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The Secret Life of Baking Soda The Secret Life of Baking Soda From "Talking Dirty With the Queen of Clean" episode DQOC-153

Here's a riddle: What can be used for deodorizing, cleaning and cooking, as a beauty aid, in a science project and even to put out a fire? If you answered "baking soda," then you know what we're talking about today.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F

Household uses

• Drains (figure A)

• Refrigerator

• Trash can, diaper pail, hamper

• Dishwasher

• Garbage disposal

• Tea stain on mug

• Burned-on food (figure B)

• Nonabrasive stovetop cleaner.

Queen's quick tip: Sprinkle a little baking soda in your gym bag to keep it smelling fresh.

Queen's quick tip: Add 1/2 cup baking soda to liquid laundry detergent for fresh-smelling and cleaner clothes.

Personal Hygiene

You might not find baking soda in your bathroom’s medicine cabinet, but it can be a staple in personal hygiene.

• Bath Add 1/2 cup to a warm bath to soothe and condition skin.

• Facial Add 3 parts baking soda to 1 part olive oil, apply in a circular motion after washing face by your regular method. It works on dry skin on the body as well (figure C).

• Teeth You can brush your teeth with it (figure D) -- and it’s also used to clean dentures, retainers and mouth guards. Add 2 teaspoons to a bowl of water.

• Foot soak Soak your feet in 3 tablespoons to a basin of warm water (figure E).

• Bee stings Make a paste of water and baking soda to soothe irritation and remove stinger.

In the Kitchen

Baking soda also has a number of uses -- both culinary and safety-related -- in the kitchen:

• Washing produce (figure F)

• Leavening

• Extinguishing fires.

Since it has so many uses, you may want to buy separate boxes of baking soda for cooking, cleaning and bathing!

Next: Vodka as a Cleaning Agent