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Baking soda is one of the most commonly used household items which, incidentally, is totally environment-friendly. Other than its regular use in baked dishes, there are ways in which it can be used as a simplified cleaning solution - something most of us are unaware about.

• Baking soda can be sprinkled in the bottom of garbage containers to prevent odour and keep them smelling fresh. They become natural cleaning agents when you wash the containers. Remember to sprinkle about ½ a cup of baking soda into the drain. It will keep the drains from clogging and give it a fresh smell.
• A small open container with baking soda in the fridge will keep strong smells away. Replace it every 3 months and oh! Instead of discarding the old baking soda, simply use it with warm water to clean the drain!
• You can also clean bath tubs and wash basins with baking soda. Just sprinkle on a damp sponge and scrub. Imagine, you have a non-chemical cleanser that leaves no residual smell!
• As a floor cleanser, baking soda does the job without the strong smell of phenol. Just mix ½ cup of baking soda in a bucket of warm water and mop as usual. Voila! Your floors are squeaky clean and smell fresh too!
• Clean your combs and hairbrushes by mixing I tsp of baking soda in a basin of warm water. Rinse and allow to dry naturally. You will find that the oil build-up and any residue are totally removed.
• Want to make your clothes cleaner and brighter? Just add ½ cup of baking soda to the liquid detergent you use and wash as usual. See the difference!
• Greasy grills in your oven? Make a paste using 3 parts baking soda to 1 part warm water and scrub well with a wire brush and rinse. Watch the grease disappear.
• It is absolutely safe to use for cleaning the microwave as well. Use the baking soda on a damp sponge and clean both the inside and outside of the microwave. Result? No chemical smells in your microwave which becomes sparkling clean as well!
• Stinking carpets? Deodorise them by sprinkling baking soda on them and vacuum clean. All trace of smell is removed immediately.

If you find these tips useful, or want to add to them, do write in to us. Want more household tips like these? Just ask us!