10 Uses for Baking Soda

10 Uses for Baking Soda

A version of this post originally appeared on UncommonDesigns.com.

We all have Baking Soda, right? Not only is Baking Soda is a pantry staple, it’s also is fab for other uses in addition to cooking. Here are a some other cool uses!

1. Keeping the carpet clean: I use baking soda on my carpet before company comes over to help get rid of any pet smell that might be there. Just sprinkle it on the carpet and let it hang out for at least an hour. Then vacuum it up.

 2. Putting Out the Fire: Keep baking soda handy near the stove in case of a grease fire. You never want to use water on a grease fire (water will make it worse). But if you can pour baking soda on the fire while it’s still small, you might be able to stop it.

3. Freshening Up the Fridge: My mom taught me to always buy two boxes of baking soda at a time. One for the pantry and one for the fridge. The baking soda draws in the interesting odors in there, leaving the fridge smelling fresh. And be sure to note on the box in the fridge the day you should take it out.

4. Treating Clothing Stains: You can treat stains with this simple formula… 6 Tablespoons of baking soda combined with 1/3 cup of water. Make it into a paste and rub it on the stain then wash it as usual. Later, stain!

5. Busting the Mustiness: Eww… how do towels get so crunchy and musty even when you wash and dry them regularly? It’s one of the mysteries of life I guess. Luckily, baking soda can help. Just pour a 1/2 cup of baking soda in the rinse cycle while washing your towels. They’ll smell so much better.

6. Soothing a Sunburn: Here’s an easy way to deal with a sunburn. Just add a cup of baking soda to lukewarm bath water.

7. Taking a {Foot} Bath: Did you know that baking soda can work wonders on your tootsies? Fill a large bowl up with warm water and add three tablespoons of baking soda. Exfoliate with a foot brush. Your feet will feel great (and it’s an inexpensive way to pamper yourself).

8. Brightening Up the Bathroom: Make your bathroom bright and clean by making a paste of baking soda and water. It works really well on dirty sinks and on the walls of the shower. Use a sponge and some elbow grease to apply and then rinse the paste off.

9. Cleaning Your Dishwasher: This is kind of a crazy thought… but your dishwasher gets stinky too! Next time you’re running a load of dishes, sprinkle a half cup of baking soda on the floor of the dishwasher. It will smell great!

10. Taking Care of Your Tupperware: Finally, plastic containers are convenient but they can hold on to bad smells. Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda and water and use a old toothbrush to rub it all over the plastic. No more smells.

Share your awesome Baking Soda tips in the comments!