7 uses for baking soda to make your home sparkle

When it comes to having a fresh, clean home, there is nothing better to have around than a simple box of sodium bicarbonate, otherwise known as baking soda. What are all the cleaning uses for this everyday product? How can you use it? Why does it work so well? This gritty, white powder is an all-purpose cleaning super weapon. Deodorizing and toxin-free, it can be used to scrub, clean and freshen every corner of your home without being detrimental to your health or the environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, certain ingredients in commercial cleaning products introduce volatile organic compounds into the air and hazardous toxins into the water. If this wasn’t reason enough to try a safe, natural alternative, baking soda is also inexpensive, costing only a couple of dollars per box.

Cleaning counter tops

Sprinkle over your kitchen and bathroom counter tops. Take a warm, wet cloth and wipe away surface stains and grime. The grittiness of the powder is ideal for getting rid of tough build-up and residue.

Deodorizing the refrigerator

Place an open box in the refrigerator to absorb pungent odors. This is great for controlling food odors and for keeping your food fresh. Just be sure to replace the old box every four to six weeks.

Sink therapy

There are multiple uses for baking soda when it comes to keeping your sink clean. Mix a tablespoon of water with three tablespoons of the powder to make a paste. Put a dab of the paste on a cloth and then scrub your kitchen or bathroom sink until it sparkles. Pour some powder down the sink once a week to help combat nasty odors.

Freshening the garbage

Imagine a garbage that doesn’t stink! Sprinkle at the bottom of your garbage can as well as at the bottom of each new bag.

Cleaner, better coffee

Every Latina knows that a good cup of coffee (and a clean mug!) is a must-have to go with your pastries . Keep your coffee fresh-tasting and eliminate coffee stains by regularly cleaning your coffeemaker and cups with a solution of baking soda and warm water.

Aroma spray

For a truly clean home , you need a fresh, lovely scent. Fill a small spray bottle with a tablespoon of baking soda, 10 drops of your favorite essential oils and 4 ounces of water. Try mint and lemongrass for a refreshing combination or clove and orange for a comforting, brightening scent. Shake well and mist over carpets, fabric upholstery, bedding or simply into the air to neutralize odors and give your home an aroma makeover.

Washing floors

Swirl a cup of the powder into half a gallon of warm water. For disinfectant action, add 20 drops of tea tree essential oil. While baking soda does have some antibacterial properties, it is only a mild disinfectant. Mop your kitchen and bathroom floors and enjoy that fresh, clean feel. You can also use this solution on children’s toys, the bathtub and any surfaces that could use some natural cleaning power.