Oh the Beauties of Baking Soda

Last night as AJ and I bathed our dog, Gracie, with a baking soda/water mixture, it occurred to me just how many uses baking soda has. So 2Bit decided to share...

Baking soda is inexpensive, nontoxic, environmentally friendly, fragrance-free and safe to use around pets and children!

1. For Pets: The said baking soda/water mixture is great to bathe pets because it is a mild cleanser with zero chemicals that could irritate sensitive skin. And the b.s.(baking soda) neutralizes odor and makes the coat shiny and fresh.  B.s. can also be used as a dry shampoo. Just rub it into your dog's coat and brush thoroughly to remove. (2Bit has not tried it as a dry shampoo, so no promises.) Baking soda on a wet toothbrush can be used to remove tartar and freshen your dog' breath.. Gotta try that one!!

{http://www.espressofacts.info/related/what-is-the-best-toothpaste-for-coffee-and-tea-stains}

2. Make toothpaste. B.s. is used in some toothpastes, so why not use it as an alternative to non-flouride toothpaste. You can make your own minty toothpaste below, or just wet your toothbrush and dip it into straight baking soda, which Bit C. has tote done. It makes your teeth whiter..no lie! It freshens your breath so you could also mix 1 tsp of b.s. in a cup of water and swish it around like mouth wash.

~1 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1 drop peppermint, spearmint or cinnamon bark essential oil, and a few drops of water~

{Isn't it sad that 2Bit C. had whiter and brighter teeth before she began drinking coffee? And isn't it even more sad that she would rather have coffee than brighter teeth? Coffee also makes me sweat. Yet, this Bit can't stop drinking it. Maybe Bit should dab her pits with b.s.}

3. Don't have deodorant but you DO have baking soda???? Can't imagine how, but in the event that you are stuck in a kitchen before facing your day, no worries- just pat a lil baking soda under each armpit. 2Bit says it works.

4. Baking soda can be used as a safe antacid for heartburn, sour stomach, acid indigestion etc... Just refer to the box for directions.

5. Treat and soothe insect bites, rashes and poison ivy irritations with a paste of b.s and water. Just dab it as a salve on the affected area.

6. Deodorize your stinky refrigerator by keeping an open box of baking soda inside. OR throw away what's rotten and moldy...

You don't need that caddy to de-odor your fridge..
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7. Remove odor from carpets by sprinkling baking soda and letting it sit as long as you can (a few hours to overnight) before vacuuming. And it will freshen your vacuum too.

8. Do your shoes smell like rotten feet? Right, neither does 2Bit's, but just in case...Sprinkle some b.s. inside when not in use and let it marinate.

9. Clean fruits and veggies with b.s. by sprinkling it on a damp sponge/rag then scrubbing. Then rinse your produce. 

{http://www.ehow.com/grow-potatoes/}

10. Cleanse your brushes and combs from natural and product build-up by soaking your brush/comb in 1 tsp b.s. in a bowl/sink filled warm water... 2Bit is definitely doing this since hubby Hochhalter decided my lil brush would be perfect to brush our lil Gracie with....

11. Like vinegar, which i have used, baking soda works the same way to really cleanse and rid your hair from styling product build-up and make it oh-so- shiny! And with baking soda, you don't have to worry that you wreak of vinegar. Just add a hand-full of b.s. to you shampoo and wash as usual.

12. Remove stubborn rust stains from your sink (or wherever) with a mixture of baking soda, lemon juice, and coarse salt. Make a paste and scrub with a scrub brush/rough sponge. Try letting the lemon juice sit for a while and then scrub with mixture and rinse. Repeat if necessary. 

13. Clean the oven. Sprinkle onto the bottom of the oven and and spray with water to dampen the b.s. and let sit overnight. Then scrub and scoop out loosened grime and residue. OR just don't spill crap on the bottom of your oven...

14. Keep cut flowers fresh longer by adding a teaspoon to the water in the vase.

{http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo-1218128-hydrangeas-in-vase.php}

15. Have you ever cleaned your coffee maker? No, b/c you can't really..or can you?? Run your coffee maker with a baking soda solution, then rinse.

**Bonus one**

16. Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water, and use as a gentle, exfoliating facial scrub. Rinse your face clean. 

See, boys, baking soda is for you too!!
{http://www.ecollo.com/post/2008/01/How-to-exfoliate-using-baking-soda.aspx}