Almost every single one of us has it in our home, either lurking in our spice cabinet or chilling in the back of our fridge.
Perhaps some of you have used it today to make a festive, delicious baking recipe.
It's baking soda, and we count on it to cause crazy chemical reactions that give us big, fluffy, delicious baked goods.
It's also ideal for sucking up odors in your fridge — but there are so many more amazing ways you can use it!
A key ingredient in plenty of home remedies, baking soda and its odor-eliminating properties and gritty texture can be applied all over your body as well as in your home.
Even avid users of the stuff will likely be surprised by some of the ingenious uses on this list — check them all out below and you'll be scrambling to buy a fresh new box!
Why Baking Soda?
So what exactly makes baking soda so great?
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is widely used for causing baked goods to rise because it bubbles when mixed with acid.
Its various properties also make it a great deodorizer and cleanser, as some of you who have it in your fridge already know.
But these uses below go far beyond the fridge — they can help you get a cleaner complexion, a prettier appearance, and a spotless home.
Use #1: Deodorant
If you are looking for a deodorant that doesn't include any harmful chemical compounds, give baking soda a try!
It is well known for its ability to absorb bad odors, so applying it under your arms can help neutralize any sweat smells.
Just make sure to test out how your skin reacts. In some cases it can cause a rash.
Use #2: Stop Toenail Fungus
Though it won't necessarily kill any of your toenail fungus, baking soda will help stop it from spreading any farther.
This is because baking soda is alkaline and neutralizes acidic compounds, according to Everyday Roots.
Since toe fungus thrives in acidic spaces, baking soda will get rid of the type of environment that helps it grow.
Use #3: Hairbrush Cleaner
Occasionally cleaning your brushes and combs will ensure that your hair stays healthy and tangle-free.
After you remove any leftover hair, rub them down with a baking soda and warm water paste to get rid of any leftover oil and product buildup.
The gritty baking soda will scrub off any buildup and leave your tools squeaky clean.
Use #4: Face Exfoliant
Exfoliating is great for your face because it sloughs off dead skin cells that can clog your pores and cause acne.
But, as with deodorant, some store-bought exfoliants contain chemicals and unnatural products that can harm your health and the environment.
Luckily, baking soda can be easily mixed with a little water to make a great natural exfoliant that's safe for your skin — even Dr. Oz agrees!
Use #5: Teeth Whitener
Baking soda is already an active ingredient in many teeth-whitening products.
Its gritty texture helps to remove surface stains on your teeth so they are brighter and whiter.
To make a homemade solution, simply mix a little bit of baking soda with water or lemon juice, rub on your teeth, then rinse.
Use #6: Freshen Rugs
Baking soda can also replace any chemical-filled cleaning products that you use to deodorize your carpet.
To get your rug smelling fresh and clean, liberally sprinkle baking soda on it, then scrub it into the fibers.
Leave it in there for a few hours or overnight, then vacuum it up — all the smells should be gone!
Use #7: Deodorize Sponges
It can also deodorize dirty sponges so you can use them longer.
Simply soak them in a baking soda and water solution for a few hours to get rid of gunk and odors.
And since its natural, you don't have worry about using the sponge on any eating surfaces.
Use #8: Unclog A Drain
Baking soda mixed with vinegar will create a cool chemical reaction, because of vinegar's acidic compounds.
This will help it bust through the gunk clogging your drains, leaving you with a shiny, happy sink!
We bet you can't wait to pull out that box of baking soda you have lurking in your spice cabinet or the back of your fridge!
If you have ever used baking soda for your health or home, make sure to SHARE with friends and family on Facebook.
