Baking Soda Can do What?

Baking soda is one of those really versatile products. You can eat it, cook with it, clean with it and it also deodorizes. It is like some magical miracle powder. Here are just a few of the many things it can do.

Air Freshener – Mix 1/2 cup baking soda and 8-12 drops essential oil in a mason jar. Poke holes in patterned paper cut to size of lid (this line is missing a word I think). Put paper and lid on jar, and voila – you have a beautiful and inexpensive air freshener. http://smashedpeasandcarrots.blogspot.com/2012/03/easy-baking-soda-air-freshener-tutorial.html

Remove stains on kitchen counters – Make a paste of baking soda and water, then clean your marble, formica, or plastic suface with it.

Deodorize shoes and boots – Just sprinkle a little baking soda in shoes, socks, boots and slippers to eliminate nasty foot odor.

Fix nail holes and cracks in walls – Mix a little white glue with baking soda and then press it into a crack or nail hole and let it dry. Then use matching paint to touch up the area. The nail holes and cracks will disappear.

Play clay – Combine 11/4 cups water, 2 cups soda and 1 cup cornstarch. Add a drop or two of food coloring if desired.

Antacid – A safe and effective antacid to relieve heartburn, sour stomach and acid indigestion. Each baking soda package has its own instructions on how to make an antacid.

Sunburn relief – Make a paste of baking soda and water and smear on sunburned skin. It helps relieve the burning and will help keep you from peeling as bad.

More great ideas, along with some listed above, can be found at http://www.everyday-wisdom.com/uses-for-baking-soda.html .

Joy Larson is a mother of four boys, graduate of The University of Montana, animal lover and writer.