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Discover more than 80 possible uses for baking soda, a wildcard of homemade solutions

Sodium bicarbonate, also known as sodium hydrogen carbonate or even as sodium bicarbonate, is a chemical compound that comes in the form of a white or slightly pink crystalline solid. Its molecular formula is defined by NaHCO3. Sodium bicarbonate is classified as a salt because it is highly soluble in water, but when heated to more than 50°C, it begins to decompose, releasing carbon dioxide (CO2).

It is considered a neutralizing agent, which helps to reduce alkalinity and acidity, neutralizing the medium to the nearest pH (hydrogen potential) 7, which is the neutral value (in equilibrium) on a scale ranging from 0 to 14 , where values ​​below 7 are considered acidic and values ​​above 7 are basic (alkaline). Water, for example, is a neutral compound and has an approximate pH of 6.8 to 7.2. Learn more about pH and learn how to make a homemade pH meter in the article "Do it yourself: pH meter".

In addition, baking soda has the ability to further delay changes in pH balance, which also makes it known in chemistry as a buffering agent. This dual ability to neutralize and buffer are the most striking properties of salt, which allows for different uses. Learn more about what bicarbonate is.

How to use baking soda

Health Utilities of Baking Soda

We've selected some health tips that might be helpful, but they're just homemade tricks to alleviate minor problems. If you have a serious condition or if symptoms persist, see a doctor or doctor! Only a healthcare professional will be able to give the correct diagnosis and, if necessary, prescribe medication.

1. In medicine, sodium bicarbonate is widely used to relieve heartburn or acid indigestion, so it is part of the composition of fruit salts sold in pharmacies. It is known as an antacid, which makes it suitable for the treatment of some intestinal diseases, such as ulcers and reflux, but for this purpose it should only be used under prescription and medical advice.
2. Salt is also used in treating more alkaline blood and urine due to its neutralizing properties. Generally, bicarbonate available in pharmacies is sold in three forms: powder, capsules or in aqueous solution, that is, diluted in water, under different concentrations, for oral ingestion.
3. Assists in the treatment of insect bites. To relieve itching, apply a small amount to damp skin using a circular motion.
4. Helps in the prevention and treatment of sore throat. See how to make your home remedy in the article "
5. 18 Sore Throat Remedy Options
".
6. Relieves light sun burns; a small amount can be applied to damp skin during a cold shower. See more recipes to relieve in "What to spend on sunburn?".
7. It acts as a homemade nasal decongestant (see the complete recipe in the article "Utilities of baking soda for health").
8. It helps in removing splinters, as the bicarbonate thickens the skin, bringing the splinter closer to the skin's surface.

Curiosity: researchers have done the first scientific work that records the benefits of sodium bicarbonate to curb tumor metastases, such as cancer. In the study, experiments were carried out on animals. Mice were inoculated with tumors and taken oral bicarbonate. Due to its neutralizing potential, the salt raised the pH of the tumor region, making its proliferation difficult. See the full study.

oral health

Sodium bicarbonate is a versatile salt, which is also widely used for the prevention of oral hygiene problems, such as gingivitis, tartar, bacterial plaque and thrush. Preventing yourself from these types of diseases is very important because, according to studies, they can increase the risk of some cancers. The neutralizing property of baking soda helps to disinfect the mouth and free it from certain bacteria. But always stay tuned! Mouth disorders, like cold sore, can be reflexes or symptoms of more serious health problems.

8. It reduces stains and leaves teeth whiter and cleaner, and can be used as a homemade and natural mouthwash.
9. Sodium bicarbonate acts to neutralize acids that attack tooth enamel and also fights thrush.
10. Reduces bad breath: rinse with a solution of baking soda and water - odors will be neutralized and you'll reduce the use of chemical-filled mouthwashes! See more recipes to freshen your breath in "Refresh your breath more naturally".
11. Clean braces and dentures: Dissolve two teaspoons of baking soda in a glass of warm water and soak your braces in the solution. This will neutralize odors and aid in cleaning. You can also brush the appliances clean using baking soda.

Utilities of Baking Soda for Beauty

Sodium bicarbonate is commonly used in homemade beauty products, as an alternative to reduce the use of harmful chemicals widely used in industrialized cosmetics, which can harm health and degrade the environment.

12. Can be used as a skin scrub: to make a basic scrub you need the following ingredients: three teaspoons of baking soda to one tablespoon of water; mix the ingredients into a paste, apply to the skin rubbing in a circular motion, then rinse with water. See more homemade scrub recipes.
13. Neutralizes body odors, replacing the deodorant; see some recipes in "Natural deodorant: homemade or buy?".
14. Smoothes the effects of the shaving blade.
15. It integrates homemade shaving cream recipes. The baking soda will facilitate the slide of the blade and promote a smooth exfoliation of the skin.
16. Fortifies the nail when used in nail bases.
17. Helps in the removal of cuticles and enamel as it softens the cuticles.
18. Removes stains from the armpit, neutralizes the pH of the region (consult a dermatologist before applying).
19. Relax your feet. Soak your feet in a bowl of hot water with three tablespoons of baking soda to soothe and relieve tiredness after a full day's work.
20. Replaces bath salts. Add half a cup of baking soda to your bath - it helps neutralize your skin's acids and remove excess body oils and perspiration, bringing a smooth skin feeling.
21. It can be used as an ingredient in homemade anti-residue shampoo, helping to prevent dandruff. Check it out in "Sustainable Homemade Shampoos and Conditioners Recipes".

Check out details and recipes about these and other ways of using bicarbonate in aesthetics in the article: "Learn about uses of baking soda for beauty".

Utilities of baking soda in cleaning

Baking soda works as a cleaning product, being a less aggressive alternative to the environment and health. Discover a simple recipe for cleaning with baking soda and, below, check out other ways to use salt for cleaning:

See more options on how to use baking soda for cleaning:

22. Sanitizes brushes and combs: to keep your hair looking always beautiful, combs and brushes need to be kept clean; to remove oils and natural hair residue from these utensils, dip them into a solution with a spoonful of baking soda in a small basin of warm water; leave for a few minutes for the baking soda to act, then rinse and let dry.
23. Remove stains from walls: place baking soda on a damp sponge and gently rub on the wall to remove stains and scribbles from pens.
24. Cleans grouts: mix baking soda with hydrogen peroxide and rub over the dirt; then remove with water. Remember to wear gloves!
25. Participate in the recipe for a powerful paste for heavy cleaning. See how to make baking soda mousse paste.
26. Removes mildew.
27. Whitens clothes.
28. Removes yellowish stains from white clothing.
29. It is a natural option for washing stained sneakers.
30. Removes deodorant stains.
31. Helps remove the smell of cece from clothes.
32. Eliminates refrigerator and freezer odors.
33. Cleans and removes odor from containers.
34. Potentiates the action of washing soaps.
35. Helps you carry out a thorough cleaning of your blender. Check out the step-by-step article: "Learn how to really clean your blender".
36. Clean microwave.
37. Clean shower curtain.
    • See all recipes for the above items under "Clean with baking soda".
38. Dishwasher: it can be an item to produce homemade detergent.
39. Helps to unglue food scraps. When washing dishes, fill glasses, cups, pans and all kinds of containers with water and baking soda .
40. Clean sponges: make a solution with a tablespoon of baking soda and 250 ml of warm water. Leave the sponge soaked for a few hours in the solution and wash it off with water later. See some more tips to decontaminate your sponges, but know that, even so, the ideal is to periodically dispose of them and replace the plastic foam models with vegetable sponge.
41. Polishing silverware and objects: make a paste with three parts of baking soda, one of water and rub on the cutlery - with a cloth or sponge - and rinse with water.
42. Removes stains from coffee and tea: Soak the stained utensil in a solution of a quarter cup of baking soda and a cup of water. If the stain is difficult to remove, soak overnight and rinse the next day. If the stain is on fabrics, rub baking soda with a damp sponge over the stain.
43. Clean stove. See how in the article: "Do it yourself: sustainable products to clean the stove and polish wood".
44. Removes stains from carpets and rugs.
45. Removes grease from surfaces.
46. Prevents clogging of sinks and drains. Check out the complete recipe in the video:

47. Remove burnt food.
48. Removes oil and grease stains: Use baking soda to clean up light spills of oil and grease on your garage floor or driveway. Sprinkle baking soda and scrub with a wet brush.
49. Cleans sports equipment: Use a solution of four tablespoons of baking soda with two cups of water to clean and disinfect equipment. Sprinkle baking soda over golf and gym bags to eliminate odors and disinfect.
50. Clean cloth diapers: Dissolve half a cup of baking soda in 2 liters of water and soak all diapers completely - soak for a few hours, then rub and rinse.
51. Clean the kitchen sink.
52. Cleans diverse surfaces.

Deodorization

53. Refrigerator: place a cup of baking soda in a container and leave it open inside the refrigerator; it will neutralize all bad odors.
54. Cutting board: sprinkle baking soda on the cutting board, scrub with a sponge and rinse.
55. Trash cans: sprinkle baking soda inside the trash to neutralize odors.
56. Recyclables: to eliminate odors from packaging you want to recycle, sprinkle bicarbonate and rub with a damp sponge; then rinse.
57. Dishwashers: deodorize the machine with baking soda and carry out a simple washing cycle afterwards.
58. Drain: Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain and pour hot water to neutralize odors (you can reuse the same baking soda that was used to deodorize the refrigerator).
59. Carpets and Rugs: Sprinkle baking soda on the carpet or rug; leave for a few hours (the longer the better). Then remove most of it with a broom and the rest with the help of a vacuum cleaner.
60. Vacuum Cleaner: Using the above method for cleaning carpets and rugs, you will also neutralize possible odors from your vacuum cleaner, which are acquired with continuous use.
61. Wardrobes: Put a reasonable amount of baking soda in a container, leave it on a shelf to neutralize ambient odors.
62. Workout Clothing: Put half a cup of baking soda into the machine wash cycle to eliminate post-workout clothing odors.
63. Stuffed animals: sprinkle them with baking soda and let it act for 15 minutes; then brush to remove the baking soda.
64. Shoes: baking soda is also used to end foot odor! Put a small amount of baking soda on the shoes when not in use, then remove the excess when using.
65. Mattresses: place baking soda on the mattress and wait about two hours, then remove with the aid of a vacuum cleaner. This will retain moisture and eliminate bad odors. Read more about how to clean mattresses and learn how to dispose of your disused mattress.

Car

66. Battery Cleaner: Baking soda can be used to neutralize acid corrosion in car batteries due to its neutralizing properties. Be sure to disconnect battery terminals before cleaning. Make a paste of three parts baking soda to one part water and use a damp cloth to scrub the corrosion from the battery terminal. After cleaning and reconnecting the terminals, clean them with petroleum jelly to prevent future corrosion.
67. General Cleaning: Use baking soda to clean car lights, chrome, windows, tires, vinyl seats and floor mats without worrying about unwanted scratch marks. Use a solution made with a quarter cup of baking soda in a container of a quarter of hot water. Apply with a sponge or soft cloth to remove road dirt, tree sap, insects and tar. To remove stubborn stains, use baking soda sprinkled on a damp sponge or soft brush.
68. Eliminates bad odors: odors are lodged in car upholstery and carpets, so every time you sit down, they are released into the air again. To eliminate odors, sprinkle baking soda directly on seats and rugs. Wait 15 minutes (or more for strong odors) and vacuum the baking soda with the vacuum cleaner.

Animals

69. Eliminates cat box odors: cover the bottom of the box with baking soda and then fill as usual with the appropriate sand. To refresh between changes, sprinkle baking soda on top of the box after a thorough cleaning.
70. Eliminates pet bed odors: sprinkle baking soda over the bed, wait 15 minutes (or more for strong odors). Then remove the excess with the vacuum cleaner.
71. Toothpaste for dogs: see how to do it in the article: "How to make toothpaste for dogs".
72. Soothes the pain caused by your dog at home.
73. It kills cockroaches and ants in a natural way. Make a baking soda trap with sugar and leave it in strategic places - to kill the cockroaches, also use a little water in the mixture. Check out the complete recipe and other tricks in the article: "How to kill ants naturally".

Foods

74. It can be used as a yeast for bread, pasta and biscuits.
75. Removes excess pesticides in vegetables, legumes and fruits. Check out the step-by-step video on the channel. eCycle portal at the YouTube:

76. Makes the breaded more crunchy.
77. Tenders meats.
78. Relieves gases from beans.
79. Keeps cooked vegetables bright in color.
    • Read more about these six uses of baking soda in the kitchen
80. shell egg more easily.
81. Prevents the proliferation of bacteria and germs from the refrigerator.

Various uses

82. Extinguishes fire : did you know that this salt is also used in the manufacture of foam fire extinguishers? In the fire extinguisher there is NaHCO3 (solid) and a solution of sulfuric acid (H2SO4), in separate compartments. When the fire extinguisher is activated, NaHCO3 and H2SO4 mix and react, producing foam with the release of CO2. These fire extinguishers, however, cannot be used to extinguish fire from electrical installations, as the foam conducts electrical current. Baking soda cannot be used as a fire extinguisher at home either - it can go very wrong.Check out cases where baking soda can be harmful.
83. Multipurpose: sodium bicarbonate is an essential (must-have) for your next camping trip. Detergent, deodorizer, general cleaning agent, deodorant, toothpaste and many other uses.
84. Helps maintain septic tanks: Regular use of baking soda in your drains can help keep your septic system flowing freely. A cup of baking soda a week will help maintain a favorable pH in your septic tank!
85. Baking soda can also make your plants more beautiful: a pinch of salt in that plant water makes the flowers stay fresh longer.

Make sure you purchase baking soda from a reliable manufacturer, as this is the only way to ensure that the product is natural and has not harmed the environment in its manufacturing process.