Uses and Benefits of Baking Soda
We’re all probably familiar with baking soda, as it’s a vital component in several baking recipes. The chemical leavener instigates the rising process in baked goods like cakes, muffins, cookies, and even pancakes!
But did you know this powder has many other uses and benefits beyond baking?
There are SEVERAL ways that you can utilize the household staple.
To keep things simple, here are five fantastic uses of baking soda!
1. Oral Hygiene
Oral Hygiene is an important part of health, and there are several DIY ways to ensure your mouth, gums, teeth, and tongue are healthy. For example, you can make your own mouthwash, teeth whitener, and toothpaste using baking soda.
Baking soda is a common replacement for mouthwash, and studies show it might help freshen your breath and act as an antibacterial.
One of the simplest ways to make your own baking soda mouthwash is by mixing ½ tsp of baking soda with ½ glass of warm water. Then swish it around your mouth to clean the corners and crevices of your mouth that are often missed while brushing.
While using the baking soda as a mouthwash, whiten your teeth with it by making your own toothpaste. The mildly abrasive properties of baking soda help remove plaque on the teeth.
Here’s an easy DIY toothpaste recipe:
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½ cup coconut oil
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4 Tbsp baking soda
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15 drops peppermint essential oil
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Stir until well combined
2. Freshener & Odor Neutralizer
Gather your baking soda and use it as an air freshener by neutralizing gross smells rather than simply releasing other fragrances. Baking soda has no industrial chemicals in several commercial air fresheners, so it’s a great natural substitute.
Here’s a simple recipe to make baking soda air freshener:
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1 Tbsp baking soda
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5-6 drops of your favorite essential oil
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Mix the baking soda and oil well and transfer to a spray bottle
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Fill the spray bottle with water
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Shake well
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Spray where needed
Though there is little research on the effectiveness of baking soda as a deodorant, several people pat it on their armpits or mix it with some coconut oil to create a homemade deodorant.
In addition to masking natural body odor, baking soda can freshen up and neutralize odors in other places.
For example, you can add a cup of baking soda to the back of your fridge to help control the poor smells from spoiled food. Or sprinkle baking soda at the bottom of a trashcan to reduce garbage odor.
3. Household Cleaner & Disinfectant
Don’t stop at controlling odor in your house. You can also use baking soda to clean and disinfect.
One of baking soda’s most popular household uses is as a laundry whitening agent. Simply add ½ cup to your regular laundry detergent and wash like normal!
Additionally, you can make a paste by mixing baking soda with an equal amount of lemon juice and water to use as a kitchen and bathroom cleaner. Apply the paste to desired surfaces with sponges or clothes and scrub thoroughly!
Finally, the versatility of baking soda makes it a great way to disinfect items like toothbrushes. Simply mix half a cup of water with 2 tablespoons of vinegar and 2 teaspoons of baking soda. Then drop your toothbrush in the mixture for 30 minutes! Just remember to rinse it well before using it again.
4. Skin and Hair Care
Okay, I want to start this one with a disclaimer: skin care can be a delicate process, and you should always know your skin before switching up your skincare routine.
Baking soda is mildly abrasive, and its pH level can put stress on your skin and disrupt the natural balance, causing dry skin. While this may work for some, others will want to avoid it!
That being said, baking soda has benefits that may improve your typical skin care and hair care routines.
Mix 3 Tbsp of baking soda with 1 Tbsp of water to create a paste that might work as a facial scrub.
After cleansing your face, gently rub the paste in circles and rinse it with water.
The abrasive and neutralizing properties of baking soda help it soften your skin as well.
Add about half a cup to your bathwater to aid in washing away sweat and oils and leaving your skin extra smooth.
Finally, mixing a teaspoon of baking soda with your shampoo helps clarify and clean your hair!
5. Pain Reliever
Last but not least, some studies have shown that baking soda is an effective pain reliever and might treat some health conditions, such as heartburn. The same neutralizing agents I’ve been talking about can nullify stomach acid that causes heartburn – but there has been contradicting evidence.
Using your homemade mouthwash may also help soothe canker sores, and the baking soda mixed into your bath might relieve itchy skin and sunburns. You can also apply baking soda paste to specific itching areas like a bug bite.
As you can see, baking soda is an incredibly versatile ingredient with many awesome uses!
Plus, it’s a household staple and relatively inexpensive, making it a great tool beyond cooking and baking!
How do you typically use baking soda (besides when baking?) Let me know in the comments below.
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