10 Ways With Bi-Carb Soda [Hacks, Tips + Uses]

Bi-Carb Soda, also commonly known as Baking Soda, Bicarbonate of Soda or Sodium Bicarbonate, is one household product you cannot live without! With a wide multitude of uses, this basic pantry item is definitely worth stocking up on...

Not only is it cost effective, with our  5kg bulk size costing $21.95 RRP (that’s only $4.39 per KG!), but it is also non-toxic, safe for the environment and extremely versatile. Our Honest to Goodness Bi-Carb Soda is Pharmaceutical grade & food grade and contains no ani-caking agents or aluminium. 

To help you make the most out of your bi-carb soda, here is a list of just 10 of the many ways you can use it everyday in your household:

WASH CLOTHES

Adding 1/2 cup of bi-carb soda to your wash cycle will give you whiter whites, brighter colours, and fresh, clean clothes. With the addition of bi-carb soda, you can use half the amount of laundry powder or liquid you would generally use - or omit it all together!

TOOTHPASTE

Running short on toothpaste? Bi-soda is the perfect solution to get you by. Simply slowly add water to your bi-carb soda until you create a paste. Note: it may be a little gritty and not perfectly smooth.

Store in an airtight container and brush your teeth as normal.

FACE MASK

For a quick and easy DIY face mask that leaves your skin fresh and smooth, mix together two tablespoons of bi-carb soda and one tablespoon of melted coconut oil in a small bowl until thick and runny. Gently massage onto your skin and leave to sit for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat face dry.

For a spot treatment, mix a spoonful of bi-carb soda with a small amount of water until it forms a thick paste. Apply to a pimple, leave on for 15 minutes, and rinse off with warm water. The bi-carb soda will help to minimise redness and draw out impurities.

DEODORISER

Bi-carb soda can be used to deodorise almost everything! When deodorising carpets, mattresses, rubbish bins, shoes or pet beds, just add a generous sprinkle, wait 30 minutes and then vacuum.

For tea towels, sponges and containers, soak in water, with 1 tablespoon of bi-carb for every cup of water.

For the bathroom or toilet, add 15 drops of essential oil to one cup of bi-carb soda and shake to evenly disperse. Cover with a lid with a few to allow the scent to escape and place where you need it most!

RELIEVE INSECT BITE AND SUNBURN

Soaking in a bath with bi-carb soda may help to relieve the irritation of insect bites/itchy skin and the sting from sunburn. Simply add 1–2 cups of bi-carb soda to a lukewarm bath. Make sure the affected area is soaked thoroughly.

For more specific areas, you can create a paste with bi-carb soda and a bit of water. Apply a thick layer of paste to the affected area and leave to dry.

WASH PRODUCE

Wash your fruits and vegetables with water and a little bi-carb soda to get rid of any residue or dirt. Washing your produce also eliminates the need for placing them in a single-use plastic bag. Pop them straight into your basket or reusable produce bag and wash them at home!

CLEAN YOUR MICROWAVE/FRIDGE/OVEN/BATHROOM

Wet a sponge, sprinkle some bi-carb soda on it and use it to clean your microwave, fridge or oven. It will help you remove any stubborn or baked-on food that is stuck to the sides and get rid of unpleasant odours.

Make your own bathroom scrub by mixing 3 tablespoons of bi-carb soda with 1 tablespoon disinfectant cleaner. Add a tablespoon of vinegar and stir until a paste forms. Use to scrub your shower, bathtub, sink and grouting clean. Simply rinse off when done.

A bi-carb soda paste also works wonders on shining silverware and stainless-steel fittings!

SAVE A BURNT POT

It happens to the best of us… accidentally burning food on the bottom of a pot, leaving it a nightmare to clean. Fortunately, bi-carb soda can help lift the stuck-on debris. Add a generous amount of bi-carb soda over the bottom of the pot and add enough water to cover the burnt areas. Bring the mixture to a boil and then empty and rinse. If any stains persist, add a squirt of dishwashing liquid and it should lift with a light scrub.

ANT REPELLENT

Bi-carb soda is a non-toxic and effective way to deter ants from entering your home. Simply sprinkle bi-carb soda near their usual entry point.

ALL PURPOSE CLEANER

Many commercial all-purpose cleaners are loaded with toxic and polluting substances that can be harmful to our health and our environment. Try out making your own multi-purpose cleaner using some basic pantry staples.

All you will need is
¼ - ½ cup Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
2 tbsp Bi-carb Soda
Several drops of tea tree oil or eucalyptus essential oil
Empty spray bottle
Enough water to fill the bottle

Directions
Pour from ¼ to ½ cup of vinegar into an empty spray bottle and add 2 tablespoons of bi-carb soda. Add a few drops of your chosen essential oil (to help cut the vinegar smell) and then fill the rest of the bottle with water. Lightly shake to combine the contents.