6 surprising uses for baking soda around the house

When you open the kitchen cupboard, one product you’re always bound to find is a container of baking soda. It’s commonly used in baking to help dough rise and create an airy texture in your favourite cakes, but it has far more uses than that.

In fact, baking soda is one of the most versatile products on the market and, better yet, it won’t cost you a bucket load. We have created a list of the top ways baking soda may be able to help you, but these are just few of its seemingly endless potential uses.

Dry shampoo

Washing your hair takes a lot of time and effort, so it’s no surprise that it’s often the first self-care job to be put to the side. While some people can last days without their hair going oily, by the end of the week most people are chucking their greasy locks into a bun.

You can buy dry shampoos from the supermarket to keep your hair looking healthy, but to save money you can also use baking soda. All you have to do is sprinkle some baking soda and talcum powder onto your hairbrush and comb through, letting the powder absorb the excess oil.

Alternatively, you can mix one part baking soda with three parts water for a cheap hair shampoo alternative.

Exfoliator

You’ve got your cleanser and moisturiser to brighten up your skin, but what about an exfoliator? There are plenty of options on the market which promise to clear those stubborn blackheads and help with anti-ageing, but some have found baking soda to be just as effective.

Mix three parts baking soda to one part water, or your usual cleanser, until you have a paste. Apply the mixture to your face and rub it in gently, being careful to avoid your eye area, then gently rinse with water once you’re done.

The mixture can also be used on other parts of your body that may need exfoliation such as your elbows and knees.

Insect bite treatment

With the weather warming up you can expect to see some mosquitos buzzing around, especially if you live near the water. And, while they may be small, the insects can leave itchy, red bites over your body.

To relieve the itchiness try using baking soda. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with just enough water to create a paste and apply it to the bite. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes before washing it off with water.

Household cleaner

It may be time to clean out the kitchen cupboard and throw away the abundance of cleaning products because baking soda can remove dirt and grime just as effectively.

To leave your bathroom tubs, tiles and sinks sparkling clean, all you need to do is sprinkle baking soda lightly on a clean, damp cloth and scrub as usual. Then rinse the surface thoroughly and wipe dry. For more stubborn marks, dirt and grime, add some coarse salt to the mixture.

To clean your shower wet a microfibre cloth and sprinkle a small amount of baking soda and a couple of drops of dishwashing liquid on top. Work the cloth in your hands until it lathers and wipe the shower clean.

If you’ve noticed the drains have become clogged, run hot water through the drain and then pour in 1/2 cup of baking soda down. Let it sit for 15 minutes and then run more hot water down the drain.

Sunburn reliever

With summer upon us the risk of getting sunburnt has increased. While sunscreen is always advised to avoid getting burnt and damaging your skin, if you do see a bit too much sun, baking soda can be used to help relieve the pain.

Add 1 cup of baking soda to a bath and soak for at least 15 minutes. This treatment will help ease the pain and redness. You can also mix 1 cup of water to 4 tablespoons of baking soda and dab the mixture onto the sunburn.

Deodoriser

Instead of using a deodoriser from the supermarket which can contain a lot of chemicals, first try using baking soda. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on whatever is causing the stench such as the cutting board, rubbish bin, dishwasher, lunch boxes, sneakers, closets and the refrigerator to absorb lingering odours

Baking soda also works well to control the stench coming from your compost heap. As with the other items, simply sprinkle the baking soda over the top of your heap and wait for the magic to happen. As an added bonus, the baking soda will prevent an acidity build-up in your soil.