Baking Soda – aka bicarbonate of soda or bicarb – is used in many recipes. Even some folks simply open the box and leave them in the refrigerator to deal with the smells inside. While it is the go-to ingredient for many cooking recipes, people tend to underestimate its sheer amount of utility. Here are some incredibly creative ways of using baking soda:
A Stovetop Cleaner
If you’re a regular consumer of meat and other dishes involving oil, grease buildup shouldn’t be a surprise to you. There are some chemicals that can get rid of them, but they can be very corrosive and can harm you if mishandled. Using baking soda means a healthier and safer way of getting rid of those unwanted oils.
To use your baking soda to clean the stove, smear some of it over the greasy area, then spray hot or boiling water over that very carefully. Scrub the area clean after half an hour has passed, and your stove will be as good as new. –Coffee Mug Smudge– Did your favorite coffee mug get stained from all those morning brews every time you go to work? Simply use a wet rag to wipe the inside of your mug then gently smear it with some baking soda. If that doesn’t do the trick, have it soaked it in hot water and baking soda while catching those Zs.
Cleaning Microwave Ovens
No gloves are needed for this one. Put some baking soda into a bowl of water and heat it into a microwave for about 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the mess inside the machine. Afterward, let the steam loosen the food particles stuck inside as soon as the timer runs out. Shortly after, you can take out the water bowl and use a muggy cloth to gently wipe the insides. From this point, wiping away the food particles should be a breeze.
Crayon-coated Walls
This is especially apparent with any adult taking care of a small child or two who love decorating the walls with their crayons. Soap is usually used to scrub these walls, but baking soda is a much more mild and safer option. Using baking soda and water, create a pasty substance then use it to gently scrub the walls free of your children’s “unbound artwork”. Using a wet sponge sprinkled with baking soda is another viable option.
Bathtub Wonder Scrub
Lots of different chemicals are used to clean bathrooms. In fact, there’s so much that consumers can have a hard time choosing which ones to use. Spare yourself from the confusion by simply using baking soda and bleach to create a cleaning paste. Mix together equal amounts of both substances and use a damp sponge to brush away the pesky grime on your bathtub and its walls.
Drain Flush Unclogger
Pour in about a cup of baking soda after draining away as much water as possible, then apply a cup of house vinegar afterward. Plug the sink afterward and leave it for about half an hour. After 30 minutes have elapsed, unplug the drain and pour a kettle of boiling water on top of everything else.
Un-crusting The Crusted Pan
Is the crusted meat stuck on the roasting pan bothering you? If so, simply apply a generous amount of baking soda onto the pan. Pour boiling water onto it until you achieve a depth of 1 to 2 inches. Leave it for a few hours and boil the water again depending on how bad the mess is. In doing so, you will do your pan and the others a great service.
Granite And Marble Stains
Since both rock types are expensive and hard to acquire, extreme care must be exercised when you’re cleaning them. If you spot a hideous stain on your marble or granite countertops, spray the stained area with water first, then smear it with a baking soda/water paste. Wrap the stain in plastic then leave it there for 24 hours. During that time, much of the stain will eventually fade from the surface, and your countertop will return to its pristine, untouched state.
Wood Stains
Did one of your visitors forget to use a coaster under their wet drinking glasses/cups, leaving an unsightly watery ring on your spruce table? No need to worry, just make a past using baking soda and a few drops of water, then rub it on the affected area. Afterward, wipe away the treated area with a clean cloth (and remind your guests to use a coaster next time).