How to Save Money with Baking Soda

In a time of economic worry, everyone is looking to save money. Luckily, the frugal alternative to many expensive household items is already in your cabinet – baking soda. Baking soda may just be one of the most useful items in your home, and can be used in dozens of ways most of us have never considered before, taking us one step closer to frugal living.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Baking Soda

1. Make a natural deodorant that contains none of the toxic, harmful chemicals store bought deodorants contain. Just mix it in equal parts with corn starch and a few drops of essential oil to create a natural deodorant that works just as well as the expensive varieties in the store.

2. 

   Use baking soda instead of expensive cleansers to clean your bathroom, sinks, and plumbing. It rinses away easily and doesn’t scratch, unlike many commercial cleaning products. It can even be uses to effectively clean chrome. Or you can mix it with some water to create a great all-purpose cleanser.

3. Add half a cup or so of baking soda to your bath water. Doing so will create a soothing bath that will not only soften your skin, but has powerful anti-itch qualities that can provide much-needed relief for insect bites, poison ivy, and rashes. It is also useful for sunburns.

4. 

   Dip your toothbrush in baking soda before brushing your teeth to turn any toothpaste into a whitening baking soda toothpaste. It will also help freshen your breath and relieve the pain of canker sores. You could even use it as a frugal alternative to toothpaste by mixing it with a bit of peroxide.

5. Avoid expensive antacids by making a teaspoon with baking soda with half a glass of water. It may taste a bit more unpleasant than commercial antacids, but it is much more frugal and just about always on hand.

Tips & Warnings

• One of baking soda’s most powerful uses is its ability to absorb odors. Just sprinkle a bit in your hamper or ash tray or other smelly spot to make a big difference.

Resources

• How to Make Inexpensive Homemade Natural Deodorant

[BHolmes]

on 1/29/2009 Baking soda, like white vinegar is multi-use and a great money saver! Good suggestions.

[Lacey2shoes]

on 1/10/2009 Baking soda is really handy to have around! Great article!

[Scarlett9284]

on 1/7/2009 Great tips for using baking soda! 5*

[keepingitsimple]

on 1/5/2009 I LOVE natural alternatives such as baking soda...thanks for the tips! 5*

[soanyway]

on 1/4/2009 I love using it to brush my teeth, makes my mouth taste good believe it or not! And is a GREAT antiacid! Thanks for the article, I have recom'd you!