The Multiple Uses of  Ordinary Things

Baking Soda The Staple in Your Pantry

Plant Food:

 Give your flowering alkaline loving plants such as, Clematis, Dianthus and Delphinium an occasional shower in a mild dilution of 1 tablespoon baking soda and 2 liters of water.  They will show their appreciation with full healthy blooms.

Mild Burns:

If you have a mild burn quickly pour some baking soda over some ice water, soak a pad or gauze and hold over burn.  Keep applying the solution until the burn no longer feels hot.  It will also help any burns from blistering.

Hygiene Helper:

Did your last meal include way too many onions or garlic?  Try gargling with 1 teaspoon of baking soda and a half glass of water.  It will neutralize odours on contact. It will also help to relieve any canker sore pain you may have.

Meat Tenderizer:
If you have a tough cut of meat you can give it a rub down leave it in the fridge for 3 to 5 hours, rinse well.  The meat will be tender and melt in your mouth.

Deodorizer:

Put it to work on persistent odours musty smells like closets, dresser or cabinet hutches.  Fill the toe of a clean sock with 3 or 4 tablespoons then put a knot at the top of the sock.  Place in an unobtrusive place.  Replace it every other month or as needed.

Exfoliate/Face Wash:

Put a little in your hand rub gentle over face and be careful around eye area.  You can add a little to your milk cleanser as well.

The list goes on it is a must have in every household.  You can also use it as an antacid, sprinkle in shoes to eliminate odors, wash your fruit and vegetables.  Wipe some on your windshield to repel rain, soak dried beans to make them more digestible, remove scratches from walls and vinyl flooring, mix with water to remove corrosions from car batteries, and best of all it is fire proof.

Hair Conditioner The Secret in Your Shower

Polisher

Forget expensive polisher for your stainless steel.  Apply conditioner to your faucets, chrome fixtures or anything that needs a shine.  Rub with a soft cloth and you will be impressed with the gleam.  It will provide a beautiful shine on your house plants and remove dust. 

Zipper Helper

Apply some to your zippers and they will open with ease.

Makeup Remover

Why buy expensive eye makeup removers when a perfectly good substitute sits in your shower.  Hair conditioner easily removes makeup for much less money than expensive brands.

Leather Protector

Looking for a simple way to keep salt and chemicals off your shoes for the winter, lather your shoes or boots with hair conditioner to protect them from winter’s harsh elements.  It’s a good all year round leather conditioner too.

Jewelry

Ring is stuck on your finger, apply some conditioner on your finger and the ring should slide right off.

Dryer Sheets

Take a used dryer sheet and wipe down glass and shower stall.  It will remove the soap scum.
Wipe your TV screen or computer screen and it will remove the dust.
Dust your furniture.
Place one in your toilet paper roll.  Every time it is used it will release a fresh scent throughout your bathroom.
Place one in your shoes to reduce odors.
Rub on your clothes or hair to reduce static.
Rub along thread while you are sewing it will reduce tangling.
Place in your luggage to keep it smelling fresh while not in use.

A Tinfoil Tip
Clean Silver with a small piece of tinfoil.  Place a piece of foil in boil with boiling water and a few teaspoons of baking soda.  Place silver objects on tin foil and it will remove tarnish.  Wipe with a soft cloth and presto the sparkle is back.