There are few things I value in cleaning as much as baking soda. This inexpensive ingredient is a powerhouse for both home cleaning and personal care. Here are 7 of my favorite baking soda hacks that have truly changed my life!
1. Make Your Sink Sparkle
Baking soda serves three main purposes when it comes to cleaning: it’s an abrasive, a deodorizer, and a brightener. This means it can handle various cleaning tasks effortlessly. One of the most impressive uses is making your stainless steel sink sparkle like new.
Because baking soda provides mild abrasion, it can effectively scrape away dirt, grime, and even fine particles that are hard to see. To achieve a diamond-like sparkle, simply sprinkle a little baking soda into a wet sink. Use a wet sponge or cloth, along with a bit of soap, and scrub in a circular motion, working from top to bottom to ensure you cover all areas, including the drain. Finally, rinse with warm water and polish with a plush microfiber cloth. The results are stunning and will make your sink look brand new.
2. DIY Deodorant
You might be skeptical about using baking soda as an underarm deodorant, but it’s surprisingly effective. This hack is not only cost-effective but also incredibly efficient at fighting odors. To try this, portion out about a quarter teaspoon of baking soda, even it out in your hands, and gently pat it under your arms. A little bit might fall off, but that’s okay. It takes seconds to apply, doesn’t turn your clothes yellow, and combats odors for up to 24 hours.
3. Laundry Booster
Baking soda is fantastic as a laundry brightener. It helps bring out the bright colors in your clothing and also helps whiten whites. When doing a load of laundry, add a quarter cup of baking soda directly to the drum. This hack also helps deodorize smelly loads of laundry, leaving your clothes smelling fresh without any lingering odors. Your laundry will come out brighter, cleaner, and smelling wonderful.
4. All-Purpose Bathroom Scrub
This is one of my favorite DIY cleaning recipes. It’s an all-purpose scrub that works wonders in the bathroom but can also be used in the kitchen or anywhere you need to remove griminess or soap scum. This replaces commercial cream or powdered cleansers and is easy and inexpensive to make.
To create this scrub, mix equal parts dish soap and baking soda in a bowl. Add a few drops of water and stir until you achieve a pudding-like consistency. For added fun and value, add 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oil. Tea tree oil is a great choice for its mold and mildew-resistant properties. Apply the mixture with a damp sponge in an S-pattern, let it sit for a few minutes, scrub with the scrubby side of the sponge, rinse, and polish dry. You’ll have a clean, fresh bathroom for pennies.
5. Produce Wash
Baking soda is an excellent produce wash, especially for removing waxy coatings on fruits and vegetables. To clean your produce, splash it with water and massage it with some baking soda, then rinse. For smaller items like grapes or berries, add a tablespoon of baking soda to a bowl of water, add your produce, swirl with your hand, then strain and rinse. This hack ensures your produce is clean and safe to eat.
6. Scalp Scrub
Have you ever thought about clarifying your hair with baking soda? This simple trick can make your scalp feel incredibly clean. Your scalp collects dead skin cells, oil, and dirt, which can build up over time even with regular shampooing.
To try this, portion out a tablespoon of baking soda onto a tissue and keep it by the shower. When you shampoo, add the baking soda to your hand and mix it with your shampoo. Apply to your scalp, scrub well, and rinse thoroughly. This scalp scrub removes buildup and leaves your scalp feeling refreshed and clean. If you color your hair, check with your colorist to ensure baking soda won’t affect your dye.
7. Dishwasher Deodorizer
If your dishwasher has an unpleasant odor, baking soda can help. First, ensure your filter is clean. Then, sprinkle a cup of baking soda on the bottom of an empty dishwasher and let it sit overnight. In the morning, run the hottest cycle (sanitize or cleaning cycle if available). By the end, your dishwasher will smell significantly fresher.
Conclusion
Baking soda is an incredibly versatile and inexpensive ingredient that can transform your cleaning and personal care routines. From making your sink sparkle to deodorizing your dishwasher, these hacks have made a significant difference in my life. Give these baking soda hacks a try and see how they can change your life too.
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