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  4. New Uses for Baking Soda

New Uses for Baking Soda

Real Simple Author
By Real Simple Editors Updated March 19, 2015
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Baking Soda as Container Deodorizer
Credit: James Wojcik
A favorite dry ingredient performs some surprising new tricks.
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Baking Soda as Container Deodorizer

Baking Soda as Container Deodorizer
Credit: James Wojcik

Soak plastic containers in warm water and baking soda overnight to banish smells.

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Baking Soda as Silver Polish

Baking soda and silver bowls
Credit: Beatriz da Costa

To polish silver: Wash items, then place on aluminum foil in the bottom of a pot. Add a baking-soda solution (¼ cup soda, a few teaspoons salt, 1 quart boiling water) and cover for a few seconds. The result? A chemical reaction that gets the black off the gravy boat.

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Baking Soda as Hair Cleanser

Baking soda in the shower
Credit: David Prince

If daily use of mousse or gel is weighing down your locks, add a pinch or two of baking soda to your shampoo once a week to remove product buildup. Getting squeaky-clean strands is a piece of cake.

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Baking Soda as Linen Freshener

Baking soda used as linen freshener
Credit: Antonis Achilleos

Place an open box of baking soda alongside your stacks of sheets and towels to stave off mustiness.

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Baking Soda as Toothpaste

Baking soda used to clean teeth
Credit: Antonis Achilleos

When you can't squeeze another dollop out of the tube, make a paste of baking soda and water. It will get your teeth clean until you can make it to the store.

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Baking Soda as Drain Unclogger

Baking soda used to clean drain
Credit: Antonis Achilleos

To get your drain running again (without resorting to chemicals worthy of a hazmat suit) pour ½ cup soda, then ½ cup vinegar, down a clogged drain. Cover it with a wet cloth, wait 5 minutes, uncover, and flush with steaming-hot water.

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Baking Soda as Stain Remover

Baking soda used as stain remover
Credit: Antonis Achilleos

Clean discolored teacups and teapots by making a paste of baking soda and water. Gently rub over the stain to remove.

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Baking Soda as Carpet Freshener

Baking soda used to freshen carpet
Credit: James Baigrie

To absorb stale odors from carpet (and to generally freshen up a room), scatter soda on it, wait a few hours, then vacuum up the powder.

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    1 of 8 Baking Soda as Container Deodorizer
    2 of 8 Baking Soda as Silver Polish
    3 of 8 Baking Soda as Hair Cleanser
    4 of 8 Baking Soda as Linen Freshener
    5 of 8 Baking Soda as Toothpaste
    6 of 8 Baking Soda as Drain Unclogger
    7 of 8 Baking Soda as Stain Remover
    8 of 8 Baking Soda as Carpet Freshener

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