Sodium bicarbonate: 10 ways you can take advantage of its properties in your home

Sodium bicarbonate (bicarb) has been an essential ingredient in our kitchens since the 1700s; in fact, it was at this time that the use of this precious salt became popular, thanks to a drastic reduction in its production and marketing costs.

However, bicarb's properties have been known about for much longer. In fact, the Egyptians were the first to discover the possible uses of bicarb which was deposited as a whitish powder on the banks of the Nile after the water evaporated: by experimenting with this substance, they discovered its strong desiccation power - which they called "natron" - and began to use it as a preservative. From Egypt, it then spread throughout the world thanks to trade with the other peoples of the Mediterranean.

But in addition to its well-known uses in the kitchen, bicarb can be used for many other purposes: we list below 10 ways in which you can use this substance in your home.

1. Deodorize and perfume

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Bicarb is excellent for removing bad odors from refrigerators, ashtrays, cat litter boxes, shoes, wardrobes and drawers, and from larger rooms, such as the kitchen (where the smell of cooked food often lingers). Simply sprinkle some of the powder on the bottom of the bins or store a bowl of it in the fridge, cupboard or next to the hob to remove all the bad smells.

However, if you also want to perfume the house, you can add essential oils to the powder. By dissolving the powder in water and keeping it in a spray bottle, you can use it as needed to perfume the environment.

2. Clean brushes and combs

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To remove dust, hair and hair oil from brushes and combs, wash them regularly in a solution of water and baking soda. Leave brushes or combs to soak in a basin of water with two spoonfuls of bicarb: they will be as good as new again in no time.

3. Clean the moka or coffee machine

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To remove coffee residues from a moka, or to clean and descale a coffee machine, bicarb is very effective: it will not leave any residue and will not alter the aroma or taste of your drinks.

4. Clean the oven

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To effectively clean the oven without resorting to strong chemicals, you can use a paste made of water and bicarbonate. Spread it on all the surfaces of the oven and leave it to act overnight. When you rinse it off in the morning, your oven will be spotless.

5. Anti-limescale

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Bicarb is also excellent at removing limescale: therefore, use it in the dishwasher, in the washing machine, but also on taps and sinks: limescale deposits will be removed very easily.

6. Clean various flat surfaces

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To clean the floors, you can replace your classic detergent with two tablespoons of bicarb diluted in warm water; while for furniture units/tops, just sprinkle a little bicarbonate powder on a damp sponge and wipe it over the tops.

7. Stain removal

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Bicarb effectively removes grease and oil stains from fabrics and surfaces (including the oil stain under the car). And what about the grease spots on your tablecloth? Treat them with powdered bicarb!

8. Clean fabrics

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Carpets, sofas and carpets are beautiful to look at but difficult to clean! Sprinkle a little bicarbonate powder on their surfaces, let it to act for a few hours and vacuum up: the results will surprise you.

9. Unclog drains

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If you have a clogged drain, instead of strong chemicals, you can use bicarb: pour a glass of bicarb down the drain, followed by a glass of vinegar and a pot of boiling water. Let this act for a few hours before using the sink again. If the clogging is very stubborn, repeat the operation two or three times. You will be surprised by the results!

10. Anti-mould

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Mold problems in your home? Have no fear! Mix two tablespoons of bicarb with two of hydrogen peroxide and two of fine salt. Put the mixture into a spray bottle and apply to the area to be treated. Remove the mold with an old toothbrush or sponge, making sure to cover your mouth and nose to avoid breathing in the spores.

These were just a few examples of all the possible uses of bicarb - but there are still hundreds of uses. So, what are you waiting for? Run out and get some!