I enjoy products I can use in multiple ways - not only are they valuable money and time savers, but they are environment-friendly as well. One of my favorite items I have grown to love is baking soda. It can be used in so many ways, not just as a staple in your refrigerator! Trust me, it is not a boring old product. Here are my main uses for it:
1. Hair softener and soap residue removal. Instead of using a dandruff shampoo, I have found better results by lathering a tablespoon of baking soda with a dollap of shampoo, and applying that mixture to my hair. When you rinse it out, your hair will feel softer and your scalp will thank you.
2. Facial cleanser or mask. To achieve a quick deep-cleaning, mix some baking soda with a facial cleanser or bar of soap, lather, and rinse off your face. If you have 15 minutes to kill, mix enough baking soda with water to form a paste, and let it dry on your face before rinsing off. It removes all the oil and grime from the face, tightening pores and keeping blackheads and other impurities at bay.
3. Cleaning agent for countertops, dishes, and microwave ovens. As gentle as it is on your skin, baking soda is also very effective when used as a household cleaner without the harsh smells or fumes. Just mix enough baking soda with water to form a paste, and scrub off dirty surfaces. Rinse with water and repeat if necessary.
4. Odor eaters. The smells of old foods aren’t the only turn-offs. Shoe odors can be just as annoying and unpleasant! So if your shoes smell of sweat or other odors, sprinkle some baking soda inside them and let the shoes sit overnight before wearing them again.
Other popular uses for baking soda include for toothpaste, laundry, bathing, putting out fires, cooking, and soothing irritated skin (caused by bites or burns). You certainly get your money’s worth! Buying in bulk is worth it too, but remember that while the shelf life for open boxes of baking soda is up to 36 months, the greatest amount of effectiveness it in its first 30 days. Now, if you go through an entire box in 30 days, you probably won’t have any issues. But long-term storing of the open containers does little to benefit your home - you will eventually find that you need more of it to make a difference.
