40+ Reasons To Always Keep Baking Soda At Home

Let us play a little game. How many ways can you repurpose baking soda? Go ahead, try to impress us. If you had come up with five, then you’re just as mediocre as the rest of them. If you had come up with about ten, kudos! Not to rain on your parade, but we have come up with a list of over 40 ways to use a box of baking soda. We know – baking soda hardly seems like an impressive product. But it is the main component in most water repellants sold on the market. It is also a must-have for deep cleansing walls, ,clothes, and even your skin. And as it turns out, it can be used to further your performance in the gym. You won’t look at a box of baking soda the same way again after going through this list. In fact, you might start to buy the product in bulk!

Rid your place of musty smell

Does your apartment smell like the inside of a locker room? You could try opening the windows for a change, or change the sheets every two weeks or so. You could try a DIY air freshener. It shouldn’t cost you so much, and it only requires a couple of ingredients.

You will need a couple of glass cups, essential oils (of your preference), and baking soda. In 1/4 cup of baking soda, mix a few drops of essential oil. Place it near air vents, in cabinet drawers, or even on countertops. Simply pour in more essential oils to reinvigorate the place.

Rub-a-dub-dub those pears and apples

As much as we hate to admit it, those pristine-looking pears are usually sprayed with some chemicals to keep pests from consuming them. Now, you would not want to ingest any of those, would you? We suggest that you fill a basin of water, and add a tablespoon of baking soda.

Mix well, then pour in the fruit or vegetables that you will be storing or consuming later. You can let those fruits air-dry or wipe them with a towel. Bring out another bowl, and then prep a salad or organize your clean fruits.

Revamp your tees

Your friends will be begging to know where you got your fresh tees. They’re crisp and blindingly white. What’s your secret? A cup of baking soda to your load of laundry. Just a cup, and your tees will look like they just came straight from the mall.

One other thing we love about this trick is that baking soda, a soluble salt, also helps to remove stains. The washing machine can only do so much – rubbing away the grime or muck that’s already caked on our clothes. But tough stains are better removed with some hot water and baking soda.

Improve athletic performance

You might not know it, but athletes, especially runners, often take sodium bicarbonate to improve performance during practice sessions. They take it about an hour to 90 minutes before exercising. Take it closer than that, and you might just get an upset stomach.

It’s better to take sodium bicarbonate in capsule or tablet form. But you can consume plain baking soda with water or a meal. Space out the doses over the day if you want to increase your tolerance. However, we are not doctors. Taking large doses can affect your heart’s normal rhythm and muscle activity.

Alternative body deodorant

We don’t know about you, but there is a new standard of purity when it comes to deodorants. Did you know that it’s super easy to make a DIY deodorant? All you need is water and baking soda. Have no fear because you won’t need to worry about dark underarms or chafing.

Your deodorant paste can be made by mixing baking soda and water. You should be able to create a paste which can be directly applied to your underarms. You can create one as viscous or as thick as you like, but like we said, it should last you for the whole day. Now, that’s guaranteed aluminum and paraben-free.

A spoon a day keeps the doctor away

Forget apples. If you’re a person who suffers from chronic kidney disease, sodium bicarbonate should help slow down the progression of kidney disease. There is a caveat – you must actually be diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. Otherwise, you just might cause yourself more trouble.

There is a buildup of acid in the blood in chronic kidney disease patients. Balance that with your regular household alkali, and you’ll see a significant decrease in the progression of kidney disease. It should help you stay clear of those dialysis treatments.

Bathroom duty

Taking a shower is one of the few luxuries for an adult. You can let loose and sing in the shower. Every once in a while, you might come up with a solution for a problem you had been grappling with for days on end. So it’s important to keep this part of the house in tip-top shape.

Grime and mold may easily build up along the surface of the tub or the tiles’ edges. You could cleanse the whole place by mixing a cup of Clorox in a tub of water, and then dousing the tub with it. Or you can pour a handful of baking soda, then pour hot water over the grimy surfaces. Rinse and voila!

Unwanted garden guests?

Having a beautiful landscape doesn’t come without costs. You can either hire someone to mow the lawn, manage pests, or remove weeds. Or, you can do them all at a back-breaking pace. Fortunately, with enough baking soda, you can kill weeds without having to turn the lawn upside down.

Moisten any patch of weeds with water. Then sprinkle about a teaspoon of baking soda on top of the patch of weeds. You might have to use a greater amount if the weeds are growing in driveway cracks or sidewalks. You could sweep the excess into the cracks.

Word of the day: halitosis

Just what is halitosis, and what is the big fuss about it? Well, it’s the medical term for bad breath. And usually, the ones affected by it don’t notice it. To keep your teeth healthy and plaque- free, we suggest that you use a DIY mouthwash using baking soda. It shouldn’t hurt the gums given that there’s no alcohol.

Simply mix half a tablespoon of baking soda with equal parts of warm water. If you want to create a stash for the week, simply follow the same ratio. Store in a mason jar, and then place by the sink or in the refrigerator. We suggest you store it in the fridge. Plus, you get a cool sensation just after gargling.

Clean your all-purpose microwave

You know, you can have a kitchen without an oven and pan, but still manage to cook yourself meals with just a microwave. This is why it is important to clean your home microwave every once in a while. It is likely that food particles might stick to the glass panels and surfaces, causing a foul odor.

In a microwaveable bowl, pour about 15 ounces of water, and mix with 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Put the solution inside the microwave. Select maximum power for 5 – 10 minutes. Wait for another ten minutes to allow the solution to work on the grime. Wipe the interior of your microwave with a clean, dry cloth.

Treat itchy skin

When camping, it’s important to bring a couple of essentials – food, tent, clothes, nightlamp, and baking soda. Say what? You read that right. Mix baking soda with some water, and you have a DIY cream to apply on splotchy, red skin. Whether it be due to a bug bite or an allergy, this is a safe way to reduce skin inflammation.

Simply create a paste out of the these ingredients, and then gently apply it on the affected area. Depending on your preference, you can patch it up or leave it to airdry. Try to divert your attention away while the cream takes effect. Focusing on that patch of skin makes it harder not to scratch.

No more falls

During winter, people are prone to falls due to slippery ice patches. To keep you or your family from getting hurt, use baking soda to thaw the ice on slippery steps and walkways. Why do we love this hack? Because it serves two purposes – it lowers the freezing point for ice and it’s the least abrasive option compared to salt.

As you guessed, you would need a great deal of baking soda. Simply sprinkle it generously over surfaces of walkways. Some prefer to sprinkle sand over the layer of baking soda. This helps gives their shoes some traction. Then wait for the ice to melt. Simply repeat the steps depending on the weather conditions.

Soften and whiten your underarms

Dark underarms aren’t a serious health concern, but it affects a great deal of people. With tight, restrictive clothing, deodorant use, and excessive perspiration, your underarms might be a shade darker than the rest of your skin. To whiten the area, you can use sea cucumber extracts or (as you guessed it), baking soda!

In a bowl, mix baking soda and water to form a paste. Apply on your underarms, and then gently rub in circular motions. Massage and leave for thirty minutes. Afterwards, rinse the area with cold water. If you do this about twice a week for a month, you should be able to see results. Wear tank tops and sleeveless dresses with confidence!

Rid yourself of dandruff

There seems to be a debate about whether baking soda can be used for the scalp or not. But studies have shown that it can be used as an antifungal and complementary treatment for skin irritations. So, it should help you get rid of pesky flakes too, right?

We wouldn’t suggest you try it more than a couple times a month since your hair relies on certain pH levels to grow healthily. Baking soda can remove dandruff buildup and rid the scalp of excess oils. Simply mix about 2 to 3 tablespoons of baking soda in a cup of lukewarm water and apply on your scalp. Massage and leave for a minute, then rinse.

Make a mirror out of silverware

You shouldn’t have to wait for guests to come over to polish your silverware. Grandma wouldn’t like it one bit – that you’re mishandling the dinnerware she had given you. Simply pour a cup of baking soda in a basin of hot water. Then simply lay all the silverware inside. Leave for 30 minutes.

The mixture should be able to remove rust and tarnish. You can gently rub each spoon or fork with a cloth, then rinse with clean, cold water. The procedure is pretty simple enough, and in no time you should be able to see your face in the silverware. Now, how about feasting like the royalty that you are?

Clean hairbrushes

Now that you have cleansed your toothbrush, how about having a go at those hairbrushes? Think about it. When was the last time you manually de-frizzed it and ran it through warm water? Keep it from getting worn out by doing this simple trick. Mix one teaspoon of baking soda and a cup of warm water.

Dip the brush in the mixture, or alternatively, pour the mixture all over the brush. Let it sit for half an hour. Then rinse under cold water. Try to remove tangled hair between the bristles, then let it dry. You should be able to use it in a couple of hours. Trust us, your scalp will thank you for it.

Treat yourself to a home manicure

With a box of baking soda, there are loads of self-care treatments you can avail from the comforts of your own home! For this next bit, get ready for a manicure session. Whiten those nails, nurture those cuticles, and soften your skin by creating this simple mixture.

Mix a tablespoon of baking soda and a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide together. With an old toothbrush, coat your nails and cuticles with the paste. Leave for a ten minutes, and then rinse with cold water. Now, what’s next on the agenda is to choose a nail color that will go well with this week’s outfit!

Barbecue ribs, anyone?

It’s Friday night. The cooler is filled to the brim, and inside, there are rows upon rows of ice-cold beer. You can hear the sizzle of oil dripping on ruby-red coals. And you can almost feel the juices leak from the sides of your mouth. But sadly, your grill needs a little clean-up before serving plate of barbecue ribs.

Not to worry, remove the grates, and brush with them with a mixture of clean water mixed with baking soda and dishwashing liquid. Unclog burner holes by removing food particles or using soft wire brush. Scrub the insides of the grill, and then rinse with water. Lastly, heat the grill for fifteen minutes to disinfect.

Clean your toothbrushes

One of the most underrated things dentists fail to remind us of is to clean our toothbrushes. Sure, you should get a new one every three or four months, but make sure to disinfect it. Running it under water doesn’t count. But, you shouldn’t have to break a nail to get the grime off your bristles.

Pour two tablespoons of vinegar and two tablespoons of baking soda in a cup of hot water. Mix ,and then submerge the brush in it. Leave it for 30 minutes to an hour. Better yet, just after washing your teeth at night, do this hack, and then rinse the toothbrush when you wake up to be sure.

No floor wax, no problem

Since baking soda is great at removing stains and polishing steel surfaces, then it should work quite well on the floor. As it turns out, it does! You don’t have to put your back into scrubbing floor wax to get those tiles to shine. All you need is water, dishwashing soap, baking soda, and white vinegar.

Mix about a half cup of water, half cup of dishwashing soap, 2 cups of baking soda, and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar. Make sure there aren’t any lumps when you pour the mixture inside a bucket. Apply it on the floor, mop as you normally would, and then rinse with water. Just remember to skip the vinegar if you have marble or limestone floors.

Relief from sore throat

Don’t you hate that scratchy, painful feeling at the back of your throat? Like you, most Americans visit their doctors each year for a sore throat. It should go away on its own with a couple of these home remedies. First, suck a mint lozenge. During Winter, use a cool, mist humidifier.

Drink warm liquids, preferably those that contain ginger or honey. And lastly, gargle. Mix a teaspoon of salt and a teaspoon of baking soda together in warm water. Do this at least twice a day or as often as you like. We will be honest, it will feel uncomfortable, but that should help keep infections at bay and reduce the scratchy feeling.

Remove funky odor from your dishwasher

Come to think of it, the insides of your dishwasher should be one of the cleanest places in the house. It’s cleaning itself isn’t it? But with all the gunk it’s washing off your dishes, it might smell horrendous over time. Keep it clean and odor-free by removing bits of food daily, wiping down the door, and then cleaning the interior monthly!

You would have to do two cycles. Fill a dishwasher-safe bowl with white vinegar. Place it on the top rack, and select a normal (hot) cycle. If your dishwasher still smells, do a second cycle with baking soda. This time, simply sprinkle a handful of baking soda in the bottom of your dishwasher. Select a short, hot cycle.

Remove burnt food from your pan

This is probably one of the first few tricks dads and inexperienced cooks will learn. Whether you are learning to navigate the kitchen, light the oven, or simply turn the knobs, chances are you will end up with badly burnt food on the pot. This hack is especially handy if you have a stainless steel collection of pans.

Remove as much burnt food from the pan as possible. Tug or gently scrape away. Then mix about three parts of baking soda to one part water. Apply the paste generously over the burnt area of the pan. Leave overnight. Scrub with a brush or sponge.

Got pearly white teeth

One of the most attractive things about a person is their smile. So, make sure that you flash those pearly whites as often as you can. Matter of fact, do you even have a set of pearly whites, or are they more of a honey yellow? Not to worry! Remove teeth stains by mixing a quarter teaspoon of baking soda with a tablespoon of water.

Dip your toothbrush in the paste and then scrub your teeth. Follow doctor’s orders – make sure to gently brush in circular motions. Rinse with water and then gargle with mouthwash, or baking soda mixed with water. If you repeat this often, you should be able to blind people with your smile.

Rid your carpet of vomit

After a fun night with friends, you might have stumbled into your house vomiting all over the floor. By morning, you might wake up in a pool of it – all caked up around the corners of your mouth and on the floor. Oh, no. Your wife is going to kill you…but not before you attempt to clean the carpet.

If possible, bring the rug or carpet to the lawn or inside the garage (because this is where you are going to get down and dirty). Sprinkle a handful of baking soda. Let it stay overnight after pouring hot water over it. After vacuuming the stain, you should be able to come up with a more-or-less desirable carpet to rest your feet on.

Deodorize your garbage disposal chute

Just because you throw garbage down the chute, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t clean it every now and then. If you don’t, your sink will most likely smell, and it will be prone to clogging. So, we suggest you follow these couple of steps.

Mix a quarter of baking soda with a cup of boiling water. Mix a quarter of baking soda in a cup of white vinegar in another cup. Pour the first mixture down the drain. Wait for 10 minutes, then pour the second mixture. You might see bubbles which means the unclogging process is working. Wait for half an hour then pour hot water down the drain as a final rinse.

Relief from heartburn

Every once in a while, you might be invited to a friend or a neighbor’s celebration. Depending on the amount of self-restraint you have, you could end up with a full platter of carbs and a regrettable experience of heartburn. You could ask your hospitable guest for help, or you can do this next bit.

In a glass of warm water, dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda. Then drink slowly. The alkali solution should help neutralize the acidity. In the next couple of minutes, you should be fine. Standing up at the same time should help reduce the backflow of stomach acid into your esophagus.

Foot soaks for dry Feet

After all the work that you have put in, reward yourself with a luxurious bath. Get the spa treatment that you deserve without breaking the bank. To start off, you can do this foot soak by mixing tepid water with an ounce of baking soda. You can mix in a couple drops of essential oil of your preference.

Feel the water to make sure that it is right to the touch. Submerge your feet and relax. From time to time, you can place your feet on a massage roller, then dip them right back in the basin. Both should improve circulation while moisturizing your skin.

Who’s the new chef In town

Channel your inner Gordon Ramsey by trying this next hack. You should be able to cook up an amazing, fluffy omelet. From now on, your breakfast will be scrumptious and loaded with protein. For every three eggs, mix a teaspoon of baking soda.

Whisk as you normally would, and then pour the batter in a pan. Cook over low to medium heat. Then serve with some mayo or ketchup on the side. Your kids will be amazed from the taste of these fluffy eggs. By the end of the meal, they might even beg you to pack them a couple of sandwiches for lunch!

Clean summer canvas sneakers

Summer canvas sneakers go with any type of outfit. They are made of breathable fabric which makes them extremely comfortable. But, that’s the same thing we hate about them. Imagine stepping in mud or freshly mown grass. Those canvas sneakers will be hellish to clean.

Don’t fret. With some baking soda, you should be able to restore those summer canvas shoes to their store-bought appearance. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda, a half tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide, and a half tablespoon of warm water in a cup. Allow the paste to soak into the cloth, then let them dry for an hour. Rinse the shoe with water by using a sponge or a rag.

Unclog those drains

It’s part of a homeowner’s responsibility to maintain and upkeep the house. That being said, unclogging drains is no easy feat. You could hire a plumber to do the job, but that might cost you a couple hundred dollars easily when you can try this first.

Mix a cup of baking soda with a cup of water or a cup of vinegar solution. Pour down the clogged drain. Cover with the plug and wait for ten to 30 minutes. Then pour boiling water down the drain. That should unclog the drain. In case, it doesn’t, repeat the process.

Less funk for your feline friend

What a turd! You place your hands on your hips and stare at the matter before you. You were able to smell this foul odor from your bedroom! But that’s just you, right? You congratulate your cat for the job well done. But, we bet you wished it smelled a little less.

It’s an all-natural deodorant! So, if it works for your pits, then it should work the same magic on cat litter. Not to worry, baking soda is not toxic for felines. Of course, you would still have to scoop the litter daily, change the sand, and wash the box every now and then with soap and water. But at least the funk won’t stick to the walls of the house!

Condition your hair with baking soda

Next up on the list is baking soda for hair conditioner. Now, why would we ever do that? For one, it doesn’t contain irritants such as parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, or perfume. Secondly, it should rid the scalp of excess oil and dirt. Third, it will help deodorize any unpleasant smell.

Mix one part baking soda, three parts water, and a few drops of essential oil (of your preference) in a glass bowl. Apply the paste from the roots to the ends after you wet your hair. Leave it for a minute or two then rinse with water.

Clean your wooden cutting board

It’s a no brainer – washing your cutting board. But many of us fail to disinfect it properly. It doesn’t really matter what material your cutting board is made of. Over time, food gets mashed into the edges. Food bits and oil tend to wedge deep within the cracks. To rid your board of this residue, try this cleaning solution!

Liberally sprinkle baking powder on your cutting board. Then rub half a lemon on the surface. Depending on the size of your board, you might end up using a whole one. Alternatively, you can pour white vinegar. Leave for thirty minutes, then rinse the board with warm water.

Throwing out the trash

Throwing out the trash beats many household chores. We don’t like it. We hate stepping on that foot-pedal just to be greeted with the smell of rotting food, cat litter, and other unmentionables. It’s not a great way to end the day, but someone has got to do it!

Like we said, baking soda is a deodorant. It should help neutralize the odors inside the garbage bin until you throw it out. You won’t have to dread the feeling of throwing trash, or hauling the bag over your shoulder. From here on out, you and your siblings might just volunteer to do this chore instead of washing the dishes.

Baking soda treatments for your baby’s bum

There are a handful of ways you can prevent your baby from getting a diaper rash. Like we said, baking soda acts as a repellant, so it should help keep your baby’s bum dry from pee and sweat. Here are a couple of options. Soak a clean washcloth in a mixture of 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 3 cups of warm water. Put it on your baby’s bottom and pat dry.

Second, in a bucket of warm water, you can add 2 teaspoons of baking soda. Bathe your baby in it for 10 minutes, then pat the water off with a clean cloth. Put a fresh diaper on your kid. If you want added moisture, you can include 1/4 cup of blended oatmeal and 1 tablespoon of milk into the tub of water. Your kid will sleep soundly because of it.

Cleaning your furball’s bed

Having a pet is much like having a kid. You have to look after them, feed them, and clean up after them. Unlike children, they can only do so much cleaning with their paws. But we are certain they dislike having to sleep on their smelly bed.

You can try some deodorant to neutralize that acrid smell, or you could sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on your pet’s bed. Fluff the covers and brush the powder into the fibers. Leave it to cake overnight, and then vacuum the bed. That should also remove your pet’s loose fur.

Clean marks off the wall

If you have kids, then you should expect to be greeted by marks on the wall. They love to make a canvass out of it, especially plain, white surfaces. For a deep cleanse, follow these steps! Lay towels along the base of the wall to keep water from collecting in pools. Vacuum the walls and wipe away dust particles with a cloth.

Next, make a mixture of soapy water – a couple drops of your favorite dishwashing liquid, baking soda, and warm water. Make sure the cloth is soaked. If it’s safe to work on your wall, start from the top, and work your way down, gently rubbing in circular motions. Then rinse the wall by soaking the cloth in clean water and wiping it down.

Manage chicken pox

Moms find this hack particularly helpful. When children are hit with the chickenpox, some home remedies to soothe skin irritation like cold baths and ice cubes applied unto the skin just don’t cut it. You can opt for calamine lotion, or make a paste of baking soda and water.

To create a paste, mix half a tablespoon of baking soda with water. Dip one end, and then apply directly on those blisters. We would suggest that you only apply these on rashes or blisters that haven’t popped. However, if you apply on open sores, you might end up doing more harm than good!

Disinfect cloth diapers

There are several reasons why moms prefer to use diaper cloths over disposable ones. For one, they’re eco-friendly. Second, you don’t have to rush to the store every now and then. And, you save a lot of money. All you need to do is replace and clean them whenever the diaper cloth is spoiled.

But how do mums ensure that the diaper cloth is deeply cleansed? In two quarts of warm water, dissolve half a cup of baking soda. Soak the soiled diapers in the mixture for about half an hour. Toss the batch into the washing machine, and then watch the mixture work itself into those stains. Now, that’s a deep cleanse!

Disinfect kitchen sponges

Us adults love getting excited about things like new sponges! Oh, if only you could use a new one everyday. But, you can always opt to disinfect your sponge to make them last for more than a month. Let it soak in some, wait for it….baking soda!

By morning, the baking soda ought to have broken down all the greasy residue stuck to your sponge. Run under clean water, and then let it dry. Your sponge should smell a bit more tolerable. If it doesn’t suffice, repeat the steps until you’re satisfied to use them on your dishes.

Keep those linens smelling fresh

We don’t know about you, but we have a stack of linen sheets in the house. We often fold them away smelling fresh from the laundry, but disappointedly, when we need to use them, they can sometimes smell like the inside of a locker room.

Some people use moth balls or Irish Spring soap to neutralize the stale scent inside drawers. But another alternative is to put an open box of baking soda in the cabinet containing your bedsheets. It should help absorb moisture and deodorize the enclosed space so your linens will smell freshly laundered!

Mouth sores begone!

Is it just us, or do mouth sores conveniently pop up when there’s a family gathering or a barbecue session? Instead of having a full plate, we often stick to buttered corn and Jello. It doesn’t make for a scrumptious meal, that’s for sure. So how do we naturally reduce painful mouth sores?

Rinse after every meal. Take 1 teaspoon of baking soda and mix it with some warm water. Then, gargle for about 30 seconds. Baking soda should help neutralize acid formed by bacteria feeding on food bits in your mouth. And it should also rinse gross food particles stuck between your teeth. In no time, those mouth sores should heal on their own.

In full bloom

Display your affection by giving your partner a bouquet of flowers. Help her store these by placing them in a vase of water with a teaspoon of baking soda. This will ensure the flowers are fresher for longer periods of time. And trust us, she will love you even more for it – seeing those flowers in full bloom on the countertop every morning.

Similarly, you can use this mixture to water your garden plants. This will encourage plants to bloom. Did we mention it’s a natural fungal spray for other fruit plants? If you spray a mixture of baking soda and vegetable oil on tomatoes, it should help them. Fruits and flowers! Can a girl ask for more?

Cleanse your pores and exfoliate

Here is an age-old technique that should help ramp up your score of attractiveness and maintain your dewy, youthful skin! How do we do that? Exfoliate every two weeks. With the right beauty product, you should be able to invigorate the skin, remove dead cells and improve circulation.

Unlike other beauty products, this one doesn’t contain chemicals, and it’s an inexpensive household product. Mixing three parts baking soda and one part water will result in a thick paste. Smoothly apply it over your forehead, cheeks, and chin. Then gently rub in a circular manner, making sure not to get any on your eyes. After a minute, rinse with warm water.

Exfoliate your feet

Many of us tend to overlook our feet. Women, and especially men, tend to overlook the spaces between the toes and the integrity of the heels. Dead skin shouldn’t be painful, but why not remove calluses when you have time to spare?

Trust us. It won’t take longer than 30 minutes. In a basin of warm water, mix 2 to 3 tablespoons of baking soda. Make sure that the water’s temperature perfect. For 10-20 minutes, soak your feet, and then rinse with clean water afterwards. Lock in the moisture by applying a healing balm or a moisturizer.

Rid plastic containers of that leftover smell

There is no limit for reusing plastic containers. But one of the things that we absolutely hate about these containers is the leftover smell of greasy food. Imagine packing a salad for lunch, and removing the lid to smell deep-fried onion rings. This can ruin your appetite.

The best way to keep those plastic containers from smelling is to wash them the moment you consume its contents. Douse the container with water and dishwashing liquid. After letting it sit a little bit, shake vigorously. Rinse with water. Or, use a thick, baking soda paste to rub on the inside of your container. Leave it to cake for a whole day then rinse.

Put out that grease fire

It’s interesting how we go about our days without thinking about the hazards of cooking. One of which includes encountering a grease fire. We don’t know what seems more horrendous – that hellish pan engulfing your steak, or the burnt aftertaste after snuffing out the blaze.

Remember – never pour water on a grease fire. That will only make matters worse. You might end up causing oil to splash all over, and with it, the transfer of fire from your stove to your countertop. Cover the pan immediately after turning off the heat so the oxygen disappears. Pour a generous amount of baking soda unto the fire. That should help extinguish the flames. Otherwise, use a fire extinguisher STAT!

Increase visibility

As a driver, it is important to maintain visibility. But, this can be difficult to manage during a heavy rain or when you are being pelted by unforgiving snow. Do you already know some tips and tricks for your family when there is bad weather? Make sure to have a box of baking soda in your car.

That’s right. Many rain repellants actually contain baking soda already. Sprinkle generously on a wet cloth, and then wipe your car windshield with it, making sure that the lumps are fully dissolved. That should help your wipers keep the rain off while you continue driving.