Sodium bicarbonate, the “official” term for baking soda, helps regulate pH. If baking soda mixes with either an acid or an alkaline substance it has a neutralizing effect on it.

Baking soda is perfect for neutralizing acidic odors and maintaining a neutral pH which is perfect for doing things like boosting your laundry detergent’s power. It also has a gentle abrasive ability to help scrub. It deodorizes, neutralizes, and cleans all without the toxic mess of most commercial products.

Uses for Baking Soda

1. Freshen your breath Mix 1 tsp of baking soda in a glass of water. Swish, spit, and rinse. Easy mouth wash that neutralizes odors.

2. Polish your teeth Many people will use baking soda as a natural toothpaste. There is some concern, however, that baking soda can be too abrasive for everyday use but even using it from time to time to help polish and whiten teeth is simple and effective.

3. Make your own deodorant Some people will just sprinkle on baking soda as a natural deodorant.

4. Gently exfoliate Here’s a simple way to gently get rid of dead skin: Mix 3 parts of baking soda to 1 part water. Rub gently in a circular motion and then rinse clean.

5. Relieve Skin Irritation Add a cup of baking soda to bathwater to soften your skin and relieve skin irritations.

6. Relieve heartburn and more. Baking soda is a safe antacid.

7. Relieve insect bites Make a simple paste of water and baking soda and apply as a salve onto affected skin.

8. Keep your brushes and combs clean Baking soda is great to help naturally remove oils, build up, and residue on your combs and brushes. Simply soak in a solution of water and baking soda (about 1 tsp of baking soda to a cup of water). Rinse and dry thoroughly.

9. Relieve Diaper Rash Put two tablespoons of baking soda in your baby’s bathwater to help relieve rashes.

10. Pamper your feet Soaking your feet in a baking soda solution will help soothe and soften tired feet. Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda into a small tub of warm water and soak.

11. Easy DIY soft scrub Sprinkle some baking soda on your tubs, sinks, or tile and then wipe with a clean damp washcloth. Rinse and dry. You can also make a paste by mixing water and baking soda before hand.

12. Simple Floor Cleaner This is great for tile floors: Use 1/2 cup baking soda in a bucket of warm water to help mop and clean floors.