The Wonders of Baking Soda Part I

Baking Soda in the Kitchen

10 Ways to Freshen up!

What you'll need:

Baking soda, of course! Seriously though, any brand will do. 

The other ingredients will depend on the use below.  

Keeping Odors at Bay in the Microwave

Open or vent (poke several holes in the top) a box and store in microwave in-between cooking

Refrigerator Crisper Freshness

Sprinkle over the bottom of the crisper drawers and cover with a paper towel. Replace every three months or if the towel gets damp. (Write the date on the paper towel)

Tea and Coffee Stains No More!

Using a tiny bit of water, make a baking soda paste and use it to rub out stains from coffee mugs. Wipe out with a damp towel and rinse. 

Coffee Maker Cleanliness

Brew one quart warm water and 1/4 cup baking soda through your brewer every month or so. Coffee tastes great and no bacteria will build up.

Baby Bottle Duty

Sprinkle a bit of baking soda in your baby bottles and use your bottle brush with a bit of water to brush away odors and milk or juice residue. Rinse well. No dangers of soap residue for baby!

    Clogged drains? Not Any More!

*need vinegar for this one (apple cider is fine)*

Pour 1 Cup baking soda down the drain. Microwave 1 cup vinegar. Wait about 10 minutes and pour a quart of very hot water down the drain. (While you are waiting, take a damp sponge or towel and wipe out the microwave; it will have become easy to just wipe away the gunk that builds up)

Repeat if necessary. This is much better for the environment and your septic tank (if you have one). I'm all about less chemicals!

Dishes Done by Hand-So much easier

Sprinkle from a tablespoon to a cup of baking soda (depending on how many dishes in your load) to hot soapy dishwater. Its a great grease-cutter and loosens sticky built-up food.

Blender Beauty

*dish detergent needed* (I love all varieties of Dawn)

Clean and deodorize your blender by filling it halfway with water. Add 1 drop of detergent and 1 tsp of baking soda. Turn blender on for a moment and let run. Rinse clean.

Cutting Board Care

*vinegar needed (apple cider fine)*

Clean and deodorize those cutting boards! They harbor bacteria and odor. Sprinkle a healthy dose of baking soda all over the board. Then sprinkle vinegar generously over the board. The bubbles will do the work for you. Rinse clean.

Deep Oil Fryer Maintenance

Clean and deodorize your deep fryer by cleaning it with a baking soda paste. The finish will be unharmed and odor wipes away.

        
Tips from Baking Soda: Over 500 Fabulous, Fun, and Frugal Uses You've Probably Never Thought of by Vicki Lansky 

 Part II Coming soon and involves the most used room in the house. Subscribe so you don't miss it!