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In every household, you’ll find a bottle of baking soda stacked in the kitchen rack. Sometimes, you may open it to include in the baking cake or muffin which gives you the fluffy and airy texture. But do you know, it is only one of the uses of baking soda?
Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is a versatile and indispensable ingredient that has a variety of uses other than just baking. You can use baking soda to clean various utensils and kitchen appliances, can be added to your beauty regime and cure certain diseases. Baking soda is affordable, mild, and safe for daily use. The ingredient can simplify cooking, cleaning, and maintaining a fresh environment.
Here are some of the interesting ways to use baking soda beyond baking. Take a look:
- Natural Deodouriser
One of the most common uses of baking soda is as deodouriser. It plays an important role in absorbing odours, making it perfect to keep your fridge smelling fresh. You can place an open box of baking soda at the back of your refrigerator or freezer. To make use of baking soda works effectively to neutralise odours, you must replace it every three months. You can also sprinkle baking soda in garbage bins, compost pails, and even on smelly shoes to fight the unpleasant odours.
- Cleaning Agent
Owing to its gentle and abrasive nature, baking soda makes it an ideal cleaner for various kitchen surfaces. By creating a paste with baking soda and a small amount of water, you can clean countertops, sinks, and stovetops. Apply the paste thoroughly to the surface scrub with a sponge or cloth and then wash off with warm water. If there are stubborn stains, let the paste sit for a while for a few minutes, and then scrub it off. It is great for cleaning cutting boards, pots, and pans. Sprinkle baking soda directly on the surface, add a bit of water and then scrub away the grease and grime.
- Produce Cleaner
You can easily remove pesticides and dirt from the fresh produce by using baking soda. To achieve this, fill a large bowl with water, add a few tablespoons of baking soda, and soak your fruits and vegetables for 10-15 minutes. Scrub it off gently with a brush and rinse with clean water. This is an effective method for leafy greens, apples, cucumbers, and other produce for safe consumption.
- Tenderising Meat
Baking soda is an effective ingredient that can be used to tenderise tougher cuts of meat. You can sprinkle a small amount of baking soda over the meat and allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes. Rinse the meat thoroughly under cold water before cooking. This will break down the proteins in the meat and result in a more tender texture. It is useful, particularly for beef and pork.
- Natural Antacid
If you’re having heartburn or indigestion, you can effectively indulge in the natural antacid, that is, baking soda. When you experience acid reflux, the acidity in your stomach rises, causing discomfort. You can mix baking soda in a glass of water which can neutralise the stomach acid, providing quick relief. Besides, it is a handy and quick remedy but should be used sparingly to avoid disruption of natural acid balance in your stomach.
