The wonder of bicarbonate of soda aka baking soda

Have you ever cleaned with Bicarbonate of soda AKA Baking Soda AKA Sodium bicarbonate? It can save you a small fortune compared with expensive branded cleaners

Here are a few great examples:

• Make Toothpaste – combine baking soda, 3% hydrogen peroxide, water & a few drops of peppermint (or other essential oil) to taste
• Mouthwash – one teaspoon in half a glass of water
• Soaking – Soak any hard to clean item (from toothbrush heads to pots & pans)
• DIY Deodorant – Amazingly good and simple, learn more
• Drain unblocking/cleaning – Pour a half cup down the drain then pour white vinegar and watch the fizzing
• Stinky fridge? – Put a small container at the back of your fridge and it will sort any smells out
• Stinky bin? – Sprinkle some over the top

• Remove odour from carpets/sofa/car seats/pet blankets etc – Sprinkle over the affected area, leave over night and then brush up, then hoover up remaining
• Stinky shoes? – Sprinkle in and then vacuum out
• Stinky gym clothing etc? – Place half a cup in with your normal clothes wash
• Poor mans fire extinguisher – Minor grease & electrical fires can be put out by throwing baking soda on, when heated it produces carbon dioxide which helps to put out the flames
• Scuff mark on the wall? – Mix water with baking soda on a clean sponge
• Clean the oven – sprinkle on bottom of oven, spray with warm water, leave over night, scrub and wipe clean in the morning. If in a rush use white vinegar and leave for 30mins
• Make a bath/foot soak – add 1/2 cup to your bath to remove oils & neutralise body odour or 3 tablespoons to foot soak
• DIY Shampoo – Sprinkle a small amount into your palm along with your normal shampoo
• Facial Scrub and Body Exfoliant – 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water, rub in a circular motion and rinse with water

Where do I buy it?

• eBay stock it from £1.65, but probably best to get at least 500g
• Amazon sell it – 1KG for £4.70
• Wilkos sell 500g for £1.50