White Magic: The many uses of baking soda

A pinch in your pakoras, a bit in your brownies — baking soda is a staple every domestic goddess has in her kitchen, of course, but this wondrous white powder can be used for so much more than just raising your bread and cakes. A true multi-tasker!

Create a customised deodorant

And that too with your favourite fragrance. Take ten drops of your favourite essential oil, mix it with four tablespoons of baking soda and apply to underarms. Yes, it really is as simple as that! To make your deodorant travel-friendly, fill it in an old loose powder container and use a powder brush to re-apply throughout the day.

Fire fighter

Keep a box handy by your stove in case of a grease or electrical fire. Scatter by the handful to put it out safely. Keep it in your garage and car as well to put out accidental fires. Will also put out fires in clothing, wood, fuel, upholstery and rugs safely.

Plumbing

Keep your drains free-flowing by putting 4 tablespoons of soda in them each week. Flush the soda down with hot water.

Toothpaste

Sure, it’s useful in the kitchen, but now it could be a staple in your bathroom as well, replacing both your toothpaste AND your face wash. Your DIY baking soda toothpaste will leave your teeth whiter and shinier since baking soda effectively removes the layer of plaque, neutralizes the production of acid and acts as an antiseptic. Plus, unlike chemical-laden commercial toothpastes, it’s completely natural — now that’s something to smile about. Just sprinkle some on your toothbrush and brush away!

Burned pots

To remove burned on food from a pan let the pan soak in soda and water for 10 minutes before washing. Or scrub the pot with dry soda and a moist scouring pad.

For a badly burned pan with a thick layer of burned on food, pour a thicker layer of soda directly onto the bottom of the pan, then sprinkle on just enough water to moisten the soda. Leave overnight and scrub the next day.

Squeaky clean clothes

Treat grease stains with a paste made from baking soda and water — or simply add baking soda to the wash load. Not only does it clean your clothes, it also works as a fabric softener and keeps clothes smelling fresher. When washing whites, along with the usual amount of bleach, add ½ cup of baking soda for the brightest whites! Even when you’re not actually washing clothes, just sprinkle some baking soda in your laundry hamper to keep it from smelling.

Silver

For silver pieces without raised patterns or cemented on handles, place the silver on an aluminium foil in an emamel pot. Add boiling water and 4 tablespoon baking soda. Let stand, rinse and dry for shiny silver.

A refrigerator’s best friend

Clean your refrigerator with dry baking soda sprinkled on a damp cloth. Rinse with water. Then place an open container of baking soda in the fridge to deodorise it. Stir from time to time and replace every two months.

Play clay

Mix 1 cup baking soda, half cup corn starch and three quarters of a cup of water over medium heat to make play dough. Store in an airtight container until ready for use.

Spot treatment

Sprouting a pimple? In a pinch, mix a tablespoon baking soda with a little warm water to make a paste. Then apply it to the zit to dry it out. Easy! This paste can also be applied to insect bites, poison ivy and rashes to relieve discomfort.

Fab face wash

To make an exfoliating face wash that not only leaves skin fresh and glowing, but also fights acne, add one teaspoon baking soda to one tablespoon honey and you’re good to go.

Published in The Express Tribune, Ms T, November 4^th, 2012.

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