Bicarbonate of Soda (why it’s a great natural cleaner)
We all have a small pot of baking soda in the cupboard, for baking. But it’s also good for cleaning and laundry jobs (but it makes more sense to buy a larger packet, or you’ll keep running out!)
What remains a mystery is why Bicarbonate of soda in bulk still has to be bought online. You’ll never find supermarkets selling it (presumably because they make more profit on chemical cleaning and laundry brands).
Although safer than chemicals, still keep bicarbonate of soda away from children and pets, and don’t add essential oils to mixes (for pregnancy/nursing and babies/pets). Avoid use on aluminium or delicate fabrics. Use with plastic-free cloths/sponges (and natural rubber gloves).
Don’t pour unwanted cleaning/laundry liquids down the sink. You can recycle empty bottles with household waste (half-full bottles should be disposed of at your council’s hazardous waste depot.
What is Bicarbonate of Soda?
Bicarbonate of soda is sodium bicarbonate, produce from a natural mineral (the world’s largest deposits are in Wyoming, USA). Both an acid and a base, it’s so effective that it was used to clean New York’s Statue of Liberty in 1976 for its bicentennial celebration!
To check if bicarbonate of soda is fresh (so effective), mix a teaspoon with vinegar. If it fizzes a lot, it’s still good to go. If not, just mix and pour down drains to refresh them, and throw out or recycle the container.
Cleaning Uses for Bicarbonate of Soda
- All-purpose cleaner: Mix with water (1:100) to break down grease and scrub sinks, countertops and ovens. Rinse and leave to dry. Sprinkle on a damp sponge to clean tiles, taps and cooker hood grime.
- Burned Pots and Pans: Sprinkle inside, add a splash of warm water. Wait 10 minutes, then scrub with a cloth or sponge (good for glass, enamel or stainless steel cookware).
- Fridge/Freezer Cleaner: Mix with a little water to wipe shelves, drawers and seals. Rinse with a clean sponge, and dry.
- Remove Mug Stains. Mix a little bicarbonate of soda with water, then scrub mugs stained with tea or coffee.
- Microwave Cleaner. Fill a bowl with water and add two tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda. Cook on High for 5 minutes. The steam will loosen food particles, making it easy to wipe down. Never heat baby or pet food in microwaves.
- Remove Sticky Residue. Make a paste with water and a little oil. Rub gently to remove residue from labels, tape or glue.
- Polish Silver. Rub with a simple paste of bicarbonate of soda and water, use a soft cloth. Rinse and buff dry. This can remove tarnish (but should not scratch or erode metal).
Natural Air Freshener
- Natural Air Freshener: Plan an open container in the fridge, wardrobe or bathroom. It will absorb bad smells and freshen the air.
- Carpet Freshener: Sprinkle over affected areas, leave for 15 minutes, then hoover up. This can remove stains and smells from food, pets and smoke (also works on mattresses and car seats).
- Freshen Bins. Sprinkle in the bottom of the bin, to prevent smells. Replace with fresh powder each week.
- Clean Blocked and Smelly Drains: Pour a cup into slow drains followed by a cup of cleaning vinegar. Wait 5 minutes, then flush with hot water. This is also good to clear hair or soap scrum in bathroom sinks.
- Cure for Smelly Shoes! Sprinkle inside, then tap the powder out next day. This also works for gym lockers and sports helmets. And pet beds (leave it on while they are outside the room, then shake it thoroughly and hoover up, before they return).
Laundry Booster
Pour 2 tablespoons the machine with your laundry powder to brighten colours and whites. Also removes odours from clothes and towels.
Fire Extinguisher for Small Grease Fires
Turn off the heat, and smother flames by sliding a metal lid or cookie sheet over the pan, and keep covered until cool. If you don’t have a fire extinguisher to hand, you can use bicarbonate of soda, to cut off oxygen.
Never use water on a grease fire. Obviously if it doesn’t go out, get all the family out and call 911.
