Baking soda is one of those household staples that you probably can’t imagine doing without. It’s non-toxic so you don’t have to worry about being exposed to any harmful chemicals when using this product. In addition, it’s inexpensive so you can use as much of it as often as you like without feeling guilty. There are countless baking soda uses, and today we’ll look at 101 of them 😉
There are many common uses for this product, so it only makes sense to have a box or two sitting in your cabinet for when you need it. People have been using baking soda for generations to take care of many different problems and of course, for cooking.
Here are 101 baking soda uses, some of which may surprise you.
Food Baking Soda Uses
1. Baking
Baking soda, as the name suggests, is used as a base in many recipes. It is a dry leavening agent so when mixed with an acidic element like vinegar, buttermilk or lemon juice for example, carbon dioxide bubbles form and the batter or dough begins leavening.
2. Make a Fruit and Vegetable Cleaner
ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda, 13.5 Pound
Add two or three tablespoons of baking soda to a large bowl or sink of water. Allow your fruits and vegetables to soak for about 15 minutes to remove dirt, pesticides and other residues. If needed, you can gently scrub your fruits or vegetables with a brush, then rinse thoroughly. For an even better effect, add a drop of lemon essential oil.
3. Prevent Milk from Curdling In Scalloped Potatoes
When milk is used in certain dishes such as scalloped potatoes, sometimes it will curdle. When this happens it’s not very appetizing. So, before adding your milk, add ¼ teaspoon of baking soda per pint of milk and it will keep your potatoes looking as good as they taste 😉
4. Stop Syrup from Crystallizing
When using recipes that call for sugar syrup, you have to be very careful to keep the syrup from crystallizing. However, adding just a pinch of baking soda to the boiled syrup will take care of the problem so do you don’t have to worry about it.
5. Take the Gas Out of the Beans
Beans tend to make most people a little gassy but there may be a simple solution to this age old problem. Add about a teaspoon of baking soda to the water before putting your beans in to soak and it should neutralize the gas.
Baking Soda for Oral Hygiene
6. Make Your Own Toothpaste
Pour 2/3 cups baking soda to a bowl then slowly stir in water to make a paste. Stop adding water when it reaches the desired thickness. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and you’re done. You can also add a hydrogen peroxide solution and a drop or two of peppermint oil to your toothpaste for a fresh feeling. Here’s more details about making your own toothpaste.
Don’t have peppermint oil? Get it here
7. Make a Breath Freshener
If you’re looking for a great way to freshen your breath, add a teaspoon of baking soda and 2 drops of essential oil (peppermint and wintergreen are my favorite) to about four ounces of water and rinse out your mouth. The baking soda will neutralize the odor and the oils will leave your breath smelling fresh and clean.
8. Use as an Oral Appliance Soak
Remove food particles and make oral appliances smell fresh by adding enough warm water to a bowl to cover the dentures, retainers, etc. Then add 2 teaspoons of baking soda to the water and stir until it is completely dissolved. Next, place your oral appliance in the water to soak.
9. Make Your Own Teeth Whitener
Place a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup and then add water and stir until you have a paste. Use your finger to rub the paste on your teeth and leave it there for about five minutes. Be sure to rinse well to remove all the pastes.
