Baking Soda

I struggled with the first topic to write about. I have half composed blog entries about vaccinations, breastfeeding, and how to plant a large garden in a small space, but baking soda is one of my favorite products so it seems my dilemma has been solved!

Baking soda is one of the most versatile products and everyone should have a few boxes around the house!

The first use that come to mind (aside from cooking) is deodorizing. Putting a half full, opened box in your fridge will help keep strong odors at bay. A box in the bathroom will have the same effect, only slightly weakened due to the larger and ventilated space. Replace it every 4-6 weeks for the best results.

Baking soda is a chemical-free way to strip product build up from your hair. Use water to create a paste in your hand about the size of a silver dollar (or smaller depending on the length and thickness of your hair) and massage it into damp hair. Once your hair feels coated and gritty, rinse thoroughly. You can condition as usual, or use apple cider vinegar as a rinse for ultra silky locks. (more on vinegar coming soon)

It can also be a fantastic facial scrub to clear up acne and reveal baby bottom smooth skin. I prefer to remove any makeup first, then dip a washcloth into hot water. Wring it out, then drape it over your face to open your pores and relax your body. Spa music and candles are optional. Again creating a paste in your palm with just a few drops of water (you want it to be on the thicker side since drips into your mouth taste like the ocean which I'm not a fan of drinking), rub in circles with gentle pressure on your face. Avoid your eyelids and skin under your eyes since they're thinner and baking soda can be abrasive. Sow sit back and blog hop, read a book, or tidy up around the house until your face feels dry. I like to wait about 5-10 minutes. Rinse with cooler water to close your pores, then blot dry. Viola! I have seen even luteal phase (post ovulation and pre menstrual cycle time in your cycle) breakouts clear up after only a few daily scrubs!

For non personal use, baking soda is fantastic at dissolving dried or baked on food off dishes. Sprinkling some on the stove top before wiping it off with a damp cloth works wonders! You still have to use a little elbow grease to get the really stubborn spots but there are no harsh fumes and you never have to worry about chemical cleaner residue in places that come in contact with food.

Have clogged drains anywhere in the house? Boil a few cups of water, then let it sit with the burner off to cool just slightly. Dump a few tablespoons of baking soda in the drain, then pour in about a cup of white vinegar. It froths up nicely, so let it sit until the fizz has gone down. Yyou can usually clean up the rest of the bathroom/kitchen to let it work it's magic! This is where the boiled water comes into play. Pour the whole pot slowly down the drain, and it should be cleared up! If there is any pooled water, just repeat the whole process again and that should do the trick.

If you cloth diaper your child, baking soda sprinkled in the bottom of the diaper pail will eliminate any odors between washes. It also helps in the hot wash to keep them looking new!

Baking soda is stainless steel and marble safe. Buffing silverware with a sprinkling of baking soda polishes it right up.

Here are some more ideas from websites I like:
http://www.thefarm.org/charities/i4at/lib2/60soda.htm

http://www.greenlivingtips.com/articles/154/1/30-baking-soda-tips.html