Baking soda is an alkaline white powder that is also known as sodium bicarbonate. It is commonly used in baking because it has leavening properties. It is cheap and in some ways, it is as effective as some chemicals, yet, it is nontoxic. Baking soda is practically a staple in most homes. However, most people who have it are not maximizing its potential. Some just use it to bake and others use it to treat stomach ache.
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Today, I will share other alternative uses of baking soda with you. I know that if you learn the effectiveness and flexibility of this ingredient, you won’t want it to be out of stock. So, if you have sodium bicarbonate in your kitchen, it can do the following:
Revive a scorched pot
Scorched pots are usually the result of distractions while cooking. If you burn your pot to hell and your scouring powder tries but fails to resuscitate it, get baking soda to do the job. Simply sprinkle a generous amount over the bottom of the pot. Add water to it and ensure it covers the burnt areas. Bring the pot to the boil and empty the content afterwards. If stubborn stains remain, use a scourer and a little washing liquid and gently remove the remaining burnt bit.
Clean fruits and vegetables
Pesticides are used on plants to prevent them from being damaged by insects, rodents and weeds. When these fruits and vegetables land in our kitchen, we worry that our health may suffer as a result of these chemicals. Well, research has shown that baking soda can take care of this concern. Studies indicate that when fruits and vegetables are soaked in a solution of baking soda and water for 12 to 15 minutes, it removes nearly all the pesticides.
Act as a natural, nonabrasive cleaner
If you want an effective cleaner, one that will vanquish those stubborn stains in your kitchen, hire the baking soda and let it do the job. Oh yes, this multipurpose ingredient is ready and capable; it can clean your oven, coffee stained cups, counter top, tiles, sink, and microwave. It can even wipe old food residues on the inside of your refrigerator. Just make a paste with baking soda and a little water. Apply it on the desired surface and scrub thoroughly with sponge or cloth. You will be happy with the result.
Get rid of garbage odour
Garbage bags usually contain rotten waste. Due to the fact that it sometimes takes days before the trash is taken out, the stench emanating from it can pollute the kitchen and other parts of the home. But if you put the Baking Soda in your kitchen to good use, it will neutralize garbage odour. Indeed, studies have shown that spreading the powder at the bottom of garbage bags can neutralize its putrid smell by 70%.
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Neutralize fridge odour
There may have been times in the past when you opened the refrigerator and an odour slapped you in the face. Your first thought would have been what the heck is that smell? Then you searched, found and disposed the culprit which was most likely a rotten food. But alas! The smell remained even after you cleaned out the fridge. Left with no other choice, you left the refrigerator door open and hoped that the fresh air would take care of that odour. Now, the next time this happens, just remember that deodorizing smelly refrigerators is one of the many wonders that baking soda can perform. If you fill a cup with it and place it inside your fridge, it will eliminate that odour kia kia.
Make you an air freshener
Did you know that if you have baking soda at home you can make your own air freshener? Well, even if you don’t know, I’m telling you now. Baking soda is a safe alternative to commercial air fresheners. Just put some of the powder in a small jar. Add a few drops of sweet smelling essential oil to it, cover the jar with a piece of cloth and secure it with ribbons. Your air freshener is ready. If the fragrance starts to fade, just give the jar a shake.
Extinguish small fires
Dry chemical fire extinguishers contain baking soda. They are used to put out oil, grease and electrical fires. This means that baking soda can extinguish small grease and oil fires too. But don’t try to use it to extinguish big house fires oh! I did not send you oh! Larger fires draw in more oxygen and so can counter the effect of baking soda.
I hope that these few pointers will help you to make more effective use of this versatile ingredient.
Sources
Every Day Health
Feels Like Home Blog
Health Line
Featured image source: The Spruce Eats
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