Use baking soda to clean and deodorize the refrigerator.
Baking soda, a non-toxic compound, is also known as sodium bicarbonate or bicarbonate of soda. An open box of baking soda placed in the refrigerator helps neutralize odors. As a drying agent, an open box placed in the closet removes excess moisture. Used both indoors and outdoors, or for health and personal care, baking soda has a wide range of uses.
Safety
Baking soda has fire-retardant properties. Use it to extinguish grease and electrical fires by scattering the powder over the fire. As the powder burns, it creates carbon dioxide, which will starve the fire of oxygen. Use baking soda to put out fires in wood, clothing, rugs and upholstery. Sprinkled in an ashtray, baking soda will prevent smoldering.
Personal Care
Clean brushes and combs with a baking soda solution. Use it to brush your teeth or dentures, or use it as a mouthwash. Baking soda is also used as an underarm deodorant. Deodorize your shoes by sprinkling the powder in the toe section and leaving overnight. Remove odors from your hands by mixing baking soda with water, massaging gently, then rinsing. Product buildup in the hair can be removed by adding baking soda to your shampoo.
Kitchen Uses
For cleaning purposes, use baking soda to clean the refrigerator, microwave and counter tops without scratching them. While cleaning, baking soda also has the added benefit of deodorizing the surfaces. Clean and deodorize the dishwasher by running it through a cycle with baking soda rather than detergent. Use baking soda to make a wash to clean pesticides from vegetables and fruits.
General Home Uses
To reduce musty odors in carpets, sprinkle baking soda into your vacuum bag when vacuuming. Clean clogged drains with a cup of baking soda followed by boiling water. In the laundry, a baking soda paste will help remove stains. Add baking soda to a full load to remove odors and brighten colors. Use baking soda to clean hard bathroom surfaces without scratching them.
Outdoor Uses
Clean an outdoor grill by sprinkling with baking soda, leaving it overnight, then scrub with a wire brush and warm water. Sprinkle the powder on oil patches or grease on cement floors, add hot water, scrub and rinse. Baking soda can also be used to scour rusty surfaces. In the garden, baking soda is used to deter ants.
Health
Reduce itching caused by poison ivy by making a baking soda paste and applying it to the affected area. Kill canker sores by applying baking soda to the sores each day in order to reduce bacteria in the mouth. Soothe burns with a thick paste applied immediately. This can reduce pain and prevent blisters.
Unusual Uses
Eliminate musty book odors and mildew by sealing books in a bag sprinkled with baking soda and leaving for a few weeks. Remove tape residue with a thick paste of baking soda and water. Sprinkled in a vegetable crisper, baking soda helps produce stay fresh longer.
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