Baking Soda - Good for everything

Your mama knew best and so does Fran Drescher

When I look back at what my mother used in our home when I was a child it seems that what she did then is coming back around as being the right thing to do today.

Case in point:  BAKING SODA

We always had Baking Soda in the house.  My mother used it for cleaning, in the fridge and for baking.  I never thought anything of it until recently when I have been doing research about toxic home products and also in looking at foods we eat and what things do to our bodies.

Baking soda has been and is still safe for human consumption, although you wouldn't want to consume bucket loads of it but if you used it to clean things in your home and it got onto your food you would be safe to eat it.

Actress and Cancer activist Fran Drescher who is a Cancer survivor is trying to inform people about products to use to eliminate risks for Cancer and has created an event called Smash Cancer Bash.   This is a U.S. Based initiative but there is a link to get the information for hosting your own party.   In that kit there was a list of uses for Baking Soda that I thought would be great information to share regardless if you or someone you know has cancer but for the good of the planet and your current and future health and it also helps with your budgets.    If we started using products like Baking soda and vinegar manufacturers would stop producing toxic home and personal care products.

Have a look at this list and see if you can make this work for yourself and your family.


25 WAYS TO USE BAKING SODA

IN THE KITCHEN:

BAKING SODA TO CLEAN

1. A box or small bowl of baking soda in the refrigerator, freezer, or any cupboard will keep away unpleasant odors.

2. Similarly, baking soda will keep away garbage odors; sprinkle the bottom of the pail, and then sprinkle again after you put a new bag in.

3. Grease fires can be put out by sprinkling them with baking soda.

4. To clean surfaces, sprinkle baking soda on a damp cloth. Wipe, then rinse with clean water.

5. To remove stale smells from food containers, rinse out with hot water and baking soda. If the smell persists, let the container soak overnight in the baking soda and water mixture.

6. To clean silver, use a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Rub the paste onto each item, then rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.

7. To remove scuff marks or grease spills from the floor, sprinkle with baking soda and then wipe with a warm, damp cloth. This is even safe for no-wax floors.

8. For burnt-on food in the bottom of pots, sprinkle with baking soda, then add hot water. Let soak overnight; the dried food will come loose much more easily.

ALL AROUND THE HOUSE:

9. To remove scents from a carpet, sprinkle with baking soda. Let stand for at least 15 minutes, then vacuum. Repeat as needed.

10. If there is a smoker in the house, put baking soda in the bottom of each ashtray to keep away some of the stale smoke smell.

11. Baking soda in the litter box will help prevent odors.

12. To quickly clean pets and remove “wet dog” odor, sprinkle with baking soda and brush out their fur.

13. To help remove spills, blot as much as possible. Then clean as you normally would. When finished, sprinkle with baking soda. Vacuum. This will decrease the chance that some of the spilled item will remain in the carpet and cause unpleasant odors later.

IN THE BATHROOM:

14. To remove stubborn stains from most surfaces, use a baking soda paste (3 parts baking soda, 1 part water). Apply, let stand, then scrub or wipe clean.

15. Hairbrushes and combs can be cleaned in a baking soda solution.

16. To avoid clogged drains, pour 1⁄4 cup baking soda down weekly. Rinse through with hot water.

IN THE LAUNDRY:

17. Replace half of each measure of laundry detergent with baking soda to keep cleaning fresh.

18. To remove grease stains, either add baking soda to the wash load or pre-treat the stains with a baking soda paste.

19. Pre-treat diapers in their pail with baking soda. This will keep odors from becoming overpowering between washings.

20. If you keep a laundry hamper, add some baking soda every day to keep the hamper from smelling between emptying.

OUTSIDE IN THE YARD AND GARAGE:

21. Baking soda can be used to help clean up grease spills.

22. To remove burnt food from the grill, sprinkle with baking soda, then soak. After several hours, the charred pieces will come loose easily.

23. Lawn furniture can be easily cleaned with a rinse of 1⁄4 cup baking soda and 1 quart warm water.

24. The children’s pool can be cleaned and have mildew removed by washing with baking soda in warm water.

25. Before packing away your camping gear after a trip, sprinkle with baking soda.