Ode To Baking Soda

Baking soda is a versatile and eco-friendly cleaning solution that can be used in a variety of ways around the house. Baking soda is an affordable, non-toxic, and effective cleaning solution that can replace many store-bought cleaning products. It is a great way to reduce waste and make a more sustainable choice for your home. One clever tip from Bea Johnson's book "Zero-Waste Home" is to put baking soda in a parmesan cheese shaker to make it more convenient and efficient to use.

Here are eleven common ways I use baking soda in my own home. Feel free to share your own ways of using baking soda in the comments below.
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1. To clean brushes and combs. Soak them in a mixture of 1 teaspoon of baking soda and a small amount of warm water. Leave overnight, then rinse and dry.

2. To freshen rugs. Sprinkle baking soda on carpet, wait at least 15 minutes (several hours, even better), then vacuum.

3. To get clothes cleaner and brighter. Add 1 cup of baking soda to your laundry, along with your regular liquid detergent.

4. To remove baked-on residue from stovetops, pots, and pans. Shake a generous amount of baking soda onto them. Then add hot water and dish detergent, let sit for 15 minutes and wash as usual.

5. To unclog a sink. Pour in 1 cup of baking soda followed by 1 cup hot vinegar.

6. To clean toothbrushes. Soak them them in a mixture of ¼ cup of baking soda and ¼ cup of water; let brushes stand overnight. Rinse in the morning.

7. To clean a porcelain sink and toilet. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of baking soda into the bowl, swirl, and scrub.

8. To mop and clean tile floors. Put 1/2 cup of baking soda in a bucket of warm water. Clean as usual.

9. To clean the oven. Sprinkle baking soda over the bottom surface. Spray with a water bottle to dampen the baking soda. Let the mixture sit over night and then scrub in the morning. Rinse thoroughly.

10. To whiten teeth. Sprinkle a little baking soda on your toothbrush and brush gently for one minute.

11. As a dry shampoo. Sprinkle a small amount onto top of head and brush in until no longer visible.