Uses for Baking Soda in the Kitchen

There are many uses for baking soda in the kitchen.  Some of them are common and some are much unexpected.  You can use baking soda for many quick fixes in the kitchen.  You can make cuts in counter tops fade away by keeping them clean with a paste of baking soda and water.  Remove ink marks from food price stamps on counter with a little baking soda and water paste.  It also removes many stains left by teabags, juice, and mustard.  Give your cutting boards a deep cleaning to keep them free from contamination by spreading baking soda over the surface then sprinkle with vinegar.  Let the bubbles do the work and then rinse with water.

You can rid your hands of odor of onions and garlic by sprinkling baking soda in the palm of one hand.  Add just enough water to make a paste and then rub between your hands and rinse.  It is a good idea to keep some baking soda in a bowl or shaker near your sink for easy access. 

You can clean your blender by filling it half full of water and then add one-teaspoon baking soda and one drop of detergent.  Secure the lid and turn on the blender briefly.  You can also clean your toaster oven with baking soda and warm water.  Or try polishing the chrome with a paste of equal parts peanut butter and baking soda.  Your toaster will shine. 

You can sprinkle baking soda inside your rubber gloves and they will slide on easily.  Prevent steel wool scouring pads from rusting after each use by storing them in a container filled with a solution of baking soda and water.  Keep the dishcloth you are currently using smelling fresh by sprinkling baking soda on them and shaking off the excess in the sink before putting them away. 

Cut grease and speed removal of sticky foods on dishes and utensils by adding baking soda to hot sudsy dishwater.  After washing dishes, soak your dishcloth or sponge in baking soda and water.  Swish the sink with the soda solution and then wring out the cloth or sponge, and everything will be odor free.  Use baking soda as a nonabrasive cleaner for stainless steel sinks, which can be scratched by even some liquid cleaners.  Help a clogged drain by pouring one-cup baking soda down the drain and then adding one-cup hot vinegar.  Wait a few minutes before flushing the drain with about a quart of very hot water.  This cleans without using harsh chemicals.