5 Ways with… Baking Soda

1. Remove odors from hands. Baking soda is a well-known cleaning agent and odor-fighter. To remove smells from your hands, first dampen them, and then pour out enough baking soda to fully coat your skin. Rub vigorously for 30 seconds before rinsing.

2. Repel raindrops on windshields. Sodium bicarbonate, otherwise known as baking soda, neutralizes acid rain deposits and is the main ingredient in most quality rain repellants. Apply the baking soda in large clumps onto a wet cloth, and then wipe the mixture on the entire surface of your car windshield until it dissolves.

3. Clean hair brushes. After removing excess hair from your combs and bristled brushes, place them in a mixture of 1/2 cup of baking soda and enough warm water so that the items are fully submerged. Soak for 15 minutes to get rid of product residue (think hair gel, shine serums and moisturizing lotions). Let air dry before using.

4. Remove grease spots from kitchen surfaces. Make a thick paste of baking soda and water, and use a wet cloth to apply it on oily spots found on stove tops and kitchen walls. Wipe clean with a fresh dry cloth.

5. Exfoliate your skin. Mix 1 tsp of baking soda with water until it's the consistency of a typical hand soap, then scrub your face in circular motions for 30 seconds (or as you would using a regular face wash). Rinse clean and moisturize.