Baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) is almost magical. It can clean almost anything, from your bathroom floors to your teeth. According to How Stuff Works, baking soda reacts to stains by forming glycerol, a common cleansing agent. When mixed with vinegar, it creates carbonic acid, which helps in taking out deep-seated stains. It's also a weak alkali, which helps absorb odors.

There are so many ways to use baking soda. Here are 10 which we think can be helpful in keeping your home (and yourself) clean on a daily basis.

Cleaning Hacks

1. Laundry soak
Before you wash your dirty clothes in soap and water, soak them first in a tub of baking soda (put in approximately a cup) and water. If you’re using a washing machine, soak your laundry for a minute then spin for three. The baking soda will help loosen the dirt and grime.

2. Tile cleaner
Mix a cup of baking soda with a little water to make a paste. Spread the mixture on your tiles, making sure to cover the spaces in between. Let it stand for five to 10 minutes before scrubbing the surface with a brush.

3. Hair brush cleaner
Place two tablespoons of baking soda in a dipper (tabo) full of water. After removing the hair stuck between the bristles, soak your hair brush in it for 20 minutes. The baking soda will help remove oil and the gunk at the base of the bristles. Rinse with clean water and leave on a towel to dry.

4. Dish cleaner
Use baking soda on your dirty dishes, and rinse with warm water. The grease will quickly wash out.



5. Deodorizer
Place a cup of baking soda in an old pantyhose or sock and hang it in areas that get musty easily. You can also place a small amount in your fridge to keep things smelling fresh.

Beauty Hacks

6. Teeth whitener
Drizzle a small amount of baking soda on your toothpaste and brush as usual to have cleaner and whiter teeth.

7. Foot soak
Place three to four tablespoons of baking soda in a basin of warm water and soak your tired feet in it for 20 minutes, or until the water gets cold. Afterwards, scrub your soles with a brush or a loofah to remove dead skin. Rinse your feet with warm water, then massage with your favorite lotion.

8. Hair clarifier
Add a pinch of baking soda to your shampoo then lather as usual. The baking soda will remove oils that have accumulated on your scalp. After rinsing, your scalp will feel lighter and your hair smoother.



9. Exfoliating agent
Make a paste by mixing baking soda with a bit of water. Gently rub it on the areas of your body that you want to exfoliate before rinsing with warm water.

10. Deodorant.
Wipe a bit of baking soda on your underarms to avoid body odor.

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