another magical item: baking soda

much like vinegar, i'm amazed by the versatility and effectiveness of this common product we often think of as an ingredient in baked goods. it absorbs odors and scrubs surfaces clean. if used with vinegar for cleaning, you've got all bases covered and your shit's clean without using mysterious harmful chemicals. and it's cheap to boot!

1. deodorize clothes AND remove stains: add 1/2 cup to a load of laundry (1/4 cup for front-loading machines). you can cut down on soap this way, too.
2. dab a pinch on your armpits in the morning. lasts pretty much all day.
3. put out grease fires (never use water!!!) and, (luckily i've never had to try this), other fires like electrical, wood, and clothing. so basically is puts out fires where water can't.
4. deodorize your trash can: sprinkle a handful or 2 in the bottom and if you can, scrub it around a little. it helps if you wash it out, too.
5. clean & deodorize your fridge: while vinegar cleans and disinfects a lot of fierce stanky shit in the fridge, baking soda can scrub it off and remove the smell. just sprinkle some on a damp cloth and wash away with a damp cloth.
6. deodorize kitty litter: sprinkle enough to form a full layer on the bottom of the box and add the other stuff on top.
7. deodorize water bottles, tupperware, and other smelly containers: fill it with water, add 1 Tb soda, and soak it for a few minutes or more. if it still smells, either soak it longer or sprinkle on a scrubby sponge (no soap needed), scrub it out well, and rinse.
8. remove stains from counters or floors: sprinkle on a damp sponge or cloth and scrub. if it's really stubborn, coat the surface, sprinkle a bit of water, and scrub.
9. clean bathroom grime: works best when alternated with vinegar treatment. for shower curtains specifically, soak them in a bucket with (warm) water and 1/4 cup (or more?) soda.
10. unclog drains: sprinkle a few Tb in the drain, (if the drain smells, too, let it sit for a few seconds), add 1/4-1/2 cup vinegar, watch the cool reaction, and rinse.
11. relieve sunburn, rash, or poison ivy: add to a bath or apply pinches in the shower.
12. relieve bug bite itch: make a bit of paste with water in a small bowl and rub it gently on the bite. it will stiiiing!
13. deodorize shoes: take out the insoles if you can, coat them with soda and scrub it around with your fingers or a dry cloth.
14. stop heartburn: add 1/2 tsp to 1/2 glass of water.
15. freshen breath: gargle/swish with 1/2 tsp + 1/2 cup water. especially good if you have a canker sore.
16. clean a sponge: we throw them away far too often because they start to smell! put it on a plate, sprinkle soda on the plate, saturate the sponge in vinegar, and coat the top with soda. let it sit for a few minutes and rinse.
17. clean your counter tops: sprinkle a few pinches all around, scrub with a sponge, rinse sponge, wipe away.
18. deodorize compost bucket: after rinsing, sprinkle in the bottom, scrub, rinse.
19. deodorize carpet