A Little Miracle in Your Pantry

Baking soda is traditionally used as a raising agent in baking. However, this cost effective little ingredient hides its light under a bushel. Bicarbonate of soda has a myriad of uses that are not related to baking around your home.

For your body

Next time you’d like to soften your hair and reduce the buildup of hair products, add a teaspoon of baking soda to your shampoo. It will leave your hair feeling soft and beautiful. A teaspoon of baking soda will clean brushes and combs effortlessly as well.

If you have a stomach upset, flatulence or a mild headache – reach for the baking soda. A teaspoon dissolved in warm water and drunk will ease indigestion. Add the juice of a lemon to this to ease a headache.

Sprinkle baking soda onto your toothbrush to whiten teeth and freshen your breath.

Mix one part baking soda to one part ground oatmeal and mix to a paste with warm water. This is a wonderful facial scrub that will leave your skin feeling soft and clean.

If you have a skin inflammation or bee sting; mix baking soda with warm water and apply directly to the area, or dissolve baking soda and salt together in a warm bath and soak.

Around the home

Baking soda is a cheap and effective cleanser. It can be used to remove stains from porous surfaces, remove odors from the fridge (sprinkle it on a damp sponge and wipe the interior of your fridge then rinse) and clean your oven (mix with water to a paste, wipe over the oven, leave for a few hours and rinse well).

Baking soda will make chrome shine and doesn’t scratch.

It is a natural bleach, and may be added to your washing to eliminate odours and whiten clothing.

Baking soda can take the place of many harsh chemicals or provide a quick fix if you are caught short – make sure you remember its many benefits!