New Uses for Baking Soda

James Wojcik

A favorite dry ingredient performs some surprising new tricks.

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Baking Soda as Container Deodorizer

James Wojcik

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

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Baking Soda as Silver Polish

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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New Uses for Baking Soda

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Baking Soda as Container Deodorizer

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Baking Soda as Silver Polish

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Baking Soda as Hair Cleanser

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Baking Soda as Linen Freshener

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Baking Soda as Toothpaste

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Baking Soda as Drain Unclogger

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Baking Soda as Stain Remover

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Baking Soda as Carpet Freshener

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New Uses for Baking Soda

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Baking Soda as Container Deodorizer

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Baking Soda as Silver Polish

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Baking Soda as Hair Cleanser

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Baking Soda as Linen Freshener

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Baking Soda as Toothpaste

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Baking Soda as Drain Unclogger

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Baking Soda as Stain Remover

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Baking Soda as Carpet Freshener

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