The Many Uses of B.S. (otherwise known as Baking Soda)
Baking Soda, besides being ultra-cheap (especially when purchased in bulk), has so many uses far beyond baking.
It can also be used…
Cleaning
With water and a little baking soda, it is possible to clean almost any surface (be careful though, the surface must be fairly scratch resistant, as BS has abrasive qualities which help it clean!) I have personally used it for cleaning pots and other cooking implements that have burned-on stains.
Disinfectant
Mixed with vinegar it is also an excellent multi-surface cleaner and disinfectant. Don’t use on polished wood.
Washing Diapers in a Washing Machine
If you use cloth diapers and have a hard time getting the smell and stains out, this is probably the best method I know of. You will need to run 2 cycles: The first one is a cold wash (just a pre-wash and you would add a scoop (about 1/4 cup) baking soda right into the laundry. Put in about a cap full of vinegar in the rinse tray. Once that cycle is complete, repeat with a hot water regular wash and some biodegradable detergent. Let them dry on a rack with the most stain-prone side up. (Sun is good for taking out stains as well).
As a Replacement for Baking Powder
If you want to replace baking powder in any recipe, baking soda is a healthier and safe alternative. Use about 1/3 of what the recipe calls for in baking powder. But don't stop there...what makes baking soda different is that it is a base only, and requires an acid in order to be activated, as opposed to baking powder which already has an activator. So for every measurement of baking soda add about the same amount of an acid such as vinegar, lemon juice, or orange juice. Others acids include honey and even molasses.
It can also be used…
- As a gargle
- As a toothpaste
- To disinfect
- In the laundry to help clean soiled diapers (see below for instructions)
- To replace baking powder which usually contains aluminum compounds (see below for how to replace in a recipe)
- As a deodorizer for almost anything
- Research has also shown, if consumed, it may help protect against radiation exposure!
Cleaning
With water and a little baking soda, it is possible to clean almost any surface (be careful though, the surface must be fairly scratch resistant, as BS has abrasive qualities which help it clean!) I have personally used it for cleaning pots and other cooking implements that have burned-on stains.
Disinfectant
Mixed with vinegar it is also an excellent multi-surface cleaner and disinfectant. Don’t use on polished wood.
Washing Diapers in a Washing Machine
If you use cloth diapers and have a hard time getting the smell and stains out, this is probably the best method I know of. You will need to run 2 cycles: The first one is a cold wash (just a pre-wash and you would add a scoop (about 1/4 cup) baking soda right into the laundry. Put in about a cap full of vinegar in the rinse tray. Once that cycle is complete, repeat with a hot water regular wash and some biodegradable detergent. Let them dry on a rack with the most stain-prone side up. (Sun is good for taking out stains as well).
As a Replacement for Baking Powder
If you want to replace baking powder in any recipe, baking soda is a healthier and safe alternative. Use about 1/3 of what the recipe calls for in baking powder. But don't stop there...what makes baking soda different is that it is a base only, and requires an acid in order to be activated, as opposed to baking powder which already has an activator. So for every measurement of baking soda add about the same amount of an acid such as vinegar, lemon juice, or orange juice. Others acids include honey and even molasses.