7 useful and money-saving ways to use bicarbonate of soda
This post will explain 7 surprising uses of this versatile chemical compound that will save you money compared to buying pricey alternatives from your local store. First things first: bicarbonate of soda, baking soda and sodium bicarbonate are all the same thing!
1. Whiten your teeth
Mix 3% Hydrogen Peroxide (available on Amazon) with bicarbonate of soda for an effective teeth whitening paste. I use this homemade paste sporadically after my normal teeth cleaning routine. Hydrogen Peroxide has been banned from home teeth whitening kits in the EU which means anything you buy online won't work! However, you can buy Hydrogen Peroxide separately and make your own teeth whitening kit! Don't get dupped with charcoal paste or the myriad of expensive teeth-whitening snake oil alternatives being sold on Amazon!
2. Improve your workouts
Most gym supplements cost a fortune but according to research, taking sodium bicarbonate before exercise helps our muscles sustain longer workouts. This in part is due to sodium bicarbonate flushing metabolic byproducts from muscle tissue and increasing energy metabolism.
https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/ywym5b/baking-soda-can-improve-your-athletic-performance
3. Clean tile grouting
Mix with bleach to form an amazing cleaning paste that will effortlessly clean bathroom grouting. There's no need to buy an expensive alternative that will probably be less effective!
4. Unclog blocked drains
Use bicarbonate of soda, vinegar and hot water as an effective drain unblocker and cleaner. Not only will this save you money but it's better for the environment too.
5. Freshen your breath
Studies show that bicarbonate of soda can effectively kill bacteria in the mouth. Toothpaste that contains concentrations of baking soda effectively reduce bad breath. To make a baking soda mouthwash, add 2 teaspoons of baking soda to 1 cup of warm water.
6. Make your own deodorant
Use baking soda with coconut oil and arrowroot powder to make a cheaper, chemical and aluminium free alternative!
7. Clean your oven
I've tried this and it definitely works but does still require a little elbow grease.
That's everything! Please mention below any other useful ways to use bicarbonate of soda that's not listed!