TOOTH POWDER – Mix 1 tablespoon salt with 5 tablespoons baking soda. Add 6-9 drops of food-grade peppermint or wintergreen oil and mix well. Label and keep in a tightly covered jar. To use, pour a small amount of powder into the palm of your hand, wet your toothbrush, and rub the bristles into the powder.
MOUTH WASH – Dissolve 2 teaspoons salt and 2 teaspoons baking soda in 1 quart of boiling water. Add 10 drops of food-grade peppermint, wintergreen, or clove oil. Label and keep in a covered jar. To use, rinse out mouth and gargle with a small amount as often as desired.
DRY SHAMPOO – Rub baking soda into hair. Let it sit a few minutes; then brush out.
DEODORANT – Dust baking soda under arms with a powder puff or soft cloth.
ANTACID – One half teaspoon baking soda in a glass of water every 2 hours up to the maximum dosage, or as directed by a physician. Maximum dosage during a 24-hour period: Up to age 60 – 8 half teaspoons; 60 years and older – 4 half teaspoons. Do not use the maximum dosage for more than 2 weeks.
PLAY CLAY – Mix 2 cups baking soda with 1 cup cornstarch in a saucepan. Add 1-1/4 cups cold water; mix until smooth. Boil one minute to the consistency of moist mashed potatoes, stirring constantly. Spoon out onto a plate. Cover with a damp cloth and let cool. Knead lightly and roll out on waxed paper or parchment paper. Cut out designs with cookie cutters or a knife, or shape by hand. Etch in patterns. Let dry until hard (24-48 hours). Paint with tempera paint or watercolors. Let dry. Coat with clear shellac or clear nail polish. Mount pins or clips with white glue.
SCOURING POWDER – Use baking soda instead of cleanser to scour sinks, counters, tile, ovens, and outdoor grills.
DEODORIZER – Keep open containers or containers with perforated lids filled with baking soda in closets, bathrooms, refrigerators, and freezers. Sprinkle baking soda inside athletic shoes and gym bags. Sprinkle baking soda on carpet, allow it to sit for a few minutes, and then vacuum.
LAUNDRY – Brighten and freshen laundry or remove odors by adding one half cup baking soda to each wash load.
SWIMMING POOLS – Follow instructions on large bags of baking soda for maintaining swimming pool chemistry.
For more ways to use baking soda and the specifics for using it in some mentioned above, visit Arm & Hammer.