9 Life-Changing Baking Soda HACKS That You Must Know!

Baking soda is one item most have in their kitchens. It has many uses, especially in the culinary world. Did you know that baking soda could be a hidden treasure when it comes to cleaning or self-care? Let's discuss nine baking soda tricks you should know.

Number nine: Get rid of the fridge smell. Your refrigerator is filled with a lot of different foods. Dairy, meat, vegetables, and juice are not the best items to leave in an enclosed space together. You should check to see if some foods have expired. Place some baking soda on a plate. When you are ready, unplug your fridge and remove its contents from inside. When everything has been cleared out, put the plate in the refrigerator and leave it for several minutes. This will absorb the bad smell.

Number eight: Clean away stains. Finding a stain somewhere on your clothing can be endlessly irritating. Baking soda can once again be of assistance. The classic baking soda and water recipe is something you can use here: 4 tablespoons of baking soda mixed with 1/4 cup of water creates a thick paste. This paste will work against all sorts of stains. Baking soda paste, when applied to your clothing, can make them look brand new.

Number seven: Fix rough skin. Baking soda can relieve dry skin on the feet. This remedy requires a bit more of your time to complete. Soak your feet in warm water for between 15 to 20 minutes. Then take some baking soda and mix it with water once again. Rub that water on the soles of your feet. If your skin is swollen or itchy, baking soda contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents that can soothe it. If you have coconut oil on hand, just mix a small amount with some baking soda. This creates a paste that you can apply to your skin for up to 5 minutes.

Number six: Body scrub. This one is similar to the one that rids you of rough skin. To create this substance, mix three parts baking soda and one part water. This will create a thick paste. Once you're ready to scrub, gently massage the paste on the parts of your body you're looking to clean. When you are finished, you may notice that your skin feels fresh and smooth. When applied, this unique baking soda paste exfoliates your skin and leaves it looking brand new.

Number five: Bad breath. We've all woken up in the morning with bad breath. For many of us, it's the first speed bump of the day. But bad breath can be fixed with the magic of baking soda. Bad breath, or halitosis, is usually caused by the buildup of acid-forming foods on your teeth. This can be both junk food and healthy food. To get rid of it, just mix 2 teaspoons of baking soda in a cup of warm water. This will create a mouth rinse you can use. Studies have shown that baking soda is an effective combatant against bad breath.

Number four: Helps insect bites. Baking soda can provide you relief from mosquito bites. Just mix a single tablespoon of baking soda with water, creating a paste. When you have adequately mixed both ingredients, place the paste on your bite and let it sit for about 10 minutes before washing it off. Keep in mind this is best for only mosquito bites; other bites may cause an unwanted reaction and should be seen by a healthcare professional.

Number three: Fix heartburn. More than 60 million Americans suffer from heartburn. Out of that number, 15 million report feeling symptoms of heartburn every single day. A change of diet is often recommended to stop heartburn that's happening on a routine basis, but you still need a remedy for when heartburn is happening and you don't have medicine on hand. Try mixing a tablespoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink. While further research needs to be conducted to support its effectiveness, baking soda is said to neutralize your stomach acids. Once consumed, sodium bicarbonate is a natural antacid with the ability to treat acid reflux.

Number two: Deodorant. Unlike store-bought brands, baking soda serves as a natural way to get rid of odor under your arms. You'll be happy to know this remedy is quite simple to perform. Mix 1/8 of baking soda with a teaspoon of water. Make sure it doesn't fully dissolve. Once mixed, you can rub it under your arm. Baking soda is also powerful when mixed with cornstarch. Just one part baking soda mixed with one part cornstarch will work the same way against body odor.

Number one: Whitens your teeth. If we don't take care of our teeth, they will begin to show this neglect. Brushing alone doesn't always do the trick. Baking soda carries natural whitening properties. Studies have shown that toothpaste containing baking soda is much more effective in removing yellow stains than products that don't use it. There is also research to show that baking soda successfully removes plaque. Baking soda creates alkalinity in your mouth, which prevents bacteria from accumulating, saving your teeth from damage.

Mix a few teaspoons of baking soda in some lemon juice. Lemon juice is strong enough to help clean off all the stubborn grime in your mouth. Once it's ready, use your toothbrush to clean your teeth. Before you go ahead and try it yourself, know that this is not an overnight fix. Some tooth damage can be extensive, and baking soda is a light remedy for early issues.

Baking soda is a truly wonderful substance, not only for the household but for cooking and baking too. However, some foods that contain baking soda should be avoided, while others should be included in your diet. What do you use baking soda for cooking, cleaning, or self-care? Let us know in the comments below!