Whether you were aware of it or not, that little, inexpensive box of baking soda you have sitting in your cupboard is actually a little box of magic with several practical applications. These are a few of the more helpful, and surprising ways baking soda can be used in both your beauty regimen and in your home.
Household Uses for Baking Soda
- Dish De-Greaser
Even the best and most expensive dish detergents struggle to clean grease from dishes. For those extra greases pots and pans, just add a couple tablespoons of baking soda to the water when soaking dishes.
- Sponge Saver
If your sponges are grungy from too much cleaning, you can soak them in a solution of warm water and a few tablespoons of baking soda.
- Microwave Cleaner
To clean the nasty residue glued to the inside of your microwave, use a damp sponge with a bit of baking soda on it to wipe over the stains and the wipe out with a clean, wet rag.
- Oven Cleaner
Baking soda can also help clean the inside of a conventional oven. Just dust the bottom of the oven with baking soda and moisten with water the night before cleaning.
- Boost Laundry Detergent Power
Add half a cup baking soda, along with detergent, to a load of laundry to boost the detergents effectiveness and reduce the amount of chemicals added to your clothes. It can also be added to water for soaking cloth diapers.
Beauty Uses for Baking Soda
- Hair Volumizer
If you struggle to fluff up flat hair, then you should try baking soda. Add one part baking soda to four parts shampoo and wash as normal. The baking soda will give your hair more lift.
- Dry Shampoo Substitute
Baking soda also makes for an inexpensive but effective substitute for dry shampoo.
- Natural Acne Medication
If you struggle with acne you can make a natural remedy at home and save the money you would spend on expensive store bought meds. Mix together one tablespoon of honey with a teaspoon of baking soda and dab to the affected areas.
- Facial Exfoliate
Just adding a small amount of baking soda to a store-brought facial cleanser makes a cheap and effective exfoliate for dry skin.
- Nail Stain Remover
If you suffer from yellow stains on your nails after removing nail polish you can whiten them up with baking soda. Apply a solution of two and a half tablespoons of baking soda and one tablespoon of three-percent hydrogen peroxide to nails, let sit, and then rinse off.
These are some of the ways in which baking soda can greatly enhance your beauty and home care routines in an inexpensive and environmentally-friendly way.
