Absorbs minor grease stains.
Baking soda absorbs oil and can help remove oil from clothes, carpets and other fabrics. If you spill oil on your pants or carpet, resist the urge to wipe it off with a towel. Instead, use a dry or damp (not wet) towel or paper towel to blot the oil and remove as much of the stain as possible. Don’t rinse it off.
Next, apply baking soda to the stain (some recommend leaving it on for an hour, but Bob Vila says to leave it on for 24 hours); after one to 24 hours, brush off any remaining baking soda and clean with your favorite stain remover. (Lifehack says to brush with baking soda and water, but Bob Vila recommends brushing with a solution of water and vinegar).
Removing red wine stains.
Baking soda also works well on red wine spills. Unlike oil, baking soda works best when it stays wet. Make a paste with a ratio of 1 baking soda to 3 water, allow it to dry and vacuum it away, or pour white wine over it, thicken the baking soda, run water over it for an hour or two to remove the stain, and then wash it off with soap and water. This method has been described before, see here.
Clean your bathroom
Hard mineral-rich water can leave brown ring marks in your bathroom (not to mention that toilets don’t always smell good). Take advantage of the cleaning and deodorizing power of baking soda. Once a week or once a month, you can put baking soda in the toilet, leave it for an hour, spray it with vinegar, and scrub the inside. This will remove the mineral deposits that cause stains and any remaining odors.
Baking soda is also an effective cleaner in other parts of the bathroom. Sprinkled on a damp brush, it will remove soap scum from sinks, shower doors and walls, and remove mold from shower curtains and grout.
Prevents diaper rashes.
If your child’s bottom is itchy and red, use baking soda’s antifungal and antibacterial properties to ease the discomfort. Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water to make a paste (this will dry quickly and is for single use). You can also add 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda to your bath water to cool your cheeks (the amount depends on the size of the tub). The alkalinity of baking soda will be more effective if the cause is “acidic poop” from food.
Make your own air freshener (or Fabreeze).
If you start to notice odors on your feet, hips or underarms, use a room spray or upholstery spray containing baking soda to absorb the odor. Mix 2 cups of water with 1 tablespoon of baking soda and your favorite essential oil (optional). Place in a spray bottle and spray as needed in the bathroom, kitchen, bedroom or sofa after the game for a gentle alternative to the harsh odors of commercial air fresheners.
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