The Many Benefits & Uses of Baking Soda
Here's a little insight into my brain: when I hear "baking soda," my mind immediately goes to that hilarious scene from The Simpsons where Homer experiences an "antacid trip" after eating an old box of baking soda from the back of the refrigerator. That memory alone is proof that baking soda has more uses than just as a leavening agent! Outside of baking, some of my favorite uses for baking soda include natural cleaning products and even as an anti-bloat agent for my goats. I wanted to share a few fun and practical ways to make use of this versatile household staple.
Natural Cleaning with Baking Soda
One of baking soda’s greatest strengths is its cleaning power. Unlike commercial cleaners, baking soda offers a non-toxic way to tackle dirt, grease, grime, and unpleasant odors. When paired with essential oils, its cleaning potential gets an aromatic boost, turning cleaning into an enjoyable experience. Here are some of the most common ways to use baking soda around the house:
Foot Soak
If you have been following for a little while, then you are very aware that I am a sucker for foot soaks, so it should be no surprise that I am suggesting them here too. Adding 1-3 Tbsp of baking soda to a foot soak can help relax your tired, achy feet. If you would like to add essential oils, add them to a carrier oil first, then add a couple of drops to your foot soak water. Pleasant oils to use for a foot soak include lavender, geranium, or evergreens such as black spruce.
Air Fresheners
Baking soda’s ability to neutralize odors is legendary. You can create a simple, fragrant air freshener by combining 1/3 cup of baking soda with 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil in a recycled glass jar, a spice jar is perfect. Citrus, evergreen, and spice essential oils like lemon, sweet orange, clove, cedarwood, or cypress work wonderfully to freshen the air while removing unpleasant smells. You can leave the jar out to serve as an air frehener or sprinkle into trash cans or other offensive stinky items around the home.
Carpet Freshener
For a quick carpet refresh, sprinkle scented baking soda onto carpets, let it sit for 20-60 minutes, and vacuum it up. This method can eliminate odors and leave behind a fresh scent. In a mason jar, add 1 cup baking soda and 10-15 drops of essential oils, and be sure to blend well to disperse the oil evenly through the powder. Great essential oils to consider are lemon, lavender, spearmint, peppermint, or rosemary. Always test a small, hidden spot first to ensure the baking soda will not harm your carpet.
Shoe Powder
Easily deodorize stinky shoes by sprinkling baking soda into the shoes. But again, if you want to take it to the next level, in a glass jar, such as a spice jar, mix baking soda with tea tree, lemon, lavender, geranium, cedarwood, or peppermint. Shake out the excess powder before wearing the shoes again.
Bug Control
Bugs are important when they are outside, but they are not desirable in our homes. Sprinkle a line of baking soda along doorways and windows, especially in the basement, or where you have seen them entering your space. You can boost the pest control power by adding peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, or clove essential oils.
Simple Sink & Tub Scrub
Simply sprinkle baking soda over the surface of the sink or tub, then spray on vinegar and scrub the surface using a brush or rag. You can make a spray bottle of 1/2 to 3/4 distilled water with 1/4 to 1/2 white vinegar, with the option to add in a few drops of essential oils like lemon or tea tree. Once again, you can mix the baking soda with essential oils in a glass jar. Consider using essential oils such as lemon, lime, or tea tree. This will cut through soap scum and leave sinks and tubs gleaming.
Scrubbing Paste
Mixing baking soda with Sal Suds or castile soap creates a natural scrubbing paste perfect for sinks, bathtubs, or countertops. Great oils to consider include lime, lemon, tea tree, or peppermint. In a bowl, blend 1/2 cup of baking soda, 2 Tbsp Sal Suds (or castile soap if you prefer), ~1 Tbsp water or hydrosol, and up to 10 drops of essential oil. Add the water or hydrsol slowly, mixing as you go, looking for a wet dough consistency. Optionally, you can also add 1/2 tsp of cornstarch for a bit more scrubbing potential. Store in a glass jar. This homemade scrub is safe for most surfaces but do a patch test first to be sure.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
An easy way to clean the toilet is to sprinkle baking soda into the toilet, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub. If you want to add a fresh scent and boost the cleaning power, you can add essential oils. In a recycled glass jar, such as a spice jar, fill with baking soda and add 10-15 drops of essential oil, being sure to mix the oil evenly through the baking soda. Consider essential oils such as tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus, lemon, or a purchased blend such as Fighting Five or Mountain Bandits.
Oven Cleaner
Cleaning the oven is probably the most avoided chore because no one wants to use the dreaded oven cleaners that are available. Good news, you do not have to use those! Try mixing 1/2 cup of baking soda with about 3 Tbsp of water or hydrosol, stir to create a paste, then add 15-20 drops of essential oil, being sure the thoroughly blend into the paste. Essential oils to consider would be tea tree, lemon, or your favorite evergreen. If the oven is nearly black with built-up crud, you will want to let the paste sit for a while, then come back and spray with a vinegar spray of 1/2 to 3/4 distilled water with 1/4 to 1/2 white vinegar, with the option to add in a few drops of essential oils like lemon or pine.
Essential Oils & Baking Soda: A Perfect Pair
Combining essential oils with baking soda enhances the cleaning experience. The baking soda tackles dirt and odors while the essential oils provide a pleasant fragrance and added cleaning properties. Some popular essential oils to mix with baking soda include:
Lavender for a calming and relaxating scent that offers airborne antimicrobial activity
Geranium for a calming yet uplifting floral scent that offers antimicrobial activity
Peppermint for invigorating and uplifting the mood while also aiding in cleaning and pest control
Spearmint for an energizing fresh scent that serves as a decongestant with antimicrobial properties
Lemon for its bright, clean aroma and grease-cutting abilities
Lime for a zesty, uplifting citrus scent that offers a detox resource
Sweet Orange for a fresh citrusy mood boost with cleansing effects
Tea Tree for its natural antimicrobial properties that sends microbes packing
Rosemary for a stimulating and energizing scent that offers antimicobial benefits
Clove for a warm spicy scent that clears the air
Evergreens Such as pine or fir, bring the refreshing, woodsy scent of the outdoors inside, while also offering antibacterial and deodorizing benefits
Fighting Five or Mountain Bandits are varieties of "Thieves" blends from other companies that blend lemon, eucalyptus, rosemary, and more for an ideal cleaning blend that smells amazing
Conclusion: A Versatile, Natural Solution
Baking soda is an indispensable item in any home. Not only does it clean and deodorize effectively, but when combined with essential oils, it turns every cleaning task into an aromatherapy session. Best of all, it is affordable and safe for you and your family. Whether you are tackling stubborn stains or freshening up the air, baking soda is your go-to natural cleaning agent.
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