Wednesday, July 23, 2008

If it's one thing I just can't get enough of it's products with multiple uses. Finding multiple uses for one thing ranks right up there with receiving new DVDs of Six Feet Under, baking cupcakes that turn out divine and buying what I need on sale. In other words: it gets me excited. So imagine my delight when I stumbled upon all the multiple uses for baking soda. I knew I coudl use it to deodorize my fridge, I knew I could use it to clean silver jewlery, and I knew it was called for in many recipes. Holy Crap! There are more uses than even I could ever imagine. So here are my favorites:


BODY
Insect Bites
Mix baking soda and water into a thick paste and spread over infected area. Let paste sit on skin for a few minutes. Will provide you relief from the insane itchiness that accompanies those nasty little bites.

Facial Scrub
Mix baking soda and water into a thick paste and spread on face. Let sit for a minute or two then gently scrub; provides gentle exfoliation that won't irritate sensitive skin.

Fresh Breath
Eliminate dragon breath by gargling with water and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. MMMMMM...kissable.

Cut Gas
Sprinkle baking soda over foods that usually give you gas. Unless you really like being able to clear a room in .05 seconds flat.

CLEANING
Bath
Mix baking soda with vinegar to create a thick paste and spread along the tub to clean grease, body oils (umm ew) and soap scum.

Jewlery
Use paste of baking soda and peroxide to rinse dirt off. For shine, soak jewlery overnight in mixture of vinegar and water.

Sinks
Clean your sinks by mixing 1/2 c. baking soda, 1 c. vinegar and 1 c. water.

Vomit
I can't even write about this without gagging a little but it's something that works: sprinkle baking soda to bring up the odors, and salt to get the liquids in the carpet. Vacuum as needed. I wouldn't do liek most college boys and actually vacuum up the vomit though, you'll forever smell the grossness everytime you vacuum.

All Purpose
Create an all purpose cleaner by using a quart of water, 4 teaspoons of baking soda and 1/2 a c. of water in spray bottle. Safe to use on: counters, windowsills and floors.

Crayon Marks
Since I live alone, it's pretty rare (i.e never) that I encounter crayon marks on my walls but I do get the occasional scuff. This will work on both: create thin baking soda/water paste and gently rub the area. Wipe clean with hot water.

DIY
Repairing Plastic
Place a few drops of super glue in the hole/indentation. While wet add baking soda. Follow this addition with a couple more drops of glue and let dry. Mixture becomes very hard, which you are able to sand, drill etc.

Rust
Skina potato and dip in baking soda. Rub the rusted area; repeat dipping potato in baking soda and rubbing until rust is gone.

Strip Wallpaper
Add a tablespoon of baking soda to bucketful of warm water. Remove wallpaper as usual.

Pest Control
Using 1 tablespoon baking soda to 1 tablespoon sugar icing. Create a trap using a container they can crawl into but can't crawl out of. The insects will eat the mixture and bloat up. Remove as necessary.

2 Comments:

  1. Anonymous said...
    I had no idea baking soda soothed insect bites! That's great to know, as all it takes is something the size of a pencil eraser to bite me and my leg is swollen up the size of a balloon.
    Kari said...
    hey ayesha! there were a ton more baking soda uses too. let me know if it really does soothe your bites!

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