51 Fantastic Uses for Baking Soda (Page 6)

Deodorizing (continued)

38. Remove Odor From Carpets
Liberally sprinkle baking soda on the carpet. Let set overnight, or as long as possible (the longer it sets the better it works). Sweep up the larger amounts of baking soda, and vacuum up the rest. (Note that your vacuum cleaner bag will get full and heavy.)

39. Remove Odor From Vacuum Cleaners
By using the method above for carpets, you will also deodorize your vacuum cleaner.

40. Freshen Closets
Place a box on the shelf to keep the closet smelling fresh, then follow these tips to organize your closet in an eco-friendly way.

41. Deodorizing Cars
Odors settle into car upholstery and carpet, so each time you step in and sit down, they are released into the air all over again. Eliminate these odors by sprinkling baking soda directly on fabric car seats and carpets. Wait 15 minutes (or longer for strong odors) and vacuum up the baking soda.

42. Deodorize the Cat Box
Cover the bottom of the pan with baking soda, then fill as usual with litter. To freshen between changes, sprinkle baking soda on top of the litter after a thorough cleaning. You can also use green tea for this purpose!

43. Deodorize Pet Bedding
Eliminate odors from your pets bedding by sprinkling liberally with baking soda, wait 15 minutes (or longer for stronger odors), then vacuum up.

44. Deodorize Sneakers
Keep odors from spreading in smelly sneakers by shaking baking soda into them when not in use. Shake out before wearing. When they’re no longer wearable, make sure to donate your old sneakers.

45. Freshen Linens
Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the rinse cycle for fresher sheets and towels. You can also make homemade lavender linen water with this formula.

46. Deodorize Your Wash
Gym clothes of other odoriferous clothing can be neutralized with a 1/2 cup of baking soda in the rinse cycle.

47. Freshen Stuffed Animals
Keep favorite cuddly toys fresh with a dry shower of baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda on and let it sit for 15 minutes before brushing off.

6 of 8

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Elizabeth S.

11:13PM PDT on May 17, 2013

Alot of good ideas! Thanks!

May 17
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Frances D.

3:05AM PDT on May 16, 2013

Great stuff...learned some new uses .

May 16
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barbara k.

5:25AM PDT on May 15, 2013

I knew it had a lot of uses. Learned a few more

May 15
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Carole T.

3:07PM PDT on May 5, 2013

If you burn your hand by touching a hot oven or pot handle, a good way to relieve the pain is to make a paste of baking soda with a little water added and leave it on to dry. If necessary cover with a gauze. The effect is immediate and you don't get blisters forming if you apply it early enough.

May 5
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Mary T.

6:33PM PDT on May 1, 2013

Thank you, found new usages for baking soda

May 1
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Amar A.

4:10AM PDT on Apr 25, 2013

We have completely replaced all the commercial cleaners with only vinegar and baking soda. We use it for cleaning, cooking (especially when making our own bread, add just 1 tsp of baking soda and some honey, instead of yeast), unclogging drains, and tons of other uses. Vinegar is a perfect companion for baking soda, if used rationally.

References: http://www.bakingsodavinegar.com/

April 25
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codruta O.

6:55PM PDT on Apr 23, 2013

Fantastic! I already use in many ways but there is more there that I have known. thanks!

April 23
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Darshana L.

7:01PM PDT on Apr 14, 2013

I intend to try all these ways to be a clever and green homemaker :) I would like to suggest that for vegans and animal-lovers out there, we can choose to get baking soda brands that are not tested on animals. One brand that comes up when i googled 'baking soda not tested on animals' is Bob's Red Mill Baking Soda.