Baking soda is a miracle cleaning ingredient and one that can be used all over your home. Check out our list of 8 ways to use baking soda and don't forget to include it in your next refill list at The Nook!

 

1. Unclog your drain

I tried this the other night and it works like an absolute CHARM. Simply boil some water and pour down your drain. Next add about 1/2 cup of baking soda to your drain and 1/2 cup of vinegar. Let it sizzle and foam for about 5 minutes and rinse with the rest of your boiling water. BOOM. Clean drain!

2. Give your sponge a new life

Sponges get nasty. This is a fact. A great way to extend the use of your sponge is to give it a little baking soda soak. Add 4 tbsp of baking soda to 4 cups of water and let it sit for 5 minutes. Rinse and ring out your sponge and it'll get rid of the stench. Hot tip: compostable sponges are an even better way to reduce the scent as their natural fibres are more breathable. 

3. Deodorize your carpets

This one is too easy. Sprinkle your carpets with baking soda and let it sit for as long as you can. Vacuum it up and you've got yourself some fresh carpets!

4. Clean your toothbrush

With cold and flu season, making sure you are brushing with a clean toothbrush is very important. Baking soda is a great way to remove any bacteria living on your bristles. Simply add 2 tbsp of baking soda and 2 tbsp of vinegar to a cup. Let it soak for 30 minutes and rinse afterwards. No, your toothbrush won't forever taste like vinegar, we promise.

5. Brighten whites

Did you know that baking soda is like a natural bleach? It is great for whitening your stubborn, not-so-white-anymore whites. Add 1/2 cup to your clothes and watch it work. Remember Oxiclean? Well, this is like that, just not full of harmful blue chemicals.

6. Clean your dishwasher

You figure this isn't a very necessary task but alas, a dishwasher is FULL of bacteria. Baking soda can be used to get rid of any buildup in your dishwasher to make sure your dishes are coming out sparkly clean. Fill a measuring cup with vinegar (about 1/2 cup), and sit it in your glass rack. Sprinkle the bottom of your dishwasher with baking soda and close it up. Run your dishwasher cycle and voila!

7. Clean your cutting boards

Cutting boards need love too. Sprinkle yours with baking soda and use a cut lemon to scrub it in. The lemon will help to deodorize it!

8. Deodorize your shoes

Everyone's got a pair of musty shoes. Add baking soda to yours, let it sit overnight and shake it out in the morning to freshen those feet! Tip: Avoid using this trick on leather shoes. 

 

Do you have any other tricks for using baking soda in your home? Let us know in the comments below!