Here are the top 5 ways we use baking soda at our house:
- Face wash - I have used only baking soda to "wash" my face for years now. I keep a container of it in my shower and bathroom. I make a paste with the soda and some water and rub it on my face. It is a light exfoliator and it makes my skin feel amazing and clean. No soap for me!
- Diaper pail deodorizer - If my diaper pail gets a bit stinky in-between wash days I sprinkle a bit in the top.
- Laundry booster - From time to time I put a 1/2 a scoop of baking soda in the pre-wash section of my front loader.
- Clarify Hair- From time to time I mix some baking soda with my shampoo and rub through my hair. This removes shampoo buildup and I think it brightens my blond a bit too.
- Surface cleaner - It is a great non-toxic scrub. Just put a bit on a sponge and wipe away.
Here are 5 more ways to use baking soda:
- Clean coffee and tea pots - Remove stains by washing mugs and coffee makers in a solution of 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart of warm water. If the stains are stubborn try soaking overnight in the baking soda solution.
- Deodorize the garbage disposal - To keep smells at bay pour baking soda down the drain while running warm tap water. The baking soda will neutralize both acid and basic odors for a fresh drain.
- Toothpaste - Put baking soda on a toothbrush and voila, toothpaste! A natural way to freshen your mouth and clean your teeth.
- Deodorant - I haven't tried this one yet but I've read that if you mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda with 10 drops of your favorite essential oil and apply it to your underarms it works to keep smells away.
- Antacid - Mix one teaspoon into a glass of warm water and drink. It relieves heartburn, gas and other tummy upsets.
Just a side note, I use a different baking soda for my face wash and for anything that touches my skin (or that I ingest). I use Red Mill aluminum free baking soda as I try to limit the amount of aluminum I am exposed to. I usually buy it in bulk from amazon.com.