7 hidden functions of baking soda

We know baking soda for its virtues in cooking. But did you know that this product has many other superpowers?

From the bathroom to the living room, the list of uses for baking soda seems endless. And you don’t need to combine it with a bunch of ingredients to work wonders! Here are seven common situations in which it is ultra-effective, alone or mixed with just a little water.

1. Deodorize the fridge

This white powder is perfect for neutralizing odors. Pour 3-4 tablespoons of bicarbonate into a small container (glass, saucer) and place it on one of the shelves of your refrigerator. The tip applies to other corners of the house, such as the oven or cupboards.

2. Extend the life of bouquets

To make your cut flowers brighten up your home for longer, add a pinch of baking soda to their water.

3. Weed small areas

Here, it’s all a question of dosage. Bicarbonate can be a friend of plants, but in high concentrations, it becomes phytotoxic. To get rid of weeds in a driveway, for example, you can pour baking soda directly onto the weeds (ideally when the ground is damp, but dry days are ahead). You can also mix 1l of water, 40ml of vinegar and 200g of baking soda, and spray this mixture on the plants you want to get rid of.

4. Restore shine to glasses

Are your glasses dull and white from being put in the dishwasher? Pour hot water and a spoonful of bicarbonate into it and leave it to act overnight. The next day, scrub the walls, possibly soaking your sponge in white vinegar. Very effective!

5. Make a mouthwash

Put a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of lukewarm water and gargle for 30 seconds. The bicarbonate will cleanse the mouth and therefore keep your breath fresh. If you have mouth ulcers or gingivitis, this mixture should also provide relief. Please note, it is sometimes advisable to use bicarbonate directly on the teeth. This will actually whiten them, but it’s best not to do this daily, as the abrasive powder could damage your enamel.

6. Exfoliate your face

The small grains of bicarbonate allow natural exfoliation. But beyond this mechanical property, the ingredient is known for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. How to use it? Mix the bicarbonate with water (one part water to three parts bicarbonate). Use the paste obtained in circular movements, on clean, damp skin. If you have dry skin, you can replace the water with rich coconut oil. It is a very effective scrub, but quite abrasive. Sensitive skin, skip it, then.

7. Clean up the vomit

Nightmare, a child or an animal vomited in the car, on the sofa, the carpet… Don’t panic! Clean quickly with a cloth (this is not even essential if you are gagging), then cover generously with baking soda. Let it dry then remove the largest part if you haven’t done so earlier. Rub with water, sparkling if possible, to remove the remaining stain. This is where we also say thank you to the deodorizing powers of bicarbonate!

Which baking soda to buy?

Do you think that so-called “food” bicarbonate is the same as so-called “technical” bicarbonate (the one sold in DIY stores) with nicer packaging and a higher price? This is not true… The molecule is indeed the same, but technical bicarbonate is less pure and should be reserved for household uses. We therefore recommend that you invest in food-grade bicarbonate (the one with the FCC code, often sold alongside salt) which will be suitable for all the above-mentioned uses. Note that in pharmacies, you will find a third kind, even finer.

Finally, do not confuse sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) with sodium carbonate (or soda crystals), which is more corrosive.

Text: Céline Fion

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