6 Uses for Bicarbonate of Soda

1. Unblock your kitchen sink
Pour half a cup of bicarbonate of soda down your sink followed by two cups of vinegar (malt is fine) and watch as the alkaline in the bicarb reacts with the acidic vinegar to create a volcano of froth. Leave to settle and this should help dissolve any built-up grime. If your sink needs extra help, mix a cup of bicarbonate of soda with two cups of washing soda (great for de-greasing) then follow with vinegar. Finish with a kettle full of boiling water.

2. Keep your fridge fresh
Keep a small bowl of bicarb in your fridge to help neutralise smells. It works like a sponge to soak up any bad odours,  just remember to change it every month or so.

3. Remove baked-on residue from pans
Shake a generous amount of baking powder onto any dirty pans or roasting tins, add hot water and your usual cleaning liquid and let sit for 20 minutes. The baking powder will help dissolve any stubborn build-up making it really easy to clean.

4. Clean the microwave inside and out
A small amount of bicarb on a damp sponge can effectively clean and cut through any grease in and on your microwave.

5. Clean dirty rugs and carpets
Liberally sprinkle baking soda on your carpet, wait at least 15 minutes then sweep as much of it as you can and vacuum as normal. For the best results, leave the powder to settles overnight. Your carpet or rug should look brighter and smell good – a nice way to refresh your carpet naturally.

6. Remove smells from a sofa
Over time you sofa may become a bit whiffy. Sprinkle some bicarb on a dry sofa and let it sit for 10-20 minutes before hoovering or brushing off.