Handy Tips

Baking soda has the power to freshen and clean seemingly countless spots in your home. It’s a super-effective (but gentle) abrasive and is a great natural deodorizer.

Remove stains from plastic food containers - Leftovers have a way of leaving their mark. To freshen your containers, wipe with a clean sponge sprinkled with baking soda. Or erase tough stains by soaking in a solution of four tablespoons of baking soda and a quart of warm water.

Clean store-bought fruits and veggies - Mixed with water, baking soda can remove dirt and that waxy coating that comes on produce from the supermarket.

Scrub down kitchen surfaces - Nearly every dirty spot in your kitchen can benefit from a baking soda treatment. Combine it with water to clean countertops, stainless steel sinks, microwaves, range hoods and cooking utensils.

Deep-clean extra greasy dishes and pans - Give baked-on food the one-two punch by dialing up your dish soap with a sprinkle of baking soda.

Revive stale-smelling sponges - Soak these kitchen staples in baking soda and water to freshen them up so you can use them a little longer. But remember, you should still toss your sponges every two to three weeks, depending on use.

Scrub a crayon-covered wall - When your little Picasso’s artistic efforts end up all over that wall you just repainted, scrub lightly with a damp sponge sprinkled in baking soda.

Banish mildew from bathrooms - Scrub your tub, tiles, sink and shower curtain with a damp sponge and baking soda. Rinse to reveal gleaming surfaces.

(Free Household Tips)