Baking soda, also known by the more official name of sodium bicarbonate, is most commonly used for baking purposes. If you've got a dessert to prepare for a special event, baking soda is usually called for in the ingredients for its properties as a leavening agent. Whether it be cake, muffins or bread, baking soda is used to produce a chemical reaction that releases bubbles of carbon dioxide that expand and cause your baked goods to rise.
However, baking soda is one of those ingredients that can hold many more uses than originally meet the eye. Used for cleaning, health and beauty, you'll never run out of use for this common household item. Below, we've listed 6 different ways you can add baking soda into your everyday routine.
Personal Care
Facial scrub/exfoliant
Exfoliation is key to having radiant and glowing skin. By removing the outermost layer of dead skin cells, you can reveal the fresh skin that's hiding underneath. Simply combine baking soda with water and apply it to your face, rubbing the product in with circular motions. Afterward, rinse off with warm water and pat dry. Adding baking soda to your facial regiment is not only effective, but a much cheaper option compared to anything you will find at the store. In no time at all, everyone will be asking for your skincare routine!
Spot treatment
Perfect for acne-prone skin, baking soda is perfect to use as a spot treatment for those experiencing an active breakout. Simply create a thick paste with baking soda and water, and dab over any problem areas you might be having. Leave on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off, patting dry and heading to bed. Using baking soda for acne is an effective way to dry out the pimple, as well as reducing any redness or inflammation. For those of you looking to give your entire face some TLC, simply create a facial mask using a one-to-one ratio of baking soda and water and let sit. Always remember to moisturize after!
Toothpaste
Adding baking soda to your tooth brushing routine can have an impressive impact on your oral hygiene. With the abrasiveness of the ingredient, people can easily remove plaque buildup and whiten your teeth over time with consistent use. Likewise, baking soda is a natural alkalizing agent with a pH of 8.5, which can help in supporting a healthier oral pH while protecting you from tooth decay in the future. Just remember to be mindful! Baking soda is an abrasive product, so it's recommended to use sparingly. Simply dip your toothpaste in a little bit of baking soda, or create a paste by mixing baking soda and water together. Ask a dental professional for guidelines on how often to add baking soda to your brushing regimen.
Here's to a whiter and brighter smile!
Sunburns or itchy skin
Whether you've spent all day roasting in the sun or have been dealing with pesky mosquito bites ever since you got back from your camping trip, baking soda is an effective solution. Combine your baking soda with other household items, such as cornstarch or oatmeal, and apply to your skin. For an overall calming treatment, we recommend adding the mixture to your bath. Otherwise, you can target specific areas with the mask before rinsing off and patting dry.
Cleaning
Burnt pans
If any of you are guilty of letting something sit in a pan for too long or forgetting to spray non-stick oil before cooking, then we have just the solution for you! Start out by boiling about two inches of water in your burnt pan before adding a half cup of baking soda and letting it dissolve in the water. Allow the pan to sit overnight, before pouring the mixture out and cleaning the pan. The burnt particles should easily come off.
Neutralizing odors
Have you ever opened the fridge in someone's home, only to see a box of baking soda sitting in there? While it may seem odd, we promise there's a valid explanation behind it. Baking soda bonds with odors attached to food particles, minimizing any potential odors that could be brewing in your fridge. It's a simple way to ensure that your fridge remains fresh, 24/7. After about three months, we recommend tossing the old box of baking soda and replacing it with a new one. Remember, you don't want to cook with the baking soda after it's been sitting in your fridge—it won't taste good.
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Main photo courtesy Pixabay/Monfocus
Second photo courtesy Pixabay/StockSnap
View All Posts by Krystyna Dudka