Discover all the uses of baking soda

Do you know the uses of baking soda? You will find this compound very useful thanks to its properties and benefits. From cleaning, eliminating bad odors, teeth whitening, reducing measurements and more.

Join us in this post to find out all the details, let’s go!

What is baking soda?

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a white crystalline solid compound. It’s soluble in water and in the presence of acid it decomposes into water and carbon dioxide (_CO2), generating an effervescence.

It is also found in nature and is one of the components of the mineral Natron, although it can be produced artificially. On the other hand, it is an affordable product that does not pose a risk to the environment, so it is not harmful to health in low concentrations.

Main uses of sodium bicarbonate

Throughout history, different uses of baking soda have been discovered. Its properties make it ideal for home cleaning, although it is also very useful for health and personal hygiene.

Here is what you can use this substance for in cleaning, health and hygiene:

Cleaning

• Cleans and removes stains or marks on walls, furniture and mattresses among others. Just rub the surface with a damp sponge or brush with a little baking soda powder.
• Ideal for washing dishes, pots and other kitchen utensils. Just add 2 tablespoons to the soap.
• Wash and soften clothes. Add ½ cup of baking soda to the washing cycle as a complement to your detergent.
• Ideal for removing fungus that forms on shower curtains. Apply baking powder and rub with a damp sponge.
• Effective against fungus on bathroom tiles. Mix ¾ of white vinegar, ¼ of warm water and 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Then, apply the substance to the mold and rub with a brush.
• Toilet. Mix with vinegar and place it in your toilet, leaving it to work all night long. The next day, just rub it to finish removing the dirt.
• Uncovering pipes. Pour baking soda and vinegar (in equal proportions) to unclog pipes.
• Silver. Dissolved in hot water, you can use it to clean silver objects.
• Effective in eliminating bad odors.
• Disinfectant.

Hygiene

• Toothpaste. Combine with your toothpaste as a whitening agent or mix with cold water to create your own homemade toothpaste.
• Bad breath. In a glass of water, add a teaspoon of baking soda and a pinch of salt. Gargle to eliminate bad breath.
• Deodorant. Mix with water and apply.
• Anti-dandruff. Add it to your shampoo or simply on your wet hair and rub it in.
• Face scrub. Make a mixture of ¼ water and ¾ baking soda and apply to your face, rubbing gently.
• Bath salts. Adding it to your bath will help relax your muscles and eliminate bad odors.

Health

• Antacid. Used to fight heartburn.
• Recommended in case of flu. In a cup of warm water dissolve ¼ of salt and ¼ of baking soda. Pour two drops into each nostril to decongest your nose. Also, you can gargle to relieve a sore throat.
• Ideal for insect bites. Mix one teaspoon with a little water and apply to the affected area. After about 15 minutes, wash the wound with water.

However, we recommend that you consult with your doctor before consuming baking soda, especially if you are being medicated or have high blood pressure, pregnancy, liver cirrhosis, heart problems, kidney disease, among others.

Pest Control

• Pesticide and fungicide. Add a teaspoon of baking soda to a liter of water and spray your plants. This will prevent insects and fungus.
• Ants and cockroaches. Mix sugar and baking soda in equal parts. Then put the substance where the insects walk.
• Mix with salt and spread evenly over the carpets. After 24 hours remove the substance with a vacuum cleaner. Repeat the procedure 3 times.

Food

It is mainly used in bakery and confectionery. When mixed with acidic substances such as lemon or vinegar, carbon dioxide is released. This helps in the rising of the dough, which is vital in the making of cakes or breads.

After knowing the uses of baking soda you have enough reasons to buy it at your nearest store. This way, you can get the most out of it in the different areas we have already mentioned.