How To Use Bicarbonate of Soda
A great and inexpensive natural cleaning product, tubs of Bicarbonate of Soda, or baking soda to some, are probably nestled comfortably in the kitchen cupboards of most homes in the UK.
Traditionally used as a leavening agent in baked goods, Bicarb of soda helps to expand cake batters; making them airy and light.
But like most natural ingredients, it has other uses too, like the beauty and cleaning tricks we’re about to share with you now…
Bicarbonate of soda for beauty
Skincare:
For a natural skin exfoliate that’s quick and easy to make, mix three-parts bicarb with one-part water to a soft paste and apply to the face.
Use upward, circular strokes, paying close attention to the T-Zone and chin before rinsing thoroughly with warm water.
Haircare:
Use a handful of bicarb to massage into a wet scalp for a couple of weeks instead of your usual shampoo. Rinse as usual.
For some added oomph, mix a little bicarb with your usual conditioner for stronger hair.
Bath soak:
Dissolve 50g of bicarb into warm bath water to help remove oil and sweat build-up. Enjoy a relaxing soak before drying off to reveal beautifully soft skin.
Bicarbonate of soda for cleaning
Stamp out the stink:
To help neutralise odors and keep pesky moths and other crawling insects away, fill a muslin bag with bicarbonate of soda and add a couple of drops of your favourite essential oil (Lavender’s a good one).
Pop them into drawers, stinky shoes and bins, and hang them in wardrobes to enjoy a lovely fresh scent every time you open the door or lid.
Drains:
Quickly unblock kitchen drains by pouring down 100g of bicarbonate of soda, followed by 100mls of hot vinegar. Simple.
Toilet cleaner:
For a non-toxic toilet cleaner, halve a lemon, orange or lime and add a tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda to the fruit. Holding the skin, use it to clean and scrub the toilet bowl for a clean and fresh loo.
Bathroom cleaner:
Make your own all-purpose bathroom cleaner by mixing together 50g of bicarb with your favourite liquid detergent. For extra cleaning power, add a splash of vinegar and clean your bathroom to shiny perfection.
Is Bicarbonate of Soda easy to find?
It absolutely is! You can find 500g boxes of Dri Pak Clean & Natural Bicarbonate of Soda at FabFinds. It’s a good size at a great price, and perfect if you want to try out some of our blog tips.
For quick-time bicarb cleaning, try Dri Pak Bicarb Cream for a versatile cream cleaner that can tackle hobs, ovens, bathrooms, chrome, aluminium and more.
Keep a look-out for more of our How To blogs, and why not ask us a question or add to our tips by tagging us @shopatfabfinds on Instagram. We love to chat with you and learn about your own hacks and tips.