8 Unexpected Uses for Baking Soda

8 Unexpected Ways to Use Baking SodaYears ago, marketing executives in charge of selling boxes of baking soda decreed that it was not only a great way to make your cakes rise and cookies spread, but an effective refrigerator and freezer deodorizer as well. It turns out it isn't the most effective at removing odors from your fridge, but there are dozens of uses that make it an inexpensive and practical household tool for anything from brushing your teeth to scrubbing pots and putting out fires. Baking soda isn't just for cookies anymore - here are ten great ways to put that little orange box to good use.









Related: Fix it or trash it?! 8 things to know before replacing old stuff








Give yourself a facial!Give Yourself a Facial
A small spoonful of baking soda added to your regular facial cleanser will turn it into a gentle exfoliant, sloughing away dead skin cells.















Keep BBQ flare-ups at bay.Keep Barbecue Flare-ups at Bay
A spray bottle filled with 2 cups water and 1 tsp. baking soda kept nearby will tame any flare-ups - generally caused by too much grease on the barbecue.

















Related: The 25 tiniest houses you've ever seen









Get rid of pet odors.Get Rid of Pet Odors
When your carpets start to smell like a wet dog, shake baking soda generously over them, let sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum well.













Brush your teeth!Brush Your Teeth
People have been using baking soda to clean their teeth for eons. There are plenty of ways to use baking soda to brush your teeth; some mix it with water to make a paste, others add a pinch to their toothpaste.
Find out more at Buzzle (and household wisdom!)













Related: 25 genius ideas for an outdoor movie night this summer







Scrub your pots and pans.Scrub Your Pots and Pans
Here's a trick I learned from my mom: When you need to scrub burnt-on food from pots and pans, sprinkle baking soda over the bottom of a pot, add a couple inches of water and bring to a simmer for a few minutes. Cool and scrub.













Do a science experiment!Try a Science Experiment
Our 6-year-old, a wannabe mad scientist, always wants to do experiments. Try this: Put a spoonful of baking soda into a tall beaker or inexpensive glass vase set on a towel or baking sheet (to catch drips!); if you like, add a drop of food coloring. Slowly pour in some vinegar and watch it fizz!














Related: 21 clever ways to decorate with a can of spray paint






Make Play-Dough!Make Play-Dough
Here's an old-school formula: mix 1 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup cornstarch and 3/4 cup water, along with a few drops of food coloring, if you like. Stir in a pot over medium heat until thick, then cool and knead until you have a soft dough.











Keep your drains clear.Keep Your Drains Running Clear
To keep them flowing freely, shake a few spoonfuls' worth of baking soda into your drain, then run hot water from the tap.






- By Julie Van Rosendaal
Follow Julie at Babble

For 2 more unexpected uses for baking soda, visit Babble!

MORE ON BABBLE

11 beauty products you already have in your kitchen
10 simple ways to save $3500 this year
The 25 biggest, most expensive houses in the world
15 creative ideas to organize with chalkboard paint
24 genius ways to decorate your home with a Sharpie


Stay connected. Follow Babble on Facebook and Twitter.