On the versatility of…baking soda

A multi-purpose household product.

This is the first post in what I hope to make a series of posts on the versatility of certain common household products.  Baking soda is super versatile.  I use it to bake cookies, clean my kitchen, scrub my face, and even alleviate heartburn.  And, for most of the things I use it for, it’s the cheapest, easiest and most convenient way to get the job done. I usually buy it at the dollar store along with my cheap produce and salicylic acid cream for my feet.

Baking with baking soda

This one is obvious so I don’t need to go into it here except to say don’t try to do a straight substitute of baking soda for baking powder in your recipes or your cake will taste gross and not rise.  However, you can make baking powder from baking soda by mixing one part baking soda with two parts cream of tartar (why is it called cream if it’s a powder?).

Cleaning with baking soda

Here I have a wet sponge and a sprinkling of baking soda

Cleaning with baking soda is pretty straightforward. You need a sponge, water and baking soda.  You can either wet the sponge, dip it in the baking soda and get to work scrubbing, or you can sprinkle the baking soda on the surface to be cleaned and have at it with the wet sponge.  You can also make a paste of baking soda and water and use that to scrub.  I use all these methods depending on what I’m cleaning.  For instance, in the kitchen, I sprinkle the baking soda on the counters, but use it as a paste in the microwave and fridge.  I think it works just the same, it’s just easier in different variations for different things and places to be cleaned.  You can also make a stronger, bubbly cleaner by using vinegar instead of water.

Here is the before shot – with a rust stain on the counter.

And here is the after shot – simply scrubbing with baking soda and a wet sponge removed the rust stain.

Baking soda as a face scrub

When it comes to using baking soda as a face scrub, I simply keep a small jar of it in the shower.  About once a week, while I’m showering, I open the jar, dip my fingers in and scoop out about a teaspoon of baking soda.  I rub it in my wet hands to make a paste and then gently polish my face with it.  It’s the perfect microdermabrasion.  I used to use apricot scrubs on my face, but now they are too harsh.  I’m also sensitive to sulfates – they make my skin around my nose and mouth break out in an ugly red, flaky rash. Baking soda doesn’t irritate my skin and it leaves my face looking and feeling smooth and refreshed.  My teenagers also use baking soda on their face and it handles their hormonal breakouts really well.  You can even use it on your scalp, but it’s hard when you have long hair.  I recommend it mostly for just along the hairline.  And, you don’t need to limit it to your head, you can use a baking soda paste scrub all over your body.  I especially like to use it on my legs, bikini line and underarms before shaving or waxing.  It’s not quite rough enough to do a lot of good on my feet, but if yours are sensitive, it might be a good alternative to harsher scrubs. Some people claim that you can make and keep a baking soda and water paste, but the two substances don’t stay mixed and it adds an extra step of shaking and/or stirring every time you use it. You could add emulsifiers, but that also gets complicated and kind of defeats the purpose of having a quick and easy solution.

Baking soda and heartburn

A spoonful of baking soda in a glass of water helps alleviate heartburn.

Baking soda can be used for heartburn by dissolving one teaspoon in 8 ounces of water.  It may cause burping but it usually helps with the heartburn.  I don’t recommend it for when you’re out on the go, but it is a useful home remedy.

Beyond these suggestions, there are many, many other ways to use baking soda.  I’d love to hear from you in the comments on the ways in which you use baking soda. Please share!