11 surprising uses for baking soda

Save your pennies and the earth with these tips for using a pantry staple, baking soda. It's soda-rn good! 

IN THE KITCHEN
💛 Give your dishwasher a good clean by running a cycle through with baking soda instead of detergent.
💛 Remove excess moisture and absorb nasty odours by placing a bowl of baking soda in your fridge.
💛 Is the odour of garlic lingering on your hands after cooking up a feast? Rub them with baking soda and water, the same way you would with soap, and you'll be odour-free.
💛 A baking soda and water paste will help remove crayon marks from walls. Rub gently with an old toothbrush. Do a spot test first to be safe.
💛 To remove tea and coffee stains on cups use a teaspoon of baking soda on a dishcloth to rub on the stain.

BATHROOM BUSINESS
💛 Sprinkle on the tinkle! A little baking soda sprinkled over a wet mattress will help soak up the urine smell. Just leave for the moisture to be absorbed, then vacuum clean.
💛 To help keep nappy rash under control pour half a cup of baking soda into your baby's bath.
💛 Everyday shampoos contain chemicals such as sodium lauryl sulphate. Go a la naturale by mixing together a tablespoon of baking soda, two drops of glycerin (try the pharmacy for this) and a tablespoon of lemon juice. Make a paste, adding water if needed. You won't get a foaming lather but the dirt will be gone. If you want a conditioner try using an egg (but make sure the water is not too hot or you'll cook it!).

 
LAUNDRY DUTY
💛 Keep cuddly toys smelling fresh by putting them in a pillowcase, sprinkling with baking soda and giving them a good shake.
💛 To get bloodstains out of clothes, mix a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar in a bucket of cool water and leave to soak overnight. Never use hot water as this will set a bloodstain.
💛 To stop the stink from the nappy bucket, add a sachet of baking soda to the bottom of the empty bucket.