Lockdown Tips: 6 Home Uses of Baking Soda

Whether you are locked down during a global pandemic or need a solution for something in a pinch, these 6 home uses of baking soda may raise an eyebrow or two.

Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate (a kind of salt), and when it is combined with wet ingredients it produces carbon dioxide bubbles. This reaction enables this mineral formula to be used for a wide variety of applications that can range from benefitting your health to cleaning your home. If getting out of your abode is currently a challenge or you just want to learn some interesting applications of a household item consider these many uses of baking soda.

Odor Fighter

When baking soda reacts to odors it has the ability to absorb them making for a great natural deodorant. Most mainstream underarm deodorants are riddled with toxic ingredients that, over time, may accumulate in your system. Healthline describes the major chemical players in conventional deodorants:

• Parabens – Cancerous skin damage could result from ongoing exposure to parabens
• Triclosan – Hormone disrupting chemical
• Artificial colors – May cause skin irritation
• Aluminum – There may be a link of aluminum from deodorant increasing the risk of breast cancer and other cancers

Give your body a break and try this recipe posted by Alternative Daily for making your own baking soda deodorant:

Combine equal parts coconut oil and baking soda, as well as shea butter and your choice of essential oils. Using a double boiler, melt approximately 3 tablespoons of coconut oil and 2 tablespoons shea butter. Once melted, remove from heat, mix in 3 tablespoons of baking soda, add essential oils and store in an airtight container (preferably one for easy application).

Stop Acid Reflux

Heartburn is a real uncomfortable result of mixing foods that may bubble up into a nasty, burping acid. Baking soda can help stop acid reflux until you can determine medical intervention or changing your diet. 

According to the Canadian Society of Intestinal Research, 

“Health practitioners commonly accept baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, to be effective in providing temporary, occasional relief of acid reflux. It works because it has an alkaline pH, which helps to neutralize the acidity in your stomach, working in a similar manner to many over-the-counter antacids. Consult your physician before using baking soda regularly, as it can affect the absorption of many medications, and is high in sodium…a half teaspoon of baking soda mixed in at least 125 mL (½ cup) of water may provide a quick relief of symptoms. This treatment is not recommended for pregnant women.”

Itch Relief

The ability of baking soda to absorb so many microbial compounds makes it a good go-to for itchy skin. The National Eczema Society recommends, 

“Adding a quarter-cup of baking soda to your bath or applying it to the skin directly in the form of a paste, is a common treatment used to help relieve itching.”

You can also use baking soda for relieving an itchy scalp. Simply wet a mound in the palm of your hand while showering and generously apply to your scalp until well covered by the hair roots. Let sit for about three to five minutes and rinse. This will slough off dead scalp skin cells reducing dandruff, make room for new skin and, in some cases, increase hair growth as well.

Whiter Brighter Clothes

Adding baking soda to your liquid clothes washing detergent has been shown to increase the white and colors of clothing. All it takes is about two tablespoons of this white powder to see a difference. This is due to the baking soda being able to ‘soften’ the water while protecting clothes from harsh chemicals at the same time. 

Bug Bite Fix

With spring in bloom and summer around the corner, lockdown still includes a socially distant walk now and again. This also means the occasional, annoying bug bite. If you come home with a welt forming from a minor sting, make a baking soda paste using water and spread it over the affected area. If you have witch hazel add it to the baking soda instead of water. This paste will absorb sting serum, reduce inflammation, and act as an anti-bacterial.

Fruit and Vegetable Scrub

So much of your produce, even organic, is exposed to a variety of toxins, pathogens (like COVID-19) and more. Before cooking and consuming fruits or vegetables, soak your chosen produce in cold water with a few tablespoons of baking soda for about five minutes. Then thoroughly scrub with the same water and rinse. This will remove dangerous residue and not compromise the taste. 

These 6 home uses of baking soda are one of the more notable applications however there are many more. This includes adding sprinkles to your cat litter box to reduce the odor; applying to acne for a reduction in inflammation and bacteria; and adding to vinegar and hot water to unclog a stubborn drain. Baking soda is essential to have in your home especially during a virus lockdown and beyond.