A Multipurpose Ingredient

Bicarbonate of soda is a multipurpose product to have in the pantry. Is there anything this unassuming crystaline powder doesn’t do? Not only is it cheap and easy to source, it is non toxic and can be used in cooking, to neutralise smells, clean the home and as an ingredient in a range of personal body products. Here’s ten ways to use bicarb around the home.

1. Fridge Smells

Use bicarb to absorb smells in the fridge.

2. Unclog Drains

Bicarb works wonders for cleaning minor blockages in sinks. Pour half a cup of bicarb down the sink, followed by half a cup of vinegar. Wait a few minutes before flushing with hot water.

3. Clean Fruits & Veggies

Mix bicarb with water to clean dirty fruits and vegetables.

4. Clean The Kitchen & Appliances

Do you have a dirty stainless steel kettle or saucepans that you haven’t bothered with because you know cleaning involves elbow grease? Some bicarb mixed with water brings back the shine on greasy and grimy saucepans and stainless steel in no time – no elbow grease necessary. You can ditch disposable dish scourers and reduce your waste.

5. Brighter Clothes

Add bicarb to a load of washing as a non toxic whitener. No need for bleach.

6. Clean The Bathroom

Instead of using toxic commercial cleaning products on your tiles and sink, sprinkle bicarb on a cloth or mix into a paste with water. An all purpose scourer made of bicarb, salt and lemon oil stored in a jar and clearly labelled, works as a heavy duty scrub for soap scum on baths and dirty toilets.

7. Clean & Brighten Teeth

Bicarb is an old recipe for teeth whitening. Mix with strawberries or turmeric (known for their whitening qualities) for a sparkling smile.

Some people use bicarb as a base ingredient in home made toothpaste. Recipes for toothpaste include other ingredients such as coconut oil and a few drops of peppermint oil. But be careful, bicarb is an abrasive and could damage the enamel on teeth if used neat or on damaged teeth.

8. Deodorant

Are you worried about the chemicals in your commercial deodorant or do you want to avoid plastic packaging? Bicarb is the magic ingredient in home made deodorants. There are lots of different recipes depending on skin type and diet. Many combine coconut oil, shea butter and bicarb, mixed with a few drops of your favourite essential oil.

9.Bath Soak Or Hand Wash

Soak in a bath of bicarb mixed with epsom salts, vinegar and a few drops of essential oil for a relaxing, soothing bath that will soften your skin.  Bicarb also works to clean grimy hands.

10. Hair Wash

Many people swear by bicarb as a an alternative to shampoo. Known as the ‘no-poo’ method, it involves applying a mixture of bicarb and water to the hair and scalp and rinsing with a mix of apple cider vinegar and water.

Get Bulk Bicarb From The Full Pantry

Bicarb is available at The Full Pantry. Our bulk whole foods store lets you buy as little or as much as you need and you can even bring your own container to fill.  If you can’t make it into our store,  it is also available in our online store.