DIY experts demonstrate how baking soda can be used for deodorizing, cleaning, cooking, beauty rituals, science projects and putting out fires.
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Household uses:
- Drains
- Refrigerator
- Trash can, diaper pail, hamper
- Dishwasher
- Garbage disposal
- Tea stain on mug
- Burned-on food
- Nonabrasive stovetop cleaner
Queen’s quick tips: Sprinkle a little baking soda in a gym bag to keep it smelling fresh. Add 1/2 cup baking soda to liquid laundry detergent for fresh-smelling and cleaner clothes.
Baking soda also can be a staple in personal hygiene:
- Bath: Add 1/2 cup to a warm bath to soothe and condition skin.
- Facial: Add 3 parts baking soda to 1 part olive oil, then apply in a circular motion after washing face with regular soap. It works on dry skin on the body as well.
- Teeth: Brush your teeth with it -- and it’s also used to clean dentures, retainers and mouth guards. Add 2 teaspoons to a bowl of water.
- Foot soak: Soak feet in 3 tablespoons to a basin of warm water.
- Bee stings: Make a paste of water and baking soda to soothe irritation and remove stinger.
Baking soda also has a number of uses -- both culinary and safety-related -- in the kitchen:
- Washing produce
- Leavening
- Extinguishing fires
Since it has so many uses, separate boxes of baking soda may be bought for cooking, cleaning and bathing.
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