Baking soda isn't just for cooking, as Instagrammer Wendy Lau (@thekwendyhome) has proven with her five useful home cleaning hacks using the superhero product.
The scoop
Baking soda — the household name for the chemical compound sodium bicarbonate — is commonly used as a rising agent to make baked goods light and fluffy. But it isn't just a cooking essential, as baking soda works wonders when used for cleaning.
In a viral Instagram reel, Lau shares five cleaning hacks using baking soda that will make household chores a breeze.
Lau's first tip is to use it to deodorize rugs and carpets. Apply a generous layer and leave overnight for best results. Use a vacuum to remove the powder the next day, and enjoy your fresh-scented rugs.
If your drains are clogged and you don't want to use harsh chemicals to clear them, Lau suggests pouring boiling water down the drain followed by half a cup of baking soda and one cup of white vinegar. Then, run hot tap water for a minute to break up small clogs.
It can be a pain trying to keep your white clothes from fading. Lau pours half a cup of baking soda directly into her washing machine before loading white clothes. Wash them like normal, and your clothes will come out brighter than ever.
To ensure fruits and veggies are extra clean before eating, Lau suggests soaking them in one teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in half a liter of water. After 10 to 12 minutes, rinse everything off to remove pesticides and bacteria.
Lau's last hack helps tackle stubborn scuffs and stains in your sink. Combine a little water, dish soap, and a few tablespoons of baking soda to create a gentle scrub that will make your sink look shiny and new.
How it's helping
Traditional cleaning products can endanger your health. Using chemical cleaners on kitchen surfaces can contaminate food, and these products can be harmful to skin, eyes, and respiratory systems. Baking soda is a safer alternative to harsh chemicals in traditional cleaning solutions.
Baking soda is also inexpensive compared to other cleaning products. A box of baking soda can replace multiple products like drain cleaners, odor sprays, and laundry whiteners.
Chemical cleaners can be harmful to the environment, and packaging may not be recyclable. According to the EPA, cleaning products are exposed to the air when they evaporate and are rinsed down drains that could pollute our waterways if not filtered properly.
Lau's baking soda hacks are better for your health, wallet, and the environment.
What everyone's saying
In the comments, Instagram users share their thoughts and baking soda success stories.
"Definitely saving this to deodorize rugs!" one user wrote.
"I wouldn't be without a shaker of [baking] soda under my sink! Use it for cleaning all my produce," another user added. "And it's my go-to for spilled wine or other stains on area rugs."
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