In Part 2 of this series, we discovered how many cleaning tasks could be carried out using white vinegar. In this part, we look at baking soda, another common household cleaning agent inexpensive to use and safe for the environment. Baking soda is a gentle abrasive and effective natural deodorizer. And, baking soda has a feature not found with vinegar. There is no lasting odor or smell left when using baking soda to clean. Lemons leave a pleasant scent but sometimes no scent is preferable and when there is a choice of which cleaning technique to use baking soda wins. Some of the cleaning ideas for baking soda are similar to using vinegar or lemons but are often used because of neutral smell and is the least costly method. Here are 15 ideas for using baking soda as a cleaner at home and in the office.
- Place an open box of baking soda inside refrigerators, pantries, and under sinks in the kitchen and bathrooms. Write the date you place the baking soda there and replace it every two months.
- Pour a small amount of baking soda on a small brush able to fit into a garbage disposal. Insert the brush and scrub vigorously on the sides to remove sludge. Run water through for several seconds. Follow the rinsing with pouring baking soda into the disposal and letting stand for 15 minutes. Rinse well.
- Almost all surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom can be bettered by wiping them with a soft cloth soaked in warm water and baking soda. Sinks, (especially stainless steel), range hoods, cooking utensils, and microwaves also benefit from a soda wipe. Dry and shine with a soft cloth.
- Clean your tile, sink, tub, and shower curtain with a damp, rough cloth and baking soda. Rinse well and air dry.
- Sponges have a way of becoming ‘smelly’ before they need to be replaced. Soak them for several hours in a baking soda and water bath to remove odors.
- Get rid of garbage can odors by putting some baking soda on the bottom of the can before putting in the garbage bag.
- When cleaning your grill, put some baking soda on the scrub brush before you scrub.
- Freshen pet sleeping areas and beds by sprinkling baking soda on the area. Wait 15 minutes and then shake or vacuum away the baking soda to leave a fresh smelling place for your pet.
- Sprinkle baking soda on furniture, and between mattress and sheets, let sit for an hour and vacuum off to help freshen the fabric.
- To get crayon off a wall, lightly scrub the “artwork” with a damp sponge sprinkled with baking soda.
- Keep shoes and gym bags fresh by putting a layer of baking soda inside the items to be freshened. Leave overnight and just “dump out” the smell along with the baking powder the next morning.
- Putting a cup of baking soda in your washing machine along with your detergent will brighten both colors and whites.
- Baking soda, when mixed with water, will remove the waxy coating and dirt that often comes with store-bought produce.
- When baked-on food doesn’t want to come off pots and pans, try a baking soda and dish detergent soak in hot water. You will still need to “scrub,” but the desired results will be easier to obtain.
- Scrubbing with a wet brush on baking soak poured on a concrete oil spill will remove the spill.
Once again we read the amazing work a natural, inexpensive product can achieve when applied to cleaning in our home and office. And, taking an active role in caring for our environment just got easier. In our final part of this series, you will learn other tricks for cleaning with environmentally safe cleaning agents. Keep reading to learn more ways you can become an activist is saving our planet.
