

7. Hand degreaser/de-smeller-Rubbing a tablespoon of baking soda between your hands can remove food or other smells without the harsh drying factor of chemical products.

8. Skincare-Soothe sunburn, or use Arm & Hammer an aftershave. Use it as a make up remover, mixed with equal parts water.

9. Laundry-I love to add a half a cup to the laundry for tough stains or smells and soften fabrics.

10. Scratch remover-Mix a cup with a tablespoon of water to remove scratches in laminate surfaces by gently scrubbing the surface. Baking soda can also get rid of scuffs on vinyl flooring, or to clean wallpaper and painted wall marks.

11. Drain-oh!-I prefer it to drain decloggers with are highly poisonous and smell awful. Simply pour half a cup in your clogged drain and let sit for about twenty minutes. Then pour a cup of white distilled vinegar, and unleash the foamy, scrubbing power in one delightfully entertaining volcano of baking soda. A little lemon can help to cut the smell of the vinegar, too!

12. Scrubbing power-I use it in place of name brand abrasive cleaners on toilets, bathtub rings, sinks, and other places that get a film, rust stain, or other hard to remove spots. Works like a charm, and I don't have to knock myself out with noxious fumes.

13. Carpet fresh-Works great as an odor remover for carpet! Simply sprinkle liberally, and then leave over night. Add a few drops per cup and half for scent. Vacuum up in the morning, and say goodbye to odors.

14. Stinky shoes-If you work on your feet all day like I do, you will find that occasionally your shoes smells less like roses and more like toes. Sprinkle some baking soda in them before you go to bed, and shake out in the morning. Odor gone!

15. Pans, dishes, and baked on yuck-Sprinkle baking soda on the mess, and soak in hot water. Should help to loosen tough food.

Use these recipes in a pinch, or try to incorporate into your regular routine. You too will soon appreciate the power all in an orange Arm & Hammer box!

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