Written by Maria Pistocchi — Saturday, January 05th, 2013

5 beautiful uses of baking soda, part one

Baking soda, one of the most ancient food additives available on our table.

Baking soda is one of the food additives encoded by the European Union with the tag E500. It is an acidity regulator; we have heard from it since 1863, when its production method was developed by Ernest Solvay.

We find baking soda in various products, for example in the baking powder, but we can also use it in several ways, for example:

for washing fruits and vegetables;
as a pre-wash of pots and pans;
for a toning bath;
for cleaning toothbrush and dental;
for refreshing and deodorizing carpets, armchairs and fitted carpet.

Baking soda for washing fruits and vegetables

Baking soda removes up to 90% of waxes, bacteria and pesticide residues in the following ways:

for leafy vegetables and fruit with delicate skin, soak for 10 minutes in a solution of water and baking soda (25 g, that is one tablespoon per liter of water);
for other vegetables such as tomatoes, fennel, zucchini and fruit with tough skin (peaches, apricots, ...) rub directly on the skin with baking soda, then rinse.

Baking soda as a pre-wash of pots and pans (except aluminum)

Put baking soda on encrusted pots, then add hot water and leave for 15 minutes. You will be able to easily remove any residue with a sponge. For stubborn deposits put 2 tablespoons of baking soda into the pot, add water and boil for 5 minutes. You will be able to easily remove any residue with a sponge.

If you want pots and pans without halos, spread the surfaces with a paste of baking soda and water before putting pots and pans in the dishwasher.

Baking soda for a restorative bath

In a bathtub of hot water at 37 - 40 ° C, add 150 grams of baking soda, which is about half a cup. Immerse yourself and then you will feel your skin smooth and soft.

Baking soda for cleaning toothbrush and dental prosthesis

Dip the toothbrush bristles in a solution of hot water and baking soda for a night;
soak the dental prosthesis in a glass of water with a tablespoon (25 grams) of baking soda and cleaner. Rinse after 30 minutes.

Baking soda for refreshing carpets and similars

Baking soda is great for deodorizing carpets, armchairs and fitted carpets. Sprinkle evenly surfaces with it and let it act from 15 minutes to 24 hours, depending on the level of cleanliness. Beat well or vacuum with a vacuum cleaner.