There are some products that are so versatile it means they reduce the need for other objects entirely!
Bicarb soda is one of those magical products.
After some intense research and some in house testing we have found 10 of the best and most practical uses for bicarb that mean you will be able to save money and reduce your consumption of 'stuff' - plus it can help extend the life of products you already have!
Our lives are full of stuff we don't need, and each thing has an environmental cost. Be thoughtful when buying – quality over quantity, slow over fast, always asking 'Do I really need it?'. Just deciding not to spend $100 on stuff can save 100kg of greenhouse gas pollution.
Question:
What Is the difference between Bicarbonate Soda & Baking Powder?
Answer:
Bicarbonate of soda needs to be mixed with moisture and an acidic ingredient for the necessary chemical reaction to make it rise, such as lemon juice, chocolate, buttermilk or honey.
Baking powder
often comes pre-mixed with the acidic ingredient for you – so all you need to do is add the moisture.
10 practical uses for bicarb soda:
- 1. Freshen Sponges:
Have you ever thrown away a sponge because of its smell? It can be hard to wash the washer - but here's how to deodorise your household sponges and extend their life. Soak sponges in 4 tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in 4 cups of warm water. Allow to dry fully, then enjoy fresh smelling sponges!
- 2. Shampoo:
Most of us have given up shampooing in the 1MW office - we're all about the bicarb soda alternative! Use 1-2 tablespoons of bicarb soda in 1 cup of water, then rinse with 1-2 table spoons of apple cider vinegar mixed with 1 cup of water. My hair has never had more volume!
- 3. Remove oil and Grease stains:
Don't throw away clothes that have oil or grease stains on them. Sprinkle bicarb soda on top and then scrub with a wet brush.
- 4. Keep Ants Out:
Want a natural way to keep ants away? Mix equal parts bicarb soda and salt together and sprinkle where you see ants coming in.
- 5. Deodorise dishrags:
Like sponges, dishrags can get smelly! Soak dishrags in water, with 1 table spoon of bicarb for every cup of water.
- 6. In the Garden:
Sweeten your tomatoes by sprinkling baking soda on the soil around your tomato plants.
- 7. Save your pots and pans:
Extend the life if your pots and pans! Remove burned-on food from a pan by soaking it in a baking soda solution for 10 minutes before washing.
- 8. Save your old containers:
Carrying leftovers day in and day out can make containers smelly and stained. To remove stale smells from food containers, rinse out with hot water and baking soda. Stubborn stain? Let the container soak overnight in the baking soda and water mixture.
- 9. Extend the life of your camping gear:
Before packing away your camping gear after a trip, sprinkle with baking soda.
- 10. Clean And Sanitise Reusable Water Bottles
Most of us are fully aware of the benefits of using a reusable water bottle, however they can be rather difficult to clean. Fill your drink bottle with warm water, a tablespoon of bicarbonate soda and a squirt of lemon juice. Leave overnight and the ingredients will dislodge things like mineral buildup or mildew.
What you can do
Reduce what you buy and always ask: Do I really need this?
You can reduce your overall consumption by questioning all significant purchases and resisting impulse buying. Before purchasing, give yourself at least a day or two to cool off.
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