After reading an article on creative uses for dryer sheets, I thought I'd research other creative uses for common household items - they were tons of great ideas out there! I was so intrigued I knew I had to share this information with my readers, hence, my new series was born! Originally I said the series would run on Thursdays, but since I typically post on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Thursdays didn't make a whole lotta sense, so Friday it is!
Creative Uses #2: Baking Soda
Source: allyou.com via Melanie on Pinterest
We all know that baking soda is great for trapping odors in the fridge, brushing your teeth and even as deodorant, but there are tons (seriously, tons!) of other uses that you may or may not be aware of.
Some of the benefits? It's inexpensive, non-toxic/chemical-free, versatile and effective.
I chose the 10 (ok, 16 - it was hard to narrow it down!) suggestions that I liked the best, and I've linked to the sources below the post so you can check out the rest on your own.
- Deodorize garbage disposals and sink drains. Instead of throwing out that old box of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda that's been sitting in the fridge or freezer, gradually pour it down the drain and flush with water. Or better yet, pour two tablespoons Arm & Hammer Baking Soda down the garbage disposal every week.
- Deodorize plastic food containers (Tupperware, Rubbermaid). Mix one-quarter cup Arm & Hammer Baking Soda with one quart water, swish food containers in solution, soak overnight, then rinse clean.
- Homemade Febreze: Take 1 1/2 cups water, 1 tablespoon baking soda, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of fabric softener. Mix ingredients together in an empty spray bottle and spray away! (source)
- Replace toxic cleaners. Sprinkle on a damp sponge and scrub kitchen or bathroom tile, refrigerators, microwaves, stainless steel sinks and appliances, and fiberglass showers.
- Remove tarnish from silver. Mix a thick paste of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda with water, apply to the silver with a damp sponge, rub, rinse, and buff dry.
- Whiten socks and dirty clothes. Add one-half cup Arm & Hammer Baking Soda to regular liquid laundry detergent.
- Boost the strength of dishwashing liquid. Add two full tablespoons Arm & Hammer Baking Soda to the usual amount of detergent you use.
- Remove burnt-on food from cookware. Dampen area, sprinkle with Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, let soak overnight, then scrub with a sponge, rinse, and dry.
- Clean and deodorize your cutting board. Sprinkle Arm & Hammer Baking Soda on a damp sponge, rub the cutting board, and rinse clean.
- Clean dirt, grime, and scuff marks from doors, stoves, laminated tabletops, linoleum floors, and tile. Sprinkle Arm & Hammer Baking Soda on a damp sponge, wipe clean, and dry.
- Soothe poison ivy rash or insect bites. Make a paste of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda and water, and apply to the affected area.
- Antacid. Baking soda is a safe and effective antacid to relieve heartburn, sour stomach, and/or acid indigestion. Refer to baking soda package for instructions.
- Use as a facial scrub and body exfoliant: Give yourself an invigorating facial and body scrub. Make a paste of three parts baking soda to one part water. Rub in a gentle circular motion to exfoliate the skin. Rinse clean. This is gentle enough for daily use.
- Clean brushes and combs: For lustrous hair with more shine, keep brushes and combs clean. Remove natural oil build-up and hair product residue by soaking combs and brushes in a solution of 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a small basin of warm water. Rinse and allow to dry.
- Remove crayon marks from walls or wallpaper. Sprinkle Arm & Hammer Baking Soda on a damp sponge, scrub gently to avoid mussing the paint or wallpaper, then wipe clean.
- Refresh stuffed animals. Sprinkle Arm & Hammer Baking Soda on the stuffed animal, let sit for fifteen minutes, then brush off.
So did you learn something new? I know I did! Who knew baking soda would remove crayon marks from a wall! Ok, maybe you did, but I didn't! It will certainly save my from buying those magic erasers that just crumble after a few uses! And I'm totally going to try the homemade febreze!
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Do you have some creative uses for common stuff to share with the class? Leave me some suggestions in the comments. I'm looking for other "common stuff" to highlight...maybe I'll highlight yours! Wanna guest post for Creative Uses for Common Stuff? Send me a message; I'd love to have guest posters in this series as well.
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More great uses for baking soda!! LOOVE the stuff. We also use it to deodorize the carpet in the bedroom our teen boys share.
ReplyDeleteWow! Thanks for sharing the info on baking soda! I new it was good for cleaning with vinegar because I use it that way sometimes. But cleaning a crayon mark off of a wall? That's good news! Thanks for sharing! Blessings from Bama!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for all the great tips ... have printed it out as one of my goals this year is to be more organised!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! My husband gets bug bites and poison ivy in the summer - good to know/something to try! Thanks so much for putting this together and love the new series! ;)
ReplyDeleteTGIF, Kristin!
ANOTHER TIP: (in case you don't know this one).... drain declogger!
ReplyDeleteLast month had kitchen sink stop up SOLID (even plunging didn't work). Then remembered what my Mom told me (but I never tried).
If drain will eventually drain, then let it. If not, help it along by taking the time to clear out as much icky water as you can (cup by cup, bowl, etc...whatever).
When it's completely empty (well, you might have some around the drain area- oh well, it's okay)
Poor about 1/2 box of baking soda down the drain, then slowly add about a cup of vinager. (Both stuff you have in your pantry now, I bet). It will foam up like a volcano (yeah-- that's the kid in me saying that). Then, after about 5 min (it will stop foaming long before that) pour a pot of boiling water down it. (Just a few cups, like a coffee pot full). Make sure it's boiling water, not just tap hot water.
It might go down after the first try. If not- that's okay. Just let the water cool, then scoop water out again, to empty as best as possible, and do the above again.
....repeat if you have to, but I did it just two times, and it WORKED LIKE MAGIC! (Well, maybe "magic would have been the first time, and mine took two times :)
I mean, mine was clogged BADDDD folks. (I'd say I tried to pludge for 3 hours and it wouldn't budge an ounce!)...works for me, and I'm BETTING that it will work for you too.
Added bonus- no toxic drain cleaner (like Draino) needed- just what you have in your kitchen already.
Smiles, thanks for reading this long "comment"
Your Follower in NW Illinois,
Suzanne
These are great! I was seriously thinking the other day if there was a homemade Febreeze! This is too cool, thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeletexoxox
I love it! I love how the room is completely transformed into a beautiful cozy! I love the head of the shutter. A great find! I can not wait to see the girl's bedroom. You have a talent for home decorating seriously!
ReplyDeleteThanks
Kids Furniture
Great tips here! I did learn some new things...thanks!
ReplyDelete