by Amelia Tibbett

Created on: January 12, 2008   Last Updated: August 19, 2010

Baking soda is one of the most versatile resources we have at our disposal. Also known as Bicarbonate of soda, or as its chemical compound name of NaHCO3, it has been around since ancient civilization. Most of us grew up with that famous yellow box sitting in the back of our refrigerator, but have you ever thought about what else it could be used for? Well I'll tell you, from baking, to household uses, to health care and crafts, baking soda can be used just about anywhere.

Here is a sampling of how you can use baking soda in your home.

Household:

1.Erase crayon, pencil, ink, and furniture scuffs from painted surfaces. Sprinkle soda on a damp sponge, rub clean, and rinse.

2.Remove tough stains from enameled cast iron and stainless steel. Scrub enameled cast iron with a soft nylon brush and a thick paste of baking soda and water. Clean stainless steel with a soft cloth and 4 tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in 1 quart of water. Wipe dry with a clean cloth.

3.Unclog a drain. Pour 1/2 to 1 cup of baking soda down the drain, then slowly pour 1/2 to 1 cup of white vinegar after it. Let sit for five minutes (covered, if possible). Follow with a gallon of boiling water.

4.Litter Boxes. Cover the bottom of the litter box with one part soda; then add a layer of 3 parts kitty litter on the top.

5.Laundry. Always add cup baking soda to the washing machine for each load for added freshness.

6.Coffee pots. Run a pot of water through with Baking Soda to clean out your coffee pot. After it has run through, run a cycle through of just plain water.

7.Dishwasher. Run your dishwasher through it's cycle with baking soda instead of dish soap to give it a good cleaning. For regular maintenance, and to reduce odors, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher on a regular basis.

8.Pots and Pans. To clean pots and pans that have thick layers of burned on food, sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda directly onto the bottom of the pan, and then enough water to moisten the soda. Let it set overnight, and then scrub clean the next day.

9.Shower Curtain. Try cleaning it in your washing machine with two bath towels on the gentle setting. Add 1/2 cup baking soda to your detergent during the wash cycle and 1/2 cup vinegar during the rinse cycle. Let it drip-dry; don't put it in the dryer.

Healthcare

1.Exfoliate skin. Wash your face, then apply a soft paste made of three parts baking soda and one part water. Massage gently with a circular motion, avoiding the eye area; rinse clean.

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