I love baking soda. I think my love bloomed very young, when I refused to brush my teeth with actual toothpaste because I hated the taste of it, so I used baking soda instead. I've also never had a cavity, just sayin'!
This was one of those embarrassing childhood secrets for a while, until I realized that it's really not *that* weird. People do brush their teeth with baking soda, usually in addition to toothpaste or even hydrogen peroxide, with their dentists' blessing; it's actually a really great natural whitener.
But dental hygiene only scrapes the surface of baking soda uses outside of the kitchen. Here's my top favorite uses for this little $.50 box of magic:
1) Dental
As previously mentioned, baking soda can be used as a natural stain remover for your teeth. (Please be aware I am not suggesting you replace your regularly used toothpaste with baking soda.) It's also a great mouthwash. Seriously, just water and baking soda, and maybe a drop of peppermint if you so desire. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer for bad breath (and for pretty much anything else in your house that stinks.)
2) Deodorant
Speaking of things that stink, did you just realize you ran out of deodorant? Don't panic. Baking soda is an AWESOME deodorant. Pour a generous amount onto the palm of your hand and just pat it on. If you're feeling extra spunky, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (I like lavender). I will say one word of warning with this one though: Do not apply baking soda under your arms if you have just shaved and your skin is irritated or you have nicked yourself. It will burn like a MOFO and you will cry. Think salt in a wound. Learn from my mistakes, friends.
3) Dry Shampoo
Are you part of the I-don't-want-to-wash-my-straightened-hair-again-until-I-absolutely-have-to club? If so, you've probably purchased a can or two of dry shampoo in your lifetime. Maybe you've even ventured so far as to use baby powder (a personal travel-favorite of mine). Well, baking soda will do the trick too. I mix a batch of my favorite DIY Dry Shampoo recipe to keep in the bathroom, most of which is pure baking soda, but in a pinch the baking soda on it's own will work just fine. For what it's worth, I have dark hair and I've never had issues with a white, powdery scalp after I've brushed it all through, but if you *are* worried about that you can mix baking soda with cocoa powder to disguise it a bit.
4)Face scrub
Baking soda is hands down my favorite face scrub. My face gets very, very dry in the winter and after a quick scrub with some baking soda all of that dry skin is gone and my face is as soft as soft can be. Skip your more expensive scrubs and try this just ONCE, I urge you! The baking soda can also be mixed with water to form a paste and applied as a mask, or even an overnight spot treatment for zits.
Note: Keep out of eyes!
5) Cleaning
Not quite ready to throw out your Crest white strips, deodorant, dry shampoo, or face scrub? Baking soda is also a great addition to your supply of cleaning products. In fact, baking soda and vinegar make a really great team when it comes to scrubbing the toilet and bath tub. Remember how I said baking soda is a great stain remover for your teeth? Well it works well on tile and porcelain too.
In conclusion, I urge you to add this little orange box of love to the shelves of your medicine cabinet. Don't banish it to the fridge or pantry where it might get used every few months or so for baking. With so many uses, and at such a cheap price, how could you not be happy about it's endless uses?
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