I don't know about you but as Spring quickly approaches there's one thing on my mind besides going out and smelling the fresh air and that is Spring cleaning. Have you started your spring cleaning yet or do you plan on doing so soon? Have you decided on which products you'll be using around your home this spring? Stop! Before you do so, I urge you to pull out those products from under your sink and start examining the ingredients. You may be surprised at your findings. If you can't pronounce all of the ingredients listed then that's a great warning sign that your product may not be so safe for your family and the environment. Traditional household cleaning products are loaded with an array of dangerous chemicals, synthetic fragrances, artificial colors, ammonia etc. All of which contributes to indoor pollution due to the toxic fumes they produce. The elderly, kids, pets and asthma sufferers will be most at risk for developing either breating complications or skin and eyes irritation. If you live in North America, then you must be aware of our poor air quality so switching to safter alternatives is 'the' best option for both your family and the enviroment.
Making your own products really isn't that difficult, considering the fact you'll only be requiring a few ingredients per formula. Baking Soda happens to be so versatile for formulatig both beauty and household cleaning products so you'll want to stock up on a few boxes at a time.
Below are some of my favorite Household Cleaning & Beauty Uses for Baking Soda
- Cleaning the oven & stove top. Sprinkle Baking Soda
on a damp sponge, scrub, and wipe clean.
- Remove tarnish from silver. Mix a thick paste of Baking Soda with water, apply the silver with a damp sponge, rub, rinse, and pat dry.
- Cleaning the sink (stainless steel). Sprinkle Baking Soda on a damp sponge, scrub the sink, and rinse clean.
- Adding as a booster to laundry detergent. Add one-half cup Baking Soda with the usual amount of detergent in your regular wash cycle.
- Cleaning the bathtub, shower & tiles in general. Sprinkle Baking Soda on a damp sponge, scrub, and rinse clean. Depending on the degree of grime, I may add white vinegar right after the Baking Soda. Allow this solution to sit for a bit then scrub.
- Cleaning & deodorizing the refrigerator. For cleaning, simply sprinkle Baking Soda on a damp sponge, scrub, and wipe clean. And for deodorizing, place an opened box in a corner of your refrigerator.
- Drains Maintenance: Pour 1/2 to 1 cup of Baking Soda in the drain, followed by 1/2 cup white vinegar and same amount of boiling water. Allow to sit for about 1/2 an hour then wash away with more boiling water.
- Remove burnt-on food on either cookware or stove top. Do Not Use On Cast Iron! Dampen area, sprinkle with Aluminum Free Baking Soda
- Remove coffee or tea stains from china. Dip a damp cloth in baking soda, gently rub the china, and rinse clean.
- Clean coffee and teapots. Soak in a warm water solution with about 1/4 - 1/2 cup baking soda. Go over with a sponge to wipe away any residual stains then rinse and pat dry.
- Brush your teeth. Whether you're looking to remove tea or coffee stains or just plain brushing, add a small amount onto your dampened tootbrush and brush as usual then rinse. It's safe and besides Baking Soda is fluoride free.
- Soothe tired feet or full body soak. Add 3-4 tablespoons to warm bath water and soak feet/body. You may also add a couple tablespoons of epsom salts and a few drops of your favorite essential oil for an invigorating bath/foot soak experience.
- Glowing Skin Recipe. Mix equal parts of honey, baking soda & a few drops of milk. Use on any part of your body & rinse. Honey hydrates the skin, baking soda exfoliates while milk cleanses.
- Use as a deodorant. Dust a miniscule amount of baking soda in the palm of one of your hands, add a bit of water to create a paste & apply under arms. Allow to dry completely before getting dressed.
- Dry up pimples. Mix a small amount of baking soda with warm water & apply daily on pimples. Leave on for up to 1/2 an hour then rinse.
- Remove crayon marks from walls. Sprinkle Baking Soda on a damp sponge, scrub gently then wipe clean.
- Get rid of build-up from hair. Add one tablespoon of Baking Soda mixed with your shampoo. Massage into hair. Rinse, condition and style as usual.
Are you convinced of how versatile baking soda is? Above are just some of the uses for this wonderful product. If you've already been using this awesome stuff, please drop by and share your favorite
recipe(s) with my readers and I. You may do so by either leaving me a comment here on my blog or on over at my Facebook Page: Simply Green & Healty Living. I'd love to hear from ya!
Until next time, Go Green and start keeping the toxins off and out of your bodies.