ideas for usage

 

Unclog Slow Drains 

Before you go the chemical route to clear a slow-moving drain, try baking soda and vinegar. Pour a cup of baking soda into the drain, then heat up a cup of vinegar and pour it on top of the baking soda. After approximately 10 minutes, flush with a pot (~ 6 cups) of boiling water. (Don't use this solution on a clogged drain.)

 

All-Natural Oven Scrub 

Mix 1 cup white vinegar and ½ cup lemon juice in spray bottle. Spray the bottom of oven. Let sit for 10 minutes, then sprinkle baking soda on top. Let sit for 10 minutes and wipe clean.

 

A dirty oven can pose a serious cleaning challenge. Avoid corrosive chemicals and toxic odors by whipping up a baking soda and salt paste made with water or vinegar. Spread the paste over the floor, walls and oven door using a brush. (Be sure to wear gloves when you do this!) Let the mixture sit for about 24 hours, keeping it moist with a spritz of water or vinegar periodically. The paste will help soften the burnt-on food and make scrubbing your oven a bit easier. Wipe the paste away with a sponge or cloth, then turn on the oven to around 100 degrees F.  Keep it on for an hour to soften any lingering residue. Turn the oven off, then once it's cool to the touch, spritz any stubborn areas with vinegar and wipe down.

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Scour a Ceramic Stovetop 

Baked-on food residue tends to build up on cooktops no matter how hard you try to keep them clean. Luckily, a paste of warm water and baking soda spooned onto the surface will help loosen the residue. Let it sit for several minutes, then scrub to remove the gunk. Finish by spritzing with glass cleaner, then wipe dry.

 

Shine-Up Stainless Steel 

If your stainless-steel sink is looking dull, sprinkle baking soda onto a soft cloth and buff it back to life. Rinse well after buffing. Avoid harsh, powdered cleansers, as they may scratch the sink’s surface.

 

Refresh the Refrigerator 

It’s easy for crumbs and spills to gunk up your fridge in no time. Remove those mishaps with a paste of baking soda and dish soap. Use a scrub sponge to get up stubborn spots, then wipe away the mixture with warm water. Be sure to microwave your sponge for two minutes after use to keep it from harboring germs.

 

Dishwasher Cleaner

Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of your dishwasher and run as usual to help freshen and remove stains.

 

Deodorize a Front-Load Washer 

Front-load washers look great, they're more efficient and they use less detergent than a traditional top-loading model, but they’re also prone to smelling funky over time. Pour a half cup of baking soda into the detergent cup, then run a wash cycle with hot water to cut soap scum and deodorize the machine. A clean machine ensures your laundry smells its best, so deep-clean it monthly.

 

Laundry Brightener

Add ½ cup of baking soda to a load of laundry to boost colors and help fight stains.

 

Clean Toilets 

You’ll need a 1/2 cup of baking soda, 1/2 cup of borax and 1 cup of vinegar. Pour the vinegar onto the toilet stains, then sprinkle with the baking soda/borax mixture. Let it sit for about 20 minutes, then scrub and flush.

 

Rug Deodorizer

Sprinkle the rug with baking soda and let it sit for 15 minutes. Vacuum thoroughly.

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Battery Cleaner

Because of its alkaline properties, baking soda acts as a neutralizer for battery acid corrosion on cars, lawn mowers and outdoor equipment. To clean, first disconnect the battery terminals. Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Apply with a damp cloth and scrub to remove corrosion

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Grill Cleaner

Sprinkle baking soda on the grill grates and scrub with a brush. Rinse and wipe clean.

 

Brush SoftenerPaint brushes too stiff? Boil them in a mixture of ½ gallon water, ½ cup vinegar and 1 cup baking soda.

 

4 Things You Should Never Clean with Baking Soda

• Aluminum cookware. While you can give many metal surfaces a scrub with baking soda, use caution if you're cleaning aluminum cookware. ...

• Antique silver. ... 

• Gold-plated serving pieces. ... 

• Marble surfaces.