This is a busy time of the year and you’re probably like me – doing lots of cleaning before Christmas and all its wonderful festivities. But I don’t like to use chemicals and you probably don’t either. So, it’s great to know that one of the many baking soda uses is as eco friendly cleaning products.
There are so many reasons to be happy about this reality because not only is baking soda non-toxic, but it’s also cheap! Yes, it’s got many uses in food prep but it also wins an award for ‘Green Cleaning Products’. OK, as far as I know there’s no such thing, but if there were this white powder would definitely be a contender.
Eco Friendly Products From A Simple Box of Baking Soda
Mix up some salt and baking powder in equal portions and keep it handy for scouring anything at all. Your counters and sinks will shine.
Add a little baking soda to your dishwasher the next time you’re loading it. The baking soda will give your cleaner an extra boost to get your dishes sparkling clean.
House fires usually start in the kitchen, around a stove. If you have grease fire, pour baking soda all over it. It will safely put it out because it will smother the flames. Sand is good, too, but we’re less likely to have sand in out kitchens.
Drain stopped up? Forget the deadly Drano container and use baking soda. Create a mixture of one cup baking soda, one cup plain old (cheap!) table salt and pour it down the clogged drain. Follow immediately with ½ cup of white vinegar. Allow this to sit for about 15 minutes and then follow up with two quarts of boiling water. Then run the hottest water you can get for at least one minute. Result? An unclogged drain that is safe to you, inexpensive, loved by Mother Earth – and your pipes will be happy! Less future plumbing costs, which is always a Good Thing.
A further goodie if you have a septic tank like I do: less damage to that horrifyingly expensive tank! The last time it was cleaned, the company rep told me that if I ever had to replace it, the cost would be approximately $12,000. Gag.
Note: if you’re in an upstairs bathroom, for instance, getting all that boiling water upstairs may be dangerous. I’ve gotten the water as hot as possible in the sink and used that, although the boiling is definitely better.
If you want to spend less money on your laundry, you can stretch it out with baking soda. Mix it half and half with the detergent. One comment, though: put in the soda and start the water before you put in your clothes. I quit using powdered soap a long time ago because I didn’t like the streaks on my clothing.
And, of course, we all know about including an open box in the refrigerator to keep it free of odors. Just don’t forget to change the box! I’ve done that a couple of times – a five year old box of baking soda doesn’t do any good. :-) OK, I’m kidding – it hasn’t been quite that long, but still …
If your carpet needs refreshing, pour baking powder, allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes and then vacuum it up. A similar product is sold in the stores that supposedly makes your room “fresh’, based on whatever scent is in the package. The scent is yucky to me – too artificial. But it’s basically baking soda so why pay the extra price?
Whenever I change the litter box for my two cats, I throw baking soda in the bottom and then sprinkle it a couple of more times into the litter as I’m pouring it. Whenever I wash the box and leave it in the sun, I add a generous layer on the bottom. Bless the makers of this wonderful product because it certainly keeps the odor down.
Have an insect sting? Make a poultice of baking soda and water and pack it all over that nasty pain. It will relieve it in no time.
If you have a rash, poison ivy, chicken pox or other uncomfortable skin rash, soak in lukewarm water that contains a liberal dose of baking powder. Stay there as long as possible and you are certain to feel better soon. And … that nasty ‘whatever’ will heal faster since it will be dried up.
As eco friendly products go, baking soda receives an A+. Cheap, healthy, doesn’t damage the earth. How can we ask for more?
Dr. Clean says
If you are going to use baking soda on your carpet make sure you have them professionally cleaned periodically to clean up the remaining residue. You can safely freshen up odors with baking soda but do not want it to build up to much in your carpet fibers.
Marissa says
Whether you make a mixture of baking soda and water and soak in it or whether you make a poultice or paste from baking soda and (less) water and apply it, you’ll be able to treat many bites, stings, rashes and skin irritations with this simple product.
James Arthur says
If you are going to use baking soda on your carpet make sure you have them professionally cleaned periodically to clean up the remaining residue. You can safely freshen up odors with baking soda but do not want it to build up to much in your carpet fibers.
Nicole says
I tried using vinegar and lemon solution for kitchen cleaning and found it to be very effective in cleaning the sticky marks.
John Healy says
When using baking soda on carpets make sure you vacuum it back out. It will attract dirt if left in there.
BlissPlan says
Thanks for the tip. I will be more conscientious about getting every last flake in the future.
ev temizlik says
Whether you make a mixture of baking soda and water and soak in it or whether you make a poultice or paste from baking soda and (less) water and apply it, you’ll be able to treat many bites, stings, rashes and skin irritations with this simple product.
BlissPlan says
Yes, baking soda is a deceptively powerful little product.