Produce wash: Sprinkle directly onto fruits and vegetables and scrub with a damp, clean sponge. Rinse thoroughly before consuming.
Non-toxic roach killer: Mix with sugar and set out on a dish. The sugar will attract the pests and the baking soda is fatal once ingested.
Odor-removing handwash: After chopping garlic or onions, rub your hands with a baking soda paste before washing as usual; press the paste into cuticles to remove odors from hard-to-reach spots.
Iced tea clarifier: Add a pinch to brewed tea before chilling and put an end to cloudy iced tea. (Baking soda also softens tannins for a smoother flavor.)
Drain unclogger: Pour a cupful down the drain followed by a cupful of vinegar. Let sit overnight, then flush with hot water.
Emergency dishwashing detergent: Fill the soap dispenser halfway with baking soda, add a drop or two of dishwashing soap and fill the rinse aid dispenser with vinegar.
Coffeemaker cleaner: Brew a pot of water mixed with a few spoonfuls of baking soda. Brew another pot of plain water to rinse the machine afterwards.
Fire extinguisher: If your cooking oil catches fire, dousing it with water will only make it worse, but dousing the flames liberally with baking soda should stop the burn.
Silver-tarnish remover: Fill a non-aluminum pan with hot water, place a sheet of foil at the bottom of the pan, add about 2 tablespoons baking soda per quart of water and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat, then drop the silver in for about 20 seconds before removing with a pair of tongs. This will work for sterling silver only, not silver-plate.
Get more tips:
Homemade Natural Cleaning Products
10 Eco-Friendly Kitchen Tips
Multipurpose Kitchen Supplies: An A-to-Z Guide
