8 Uses For Baking Soda That Will Change Your Life Forever

One of the most common household goods just got a lot more interesting. The remedies this classic gem hold are amazing.

Sodium bicarbonate, aka baking soda, should be everyone’s best friend. It can do a lot more than just sit in the back of your kitchen shelf waiting for you to bake something.

Most people are used to thinking that baking soda is only good for cooking, and maybe for keeping our refrigerators odor-free. However, it’s the most useful multi purpose household item there is. Injuries, digestive issues, stomach pains, and sore throats only scratch the surface of what baking soda can be used for. So, without further ado, let me present you with some of my favorite baking soda uses that can change your everyday life forever.

1. Sore throat

When combined with salt, baking soda makes the best natural gargle. This killer combo helps kill germs and soothe a sore throat. You can also add a few drops of iodine to increase the germ-killing effect.

2. Itchy insect bites

Mix soda with a little bit of water until it forms a paste, then apply it to the bug bite to soothe the itching. You can also add 1/2 cup of baking soda to a warm bath to gain relief from intense itching from poison ivy or chicken pox.

3. Remove old coffee/tea stains from mugs and cups

I have been using this method for years now, and I promise it will remove any stains from your ceramic mugs. To do so, you will need to spill a bit of baking soda onto a scrubby or rough side of a sponge. Fill the cup a few inches with water and then give the cup a swish with the scrubby. Easy-peasy! This method is also great for scrubbing out the toughest stains on dirty dishes.

4. Teeth whitener alternative

Many kinds of toothpaste contain baking soda, but you can enhance the whitening effect by brushing your teeth with a paste made of baking soda and water. Baking soda actually helps get rid of that nasty yellowish shade.

5. Polish silver, gold and other metals

Dip a damp cloth in baking soda and make those precious metals shine by polishing the surface till it’s crystal clear. Quick tip: add a little bit of lemon juice to brighten brass.

6. Getting rid of pimples

Form a smooth paste by mixing 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of water. Make sure your face is clean and dry. Apply the baking soda paste to the pimples and leave there for 15 minutes, then wash off. Since the baking soda can be very drying on the skin, it’s recommended that you use a moisturizer afterwards. NOTE: before applying the baking soda mask to your face, test it on a small patch of skin (like the inside of arm above wrist area) to make sure you are not allergic to it.

7. Baking soda as an antacid

If you suffer from acid indigestion and heartburn, baking soda is always there to help. It’s a safe and effective antacid. Add ½ teaspoon to ½ glass (4 fl. oz.) of water every 2 hours, or as directed by a physician.

8. Clean brushes and combs

It’s important to keep your brushes and combs clean and free of bacteria. Place them in a small bowl of water and add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to it. The mixture will remove natural oil build-up and hair product residue. Give it a few minutes to soak, then rinse and allow it to dry.