Biocarbonate of Soda (an all-purpose natural cleaner)
Bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) is great for cleaning and laundry. But it’s best to buy bulk online (the tiny pots used for cooking in supermarkets are not big enough). Supermarkets don’t sell bulk baking soda, because otherwise people would buy it, and they would not make profits from chemical cleaners. Baking soda can’t be labelled as ‘new and improved!
Never add essential oils for pregnancy/nursing and near babies/pets. Citrus oils in particular are toxic to pets (even if rinsed and dried, residue could be licked from paws). For these homes, just clean with unscented cleaning vinegar and baking soda.
Use with plastic-free sponges or cloths.
Avoid use on aluminium or delicate fabrics.
Easy Tips to Use Bicarbonate of Soda
Fill is sold in glass boxes with cardboard refills.
- Mix with water to scrub ovens, sinks and stained surfaces.
- For tea/coffee mugs, mix a little baking soda with water, and scrub.
- Sprinkle in the bottom of bins to prevent smells, replace with fresh powder every week.
- Sprinkle on a damp sponge to clean tiles, taps and remove grime on cooker hoods.
- Place an open container in the fridge or bathroom, to absorb smells.
- To clear drains and blocked plugs, pour a cup (followed by vinegar) then wait for 5 minutes, and flush with water to break down fat and food, leaving pipes smelling fresh.
- Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda inside smelly trainers, and tap out the powder next day (also good for sports helmets).
- Pour half a cup into the drum to boost laundry and soften hard water (and also remove odour from clothes and towels). For bad odours, mix with water and soak before washing.
- Sprinkle over carpets for 15 minutes to remove odours, then hoover up (also good for mattresses and car seats).
- Sprinkle onto pet beds, leave for a while, then shake out thoroughly and vacuum, to absorb odours. Air before allowing pets back in.
- Mix bicarbonate of soda with a little water to create a paste. Wipe down fridge shelves, drawers, and seals. Rinse with a clean sponge and dry.
- Rub with a simple paste of bicarbonate soda and water, then polish silver, rinse and buff dry (this may remove tarnish).
- To clean microwaves, add two tablespoons to a bowl of water, and microwave for 5 minutes. The steam will loosen food particles, so it’s easy to wipe clean. Never heat up baby or pet food in microwaves.
- If a small grease fire starts while cooking, turn off the heat, and pour baking soda on the flames. It cuts off oxygen and helps put out the fire. Never use water on a grease fire.
For toxic cleaning/laundry products, you can recycle empty bottles with kerbside collections. For bottles with product, dispose of them at your council’s hazardous waste department.
