12 Non-Toxic Ways to Use Baking Soda

Stop! Don’t run out to the store and get that bottle or jar of a chemical-laden product for that household chore. There’s a good chance the box of baking soda you’ve already got can do the job. It’s a versatile deodorizer and cleaning product that comes in handy for so many situations around the house. And that means you don’t have to have a whole shelf full of (potentially toxic) products for different jobs. If you’re curious about the science behind baking soda, check out the video from the American Chemical Society for a simple explanation of how and why it works.

Here are some of the things it can do.

1. Food Odors
You probably already know to keep a box in your refrigerator—and not just because it’s handy. Baking soda absorbs any food odors floating around in there and guarantees that opening that door won’t be a “eeeewwww” moment.

2. Drain Cleaner
Instead of a toxic drainer cleaner, pour a little baking soda down your sinks to leave them smelling fresh. It works if you have an odor-prone garbage disposal too. Half a cup and a warm water rinse should do it.

3. Cleaning Kitchen
Since baking soda dissolves grease and stains, it’s great for cleaning pots, pans, tea pots, coffeemakers and whatever other heavy cleaning job you have in your kitchen.

Polish your silver, clean your oven and even freshen up those smelly sponges with a sprinkle of baking soda.

4. Remove Pesticide Residue
Before you leave the kitchen, did you know it can clean dirt and pesticide residue from your fruits and vegetables? Just be sure to rinse well!

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