31 Surprising Baking Soda Uses (Koeksoda)

<![if !vml]><![endif]>31 Surprising Baking Soda Uses

Baking soda can do a lot more than just sit in the back of the fridge. Try these easy tips and put baking soda to work in every room of your house!

<![if !supportLists]>1.     <![endif]>Skip produce washes—just put some baking soda on a damp sponge, scrub and rinse.

<![if !supportLists]>2.     <![endif]>Soak hair brushes and combs in a mixture of 1 teaspoon baking soda and a small amount of warm water. Rinse and dry.

<![if !supportLists]>3.     <![endif]>Before you store your patio furniture for the season, scatter baking soda under chair cushions.

<![if !supportLists]>4.     <![endif]>Keep your grill clean all summer long by putting some baking soda on a damp brush, scrubbing the grate, then rinsing.

<![if !supportLists]>5.     <![endif]>Freshen rugs by sprinkling baking soda on carpet, wait at least 15 minutes (preferably let sit overnight), then vacuum up.

<![if !supportLists]>6.     <![endif]>Add 1 cup of baking soda to your next load of laundry (along with your regular liquid detergent) to get clothes cleaner and brighter.

<![if !supportLists]>7.     <![endif]>Remove baked-on residue by shaking a generous amount of baking soda on pots and pans. Then add hot water and dish detergent, let sit for 15 minutes and wash as usual.

<![if !supportLists]>8.     <![endif]>Deodorize a funky-smelling hamper. Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of the hamper (or over dirty clothes) to keep items fresher until laundry day.

<![if !supportLists]>9.     <![endif]>To brighten a dull floor finish, dissolve ½ cup baking soda in a bucket of warm water. Mop and rinse for a shiny floor.

<![if !supportLists]>10.   <![endif]>Make your own bathroom scrub by mixing ¼ cup baking soda with 1 tablespoon liquid detergent. Add vinegar to give it a thick, creamy texture.

<![if !supportLists]>11.   <![endif]>To put out a grease fire, scatter baking soda over it by the handful to extinguish flames.

<![if !supportLists]>12.   <![endif]>Clean the dishwasher and coffeemaker by running an empty cycle with baking soda.

<![if !supportLists]>13.   <![endif]>Add ½ cup baking soda to your bath for an at-home spa treatment.

<![if !supportLists]>14.   <![endif]>To shine tarnished silver, combine three parts baking soda with one part water. Rub onto silver with a clean cloth or sponge. Rinse thoroughly and dry.

<![if !supportLists]>15.   <![endif]>Sprinkle baking soda in the kitty box, then add litter on top to keep smells to a minimum. Or make a DIY litter, mixing a small box of baking soda with 3 inches of sandy clay.

<![if !supportLists]>16.   <![endif]>Use baking soda to brush your pets' teeth.

<![if !supportLists]>17.   <![endif]>For instant relief from bug bites, sunburn and poison ivy, mix baking soda with a little water and apply it directly to the sore.

<![if !supportLists]>18.   <![endif]>Pour in 1 cup baking soda followed by 1 cup hot vinegar to quickly unclog the kitchen drain.

<![if !supportLists]>19.   <![endif]>Fight dandruff by tabling the shampoo for a few weeks and massaging your wet scalp with a handful of baking soda instead.

<![if !supportLists]>20.   <![endif]>Gargle with baking soda, or use it as mouthwash.

<![if !supportLists]>21.   <![endif]>Soak toothbrushes in a mixture of ¼ cup baking soda and ¼ cup water; let brushes stand overnight for a thorough cleaning.

<![if !supportLists]>22.   <![endif]>Make a fluffier omelet by adding ½ teaspoon baking soda for every three eggs.

<![if !supportLists]>23.   <![endif]>Use a pinch in a gallon of freshly-brewed iced tea, to take out the bitterness and prevent cloudiness.

<![if !supportLists]>24.   <![endif]>Scatter baking soda on icy sidewalks―it's not as corrosive as salt.

<![if !supportLists]>25.   <![endif]>Discourage weeds by sprinkling baking soda into the cracks on your driveway and walkways.

<![if !supportLists]>26.   <![endif]>Surround Fido's food bowls with baking soda to keep pests away.

<![if !supportLists]>27.   <![endif]>Mix a little baking soda into your conditioner and lather on your hair to keep it healthy and resistant to split ends.

<![if !supportLists]>28.   <![endif]>Have heartburn? Create an antacid by mixing ½ teaspoon of baking soda with ½ cup of water.

<![if !supportLists]>29.   <![endif]>To clean a toilet, add ¼ cup baking soda to the bowl, swirl, then scrub.

<![if !supportLists]>30.   <![endif]>Exfoliate your skin with a paste of 3 parts baking soda to one part water. Apply gently with your fingertips in a circular motion, then rinse

<![if !supportLists]>31.   <![endif]>To deodorize a drain, pour about ½ cup baking soda down the drain, followed by ½ cup vinegar. After 15 minutes, pour in boiling water to clean residue. NOTE: Use this method only if your pipes are metal. And never mix with other cleaning solutions. Don't try this if you've recently used a commercial drain product.