Open almost any kitchen cupboard and you’re bound to find that distinctive orange box sitting on a shelf. We’re talking about baking soda, of course, and when you’re planning on making some pastries, you’re going to need a tablespoon or two to get your baked goods to rise. Thing is, you can use baking soda in many ways that don’t involve baking.
So what is baking soda? Its official name is sodium bicarbonate, and it’s a chemical compound created by a mixture of sodium cation and a bicarbonate anion (read: a negatively charged ion). Despite its dense nature, baking soda gives baked goods a light and fluffy texture when added to a recipe. But if you don’t feel like starting a sourdough, here are other ways you can use baking soda.
Cleaning With Baking Soda
By far, baking soda is a primary player in keeping your home sparkling clean. You can use it to clean your oven by adding it directly to dirty spots. After sitting for a few minutes, wipe the area with a wet sponge and the grime will be gone. It can also be used to clean microwaves, dishwashers — even the grout in your shower.
Rinsing Produce With Baking Soda
Sure, you can swish some berries with water but adding baking soda can take that wash to a whole new level. Mix baking soda with lemon, and it will reduce any waxy buildup, which can commonly be found on apples, avocados, eggplant, cucumbers, lemons, limes, etc. Since it has an abrasive element to it, sprinkling baking soda on your fruits and veggies will make them even more edible.
Deodorizing With Baking Soda
That meal you made last night was definitely delicious. The wafting scent in the air that it left behind? Not so much. Before you start spraying your space with an air freshener, break out a box of baking soda instead. With its ability to naturally eliminate unpleasant odors, opening a box of baking soda will take the stink away, which is why it’s often found in fridges. Add some to your trash can weekly and it will combat the smell of those dirty diapers. It’s also good to freshen up drawers, mattresses, and closets, too. Note: if you use an open box to deodorize, you won’t be able to use it for cooking.
Battling Bugs With Baking Soda
Step aside, citronella. If you start feeling antsy when bugs besiege your home, baking soda can come to the rescue. Make a line of baking soda along doorways, windows, and anywhere else that might be an entry point to the pests, and it should banish those bugs.
Brushing Your Teeth With Baking Soda
Many whitening toothpastes have baking soda as an ingredient. And it makes sense, since baking soda is abrasive enough to remove those tough surface stains (thanks, coffee and soda). But you don’t need a whole lot of baking soda to do the job — a teaspoon mixed with water is enough to start seeing results even within a few days. Once you’ve rinsed and spit, don’t forget to make a mouthwash with baking soda, too. Add two teaspoons to one cup of warm water, and bad breath will be gone.
Baking soda is a standard staple in most baking recipes. But take a look around your house to see how this compound can help clean most things in your home, and you’ll soon find yourself stocking up on those orange boxes. s