The 23 Best Health Benefits and Household Uses of Baking Soda

Baking soda is also commonly known as sodium bicarbonate and occurs naturally on Earth. It is widely used as an ingredient in baking pastries like cakes, muffins, and bread. It causes the dough to rise by producing carbon dioxide. It can also regulate your body's pH balance.

Eliminating bacteria and fungi

Baking soda has antibacterial and antifungal properties. You can use baking soda to get rid of bacteria that cause tooth decay and fungi (yeast and molds) that cause infection on nails and skin.

Managing urinary tract infection (UTI)

A study was done where women with UTIs took baking soda by mouth for four weeks. The results showed that their urine was alkalized, and there was an improvement in sores and symptoms. Baking soda can be used as a less expensive method of managing UTIs with little to no side effects. 

Treating insect bites

If you get an insect bite, you can apply some baking soda paste made by mixing three parts of baking soda with one part of water. Let it dry, wash it off, and repeat if necessary.

Improving exercise

Consuming baking soda before exercise can improve overall performance, especially for athletes. It also helps reduce fatigue during and after training. Because of its high pH value, it lowers the levels of lactic acid in the muscles during high-intensity workouts. 

Controlling chronic kidney disease

Baking soda is an alkaline substance, so it regulates body pH by neutralizing acid in your body when you consume it. Also, studies suggest that taking baking soda by mouth may slow chronic kidney disease progression. It also showed great benefits to kidney functioning. However, before taking baking soda for chronic kidney disease, consult your doctor since more research needs to be done.

Cancer prevention

Cancerous tumors grow in acidic environments in solid tumor areas leading to factors contributing to tumor development. Since the site is acidic, the best way to treat it is through the neutralization of acid. Several experimental studies show that using sodium bicarbonate alone or with other drugs in chemotherapy (the process of stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells) has been shown to control cancer. More research is needed.

Treating heartburns and indigestion

Heartburn is the burning sensation in the chest caused by stomach acid, while indigestion is when the digestive tract functions abnormally. If you get heartburn, dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda in two glasses of water and drink slowly. This helps to relieve heartburn and indigestion.

Treating mouth ulcers

Mouth ulcers are also known as canker sores. They are painful sores that develop in the inner lining of the mouth or gum. Mouth-cleaning and minimizing plaque on teeth by washing with baking soda helps treat mouth ulcers. Results on patients that visited a doctor after using baking soda showed some improvement.

Teeth whitening/mouthwash

Baking soda keeps your teeth as white as snow. Make a paste using a teaspoon of baking soda and water. Rub your teeth with the paste once a week and let it sit for five minutes, then rinse with water. This will make your teeth white naturally. 

Swish a solution of one teaspoon of baking soda and water through your mouth for three to five minutes, then rinse. Baking soda will neutralize odor.

Hair cleaner

Baking soda makes a great hair cleanser that will remove dirt, oil, and hair product residue. Add a teaspoon of baking soda to the shampoo. Rub it into hair and rinse.

Toothpaste

One of the best ways to remove plaque is with baking soda. It will improve your dental health in great ways. Brushing your teeth with baking soda, mixing your toothpaste with baking soda, or dipping your toothbrush in baking soda once a week will freshen your teeth. Excessive use of baking soda may wear down your enamel over some time.

Human deodorant

Baking soda makes an excellent natural deodorant that can be used to prevent and remove bad odor in armpits and on legs. Take a spoonful of baking soda, add water, and mix it well to form a paste. Apply the paste under your armpits and on your legs.

Add three tablespoons to a basin with warm water and stir for smelly feet. Dip your feet in the solution for five minutes. Your feet will come out smelling fresh.

Shoe deodorant

If your shoes are smelly, sprinkle baking soda or make a "tea bag" using cheesecloth with baking soda and put it inside your shoes. The smell will go away after a short time.

Extinguishing fires

Heating baking soda produces carbon dioxide and water. That makes it ideal for putting out grease and electrical fires in the car and kitchen. Carbon dioxide reduces the fire since it's denser than oxygen and does not support combustion. Water cools the fire below the ignition point. Then you can call and wait for the firefighter. All fire extinguishers, excluding dry extinguishers, contain baking soda.

Cleaning pots and pans

To remove stains that appear permanent on pots and pans, soak overnight in a solution made by adding ¼ cup of baking soda to one quart of water. You can also sprinkle baking soda on a sponge and scrub stains away.

Fridge, dishwasher, and freezer odor neutralizer

Baking soda can help get rid of odor from your kitchen appliances. Place baking soda at the back of the freezer or fridge and close to the air duct at the top. This will keep your food free of odor. Remember to change the box every three months.

To keep your dishwasher free from odor, sprinkle baking soda at the bottom of the dishwasher or on dishes. The baking soda will absorb these odors as you fill the dishwasher. It will also help in cleaning during the first cycle.

Garbage can, garbage disposal, and drain deodorizer

To neutralize bad odor and acidity in drains, pour baking soda down when running hot water. All the foul smells will disappear.

Sprinkle baking soda on each layer of garbage to keep foul odors at bay. After emptying the garbage can, wash it using one cup of baking soda in one gallon of water.

Polishing silverware

Make a paste using three parts baking soda in one part of water. Apply on the silverware you want to clean using a sponge and scrub. Rinse and dry your silver dishes. This will keep them shining.

Cleaning and deodorizing carpets

When you need to clean and remove bad odor in carpets, sprinkle baking soda on the carpet and wait for at least 15 minutes before vacuuming. Your carpet will smell nice and fresh.

Clothing whitener

Adding baking soda to a chlorine bleaching agent may help the bleaching agent work better. Add ¼ cup of baking soda to the usual amount of bleaching agent, and your white clothes will brighten.

Floor tile cleaner

Mix warm water and 1⁄2 cup of baking soda. Use it to mop and rinse the floor. It will remove the stubborn stains, leaving your floor very clean.

Bathroom wall and sink cleaner

Sprinkle baking soda on a wet sponge and use it to scrub bathroom tiles, walls, bath tabs and basin, sink, and shiny fiberglass. Rinse with clean water after washing and wipe dry. The bathroom will be clean and free of chemicals.

Removing pesticides on produce

Modern vegetables and fruits are sprayed with chemicals to keep away insects and pests and the diseases they bring. Most of these chemicals are harmful to human health and need to be removed before eating. Washing fruits and vegetables with baking soda removes pesticide residue on the surface.