Baking soda’s chemical formula is NaHCO3. It is water-soluble weak alkali, and can be purchased in most supermarkets. You might be surprised how useful this common chemical compound is outside the kitchen.
Uses
Cockroach repellent
Mix sugar and baking soda in a 1 : 1 ratio to make a poison bait. Place the bait where cockroaches often roam. They should disappear in a few days.
Grease removal
Dissolve baking soda in 70 – 80°C water in a 1 : 1 ratio, soak a scouring cloth in the solution to scrub off stubborn grease in the kitchen.
Scale removal
Make a scrub with lemon juice and baking soda to rub off stain on windows.
Deodorant
Add one teaspoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of lemon juice to a litre of water. Wipe surfaces with the liquid to both cleanse and remove odour. The scent of lemon is especially effective in masking fishy smells.
Tea and coffee stain removal
Fill your stained porcelain container and dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in the water. If this does not remove the stains completely, sprinkle dry baking soda in the cup and scrub with a firm hand. For especially stubborn stains, boil water with baking soda and pour the liquid into the porcelain container. Empty the container after the liquid’s cooled down and then scrub off the stains.
Mould removal
Make a baking soda paste with water, and apply onto moldy surfaces. The mould should come off after a few scrubs.
Materials never to use baking soda on
Aluminium
Upon contact with baking soda, aluminium will tarnish and a black layer will be formed on the surface due to oxidation.
Hardwood
Baking soda solution would leave water stains on hardwood when rubbed into the material.
Animal protein
Wool and silk are animal protein fibers. Baking soda tenderises meat by changing the chemistry of the meat. Likewise, when wool or silk fabric is soaked in baking soda, its texture will change and discoloration will occur.
Lacquered surfaces
Baking soda might leave water stains on lacquered surface.
Time to ditch your toxic cleaners and give this highly effective, nontoxic wonder a try!
