Bicarbonate of Soda (natural cleaner and odour remover)

bicarbonate of saoda

This pack of bicarbonate of soda is far cheaper than buying small pots in supermarkets, if you use it for cleaning purposes.

Recycle empty toxic cleaning products at household recycling. Don’t pour unused products down sinks/drains – take to household hazard waste.

Avoid adding essential oils if used for pregnancy/nursing or near babies or pets (citrus oils are especially unsafe, even if rinse and dried on surfaces). Use with plastic-free cleaning cloths and rubber gloves.

Do not use on aluminium surfaces or delicate fabrics. 

How does bicarbonate of soda work?

Bicarbonate of soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a naturally occurring mineral compound, the world’s largest deposits are in Wyoming (USA). It is both mildly acidic and alkaline, so good to break down grease, lift dirt and neutralise odours. So a great all-round cleaning ingredient.

It was even used to clean New York’s Statue of Liberty in 1976, for the bicentennial celebrations.

If left too long in the cupboard, bicarbonate of soda will lose its strength. So although it’s good to buy in bulk, only buy what you need for a few months.

How to use bicarbonate of soda

  • All-purpose cleaner. mix 1 tablespoon to 250ml water. Use on sinks, workshops, tiles, ovens and cooker hoods.
  • For stubborn grime, sprinkle a little powder on a damp plastic-free sponge and gently scrub. Rinse and allow to dry.
  • Burnt pots and pans. Sprinkle into the pan, add a little warm water and leave for 10 minutes. Then scrub gently with a cloth or sponge. This remedy also works to clean glass, enamel and stainless steel cookware.
  • Cleaning fridge/freezers. Mix with a little water to make a paste. Then wipe over shelves, drawers and door sesals. Rinse with a clean damp sponge and dry thoroughly, before replacing food.
  • Tea/coffee stains. Mix a little bicarbonate of soda with water, then run gently around stain. Then rinse clean.
  • Cleaning microwaves. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and add 2 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda. Heat on high for 5 minutes. The steam will loosen dried food, so it’s easy to wipe off. Never heat baby food or pet food in microwaves.
  • Remove sticky labels. Make a paste with water and a little oil. Rub gently on sticky residue. Switch to plastic-free packing tape!
  • Polishing silver. Mix with water to create a paste. Then use a soft cloth to gently rub silver, rinse and buff dry. This helps to remove tarnish, but aggressive rubbing could damage delicate surfaces.

Clean a dirty oven with bicarbonate of soda 

If you have a dirty oven with caked-on grease, bicarbonate of soda is a better option than toxic oven cleaners:

  • Remove racks and trays – wash/soak separately.
  • Mix 1/2 cup with water with 3 tablespoons water to create a paste, and coat the oven interior.
  • Avoid touching electrical heating elements or gas openings.
  • Leave overnight.
  • Use a damp cloth to wipe away dried paste.

Use bicarbonate of soda to remove odours 

  • Freshen fridges, bathrooms, wardrobes. Place an open container of bicarbonate of soda in area. This naturally will absorb odours.
  • Freshen bins. Sprinkle powder inside, and replace weekly.
  • Clean smelly and slow drains. Pour one cup of bicarbonate of soda into drain, followed by one cup of cleaning vinegar. Leave for 5 minutes, then flush with hot water. This will not just remove smells, but help clear minor blockages caused by soap residue or hair.
  • Freshen shoes. Sprinkle inside shoes and leave overnight. Shake out powder the next day.
  • Carpet/fabric freshener. Sprinkle on carpets, mattresses and car seats. Leave for 15 minutes, then hoover up thoroughly. Do this before allowing babies/pets back in rooms. 
  • Freshen pet bedding. Shake or brush off loose fur first. Then sprinkle a thin layer of bicarbonate of soda on the bed and leave for at least 30 minutes. Hoover thoroughly with a brush attachment to pick up all powder (ensure pets stay away to avoid inhaling or tracking the powder).
  • Laundry booster. Add 2 tablespoons to washing machine, alongside laundry powder. This is great to freshen towels and sports clothing. Use a microfiber filter for synthetic fabrics.

Put out small grease fires

You can also use bicarbonate of soda to put out small grease fires, as it can release carbon dioxide, to reduce oxygen around the flames.

If a pan catches fire:

  • Turn off the heat.
  • Grab a generous handful of bicarbonate of soda.
  • Throw it at the base of the flames

Only do this for small fires. For bigger fires, use a fire extinguisher and leave the house, and call 999. Never throw water on a grease fire. 

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