There are a group of household staples whose abilities defy any one-dimensional label you try to assign them. Among them are one of our favorite baking essentials and fridge deodorizers: baking soda.
It deserves odes and accolades for its endless uses. So, let’s sing it: baaaa-k-iiii-ng soooooo-daaaa! An odor tamer, baking leavener, bacteria beater, fungus killer, and cleaning phenom. As you’ll see from the video below from POPxo, sodium bicarbonate is a bath and beauty powerhouse too.
Perhaps you already knew that baking soda is an effective non-toxic house cleaner. Now you can get acquainted with its personal care benefits. Check out some of POPxo’s suggestions below!
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Insect Bite Relief
Take the sting and itch out of a bug bite with baking soda paste. Use 1 tablespoon of baking soda with ½ to 1 tablespoon water, stirring into a paste. Apply to your bite, let it dry for a couple of minutes, and then wipe it away. The same thing also holds true for poison ivy. Try it!
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DIY Shoe Deodorizer
POPxo Daily
Got stinky shoes? Break up the funk fest with a baking soda dusting inside your shoes. Sprinkle about ½ tablespoon into each shoe. Mix in 4 – 5 drops of your favorite essential oil for a fresher scent.
Dump it from your shoe after a few hours. If you’re worried about loose baking soda ruining your footwear, try putting it inside a small sachet bag to set in your shoe. You can rotate them in and out of your shoes as needed.
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Breath Freshener
A homemade mouthwash can be made with 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water. Sip, swish for a few seconds and spit it out. Not only does it help to neutralize the bacteria that causes bad breath and plaque, but baking soda also acts as a tooth whitener. Dip your tongue scraper into it and take a quick swipe. You can also store the mixture in a mason jar for later use.
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Blackhead Remover
Baking soda is a great antiseptic exfoliator, making it an ideal choice for skin complaints. To get rid of blackheads, whip up a mask with baking soda and water. Combine 1 teaspoon of soda with water. Rub it onto the face in a circular motion and leave it on for 10 minutes to dry. Rinse the mask off with warm water.
For the best effect, use it 2 – 3 times per week. This paste is also known to be a good spot treatment for pimples or as an acne-fighting mask. Your skin’s pH becomes more balanced, giving you a clearer complexion. It should be noted that if you have sensitive skin, test a small patch before diving into any skin treatment.
Catch more baking soda tips and tricks by clicking on this clip! Since this cupboard staple has so many uses, it will save you from having to buy multiple products for multiple purposes. Pick up a few extra boxes to keep in the bathroom, pantry, or closet.
How do you use baking soda in your beauty care routine? Which of these uses are you willing to try?
