5 Ways You Can Use Baking Soda Around The House

Even if you still don't understand the difference between baking soda and baking powder when used for baking, there are many non-cooking uses for baking soda. Here are some of the handiest:

Acid Reducer. If tomato sauce and other acidic foods give you heartburn, add a teaspoon to the sauce as it cooks. Alternatively, add ½ teaspoon baking soda to ½ cup of water for immediate acid relief.

Bite and (Minor) Burn Relief. Create a soothing paste of baking soda and water and rub on itchy bug bites or minor burns. To relieve burns, you can also soak in a baking soda bath. Most importantly, use your common sense and check with a medical professional before self-treating any serious wounds.

Dirty Sponge Cleaner. Soak sponges in a mixture of 4 tablespoons baking soda and 1 quart water to deodorize and clean.

Grease Eliminator. Soak greasy dishes with 2 tablespoons baking soda, then wash as you normally would.

Natural Drain Unclogger. If you're looking for a chemical-free way to unclog a slow-draining sink, mix ½ cup baking soda with ½ cup vinegar and pour down the drain. Let the mixture work its magic for a few minutes and flush with some boiling water.