I firmly believe there are far too many people in this world who are entirely unaware of the tremendous potential and capabilities of baking soda. I imagine the majority of us use baking soda primarily for baking, with using it for cleaning purposes coming in hot as the secondary use for it.
Buckle up, folks, because I’m about to blow your mind.
I can’t guarantee I’ll succeed in blowing anyone’s mind, but I like to think optimistically from time to time, you know, when crippling depression and anxiety are taking a brief break from throwing a rage in my brain.
Let’s check out the following list of just a few uses for baking soda, with this information coming from healthline.com.
“1. Mouthwash
Mouthwash is a great addition to your oral hygiene routine, as it reaches the corners of your mouth and crevices of your teeth, gums, and tongue that you might miss during brushing.
Many people use baking soda as a replacement for mouthwash. Some studies show that it may help freshen your breath and even exert antibacterial and antimicrobial properties (2Trusted Source).
While one study found that baking soda mouthwash didn’t significantly lower oral bacteria levels, it increased the pH levels of saliva, which is important for inhibiting bacterial growth (3Trusted SourceTrusted Source).
To make your own baking soda mouthwash, add 1/2 teaspoon (2 grams) of baking soda to half a glass (120 mL) of warm water, then swish as usual.
2. Teeth whitener
Baking soda is a popular home remedy for whitening teeth.
Many studies have found that toothpaste containing baking soda is better for whitening teeth and removing plaque than toothpaste without baking soda (4Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source).
This is likely because baking soda has mild abrasive properties that can break the bonds of molecules that stain your teeth. It also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which may help fight harmful bacteria (2Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source).
3. Deodorant
Surprisingly, human sweat is odorless.
Sweat only gains odor after it’s broken down by bacteria in your armpits. These bacteria convert your sweat into acidic waste products, which give sweat its smell (8Trusted Source, 9Trusted Source).
Baking soda is often used as a natural deodorant to eliminate sweat’s smell by making its odors less acidic, though there’s limited research on whether this strategy works.
Try patting baking soda onto your armpits or mixing it with a bit of coconut oil, shea butter, or cornstarch to create homemade deodorant.
4. Fridge odor neutralizer
Have you ever opened your fridge and come across a surprisingly foul odor?
Chances are that some foods in your fridge have overstayed their welcome and started spoiling. This smell may stick around long after you empty and clean your fridge.
Baking soda may help freshen a smelly fridge by neutralizing bad odors. Interestingly, it eliminates odor particles rather than just masking their smell (10Trusted Source).
To try this trick, fill a cup with baking soda and place it in the back of your fridge.
5. Air freshener
Not all commercial air fresheners eliminate bad odors. Instead, some simply release fragrance molecules that mask other smells.
In addition, fewer than 10% of air fresheners provide an ingredient list. This is problematic if you’re sensitive to chemicals that may be found in air fresheners (11).
Baking soda is a safe alternative to commercial air fresheners, as it’s free of industrial chemicals and neutralizes odor particles (12Trusted Source).
To create air freshener with baking soda, you need:
- a small jar
- 1/3 cup (74 grams) of baking soda
- 10–15 drops of your favorite essential oils
- a piece of cloth or paper
- a string or ribbon
Add the baking soda and essential oils to the jar. Cover it with the cloth or paper, then secure it in place with the string and put it in your living room, bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen. When the scent starts to fade, give the jar a shake,” the web page explains.
Check back tomorrow for some ingenious and practical baking soda uses.
ontheedgeofeverything 
