10 Crazy Ways to Use Baking Soda (That Don't Include Baking)

See why baking soda is and will always be our favorite.

By: Chelsea Faulkner

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Photo By: Cassidy Garcia

Dry Shampoo

Replace expensive store-bought dry shampoo with this DIY version you can make for pennies! Mix equal parts corn starch and baking soda in a bowl. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil, mix well, then funnel into a salt shaker. Sprinkle mixture onto your roots and work into scalp with fingers to freshen up your hairstyle on the go.

Chalk Paint

Make your own chalk paint at home using paint from leftover projects! Mix 1/2 cup baking soda and three tablespoons cold water in a small bowl. Pour one cup latex paint into a disposable container, then slowly mix the baking soda solution into the paint, stirring well. Use immediately, discard unused paint.

Clean Up Crayon

Did the kids' creativity leave its mark on your walls? No worries! Simply make a 50/50 paste of baking soda and water, then scrub the paste onto the wall using a rag and good old-fashioned elbow grease. The marks will disappear before your eyes, without ruining your paint! Tip: put down a towel or drop cloth to catch any drips.

De-Stain Plastic Food Containers

Don't toss stained food containers! Make a paste of equal parts baking soda and water, spread evenly inside the container and let sit for 24 hours. Wipe clean with a wet sponge to reveal clean, stain-free Tupperware.

Nail Scrub or Fake Tan Remover

Nails looking yellow? Is your sunless tan a little streaky? Mix a few squeezes of fresh lemon juice with one tablespoon baking soda in a small bowl and let it fizz. Once the bubbles die down, apply the mixture to your nails or tan lines and let sit for 10 minutes. Scrub with a nail brush or washcloth to reveal shiny nails and a streak-free tan.

Keep Flowers Alive Longer

Flowers looking sad? Replace dirty water with fresh and stir in a teaspoon of baking soda. Cut flower stems at an angle and arrange in the fresh water. Blooms should perk back up within hours and last for a few days longer.

Teeth Whitening Paste

Polish those pearly whites! Mix one tablespoon coconut oil, one tablespoon baking soda and half a teaspoon hydrogen peroxide in a small, resealable jar. Once mixed, add a few drops of food-safe peppermint essential oil. Brush with this mixture two to three times a week to whiten teeth and freshen breath. Discard after two weeks.

All-Natural Air Freshener

Say buh-bye to harmful chemicals! Make your own natural air freshener with ingredients you likely already have at home. In a small bowl, mash together one tablespoon baking soda and 10 drops of your favorite essential oil with a fork. Funnel this mixture into a spray bottle, then top with purified water. Shake well and spray for long-lasting freshness!

Deep Clean Your Cutting Board

Clean that nasty cutting board in a snap! Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda all over the board, then spray evenly with white vinegar. Let bubble for 5-10 minutes, then wipe with a cloth dipped in clean, cold water. Rinse with warm water and let air dry.

Shower + Grout Cleaner

Give your shower a deep clean with this easy DIY solution. Mix 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide and one teaspoon dish soap in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray shower tile generously, let sit for 10 minutes, then wipe away grime with a wet washcloth.

10 Crazy Ways to Use Baking Soda (That Don't Include Baking)

Related To:

Shop This Look

Dry Shampoo

Chalk Paint

Clean Up Crayon

De-Stain Plastic Food Containers

Nail Scrub or Fake Tan Remover

Keep Flowers Alive Longer

Teeth Whitening Paste

All-Natural Air Freshener

Deep Clean Your Cutting Board

Shower + Grout Cleaner

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