BAKING SODA - non-edible uses

In the last post I mentioned keeping baking soda in your long term pantry.  It has a ton of uses, even when it is no longer usable in baking.
Here are some things to remember and some good reasons to keep baking soda around.  It is our FRIEND!!!

CLEANING
* A paste of b/s and water removes stains from plastic/rubber utensils    *Lemon juice and b/s removes stains from storage containers.    *Boil water and b/s to loosen dried/baked on food in pans.
*Cleans stainless steel sinks and hardware without scratching.    *Removes stains from laminate counter tops.  Apply, let it dry, rub off and rinse.    *1/4 C b/s, 1/2 C vinegar and 1 C ammonia to a gallon of warm water is a great grout cleaner. (Wear rubber gloves)   *1/2 C b/s and 1 C vinegar cleans clogged drains (good in a toilet for cleaning as well)   * Removes smells from fridge and freezer.     *Sprinkle on smelly carpet, let it set for a few hours, then vacuum.  Removes smells.    *Sprinkle on a fresh grease stain on upholstery , let it set, then vacuum up.    *Mix 3 parts baking soda with one part water and use as a jewelry cleaner.    *Mix b/s with white glue and use as a nail hole filler before painting walls (paint after it dries).

CLOTHES
*Add 1/2 C b/s with detergent to freshen laundry (smelly clothes).    *Add 1/2 C to rinse cycle as a fabric softener.    *Make a paste and scrub into perspiration stains or ring around the collar.  Let it set for an hour then launder as usual.    *Clean suede with b/s applied with a soft brush.  Set and then brush off.    *Sprinkle into shoes to absorb moisture and absorb odors.    *Helps remove blood stains.  Dampen with peroxide and then sprinkle with b/s.  Dab up stain - repeat if needed.  Check for colorfastness first in hidden spot.

BATH
* 2 Tbsp. in a tub of water - reduces ring in tub and softens skin.    *Use instead of cleanser on tub and sink.    *Works great to clean mildew on shower curtains and walls.    *Place b/s in a diaper pail to eliminate odors.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY
*Add 1 teaspoon to a shampoo bottle - removes buildup from hairspray, gels, and conditioners.   *Can use as a dry shampoo in a pinch (I remember doing this as a child).    *3 Tbsp. to a basin of warm water works great as a foot soak/soother.    *Dampen your toothbrush and place in b/s and use for toothpaste.  **Mix with a little peroxide (a paste) and use as a tooth whitener. (I do once a week)    *4 Tbsp. into a quart of water works great for sunburn pain.  Gently apple and it soothes the pain.    *Mix 3 parts b/s to one part water and use on poison ivy.  Drying and soothing.
*1/2 tsp. to a 1/2 glass of water makes a great antacid.    *Make a paste of b/s and water to place on a bee sting - removes pain.

PETS
*Pour on pet accidents (wet) - let it set for a while to absorb - then vacuum.    *Use in the litter box to help absorb odors.    *Use as a dry bath for your dogs.  Rub in and brush out.  

GARDEN/OUTDOORS
*    Sprinkle lightly around your tomato plants to sweeten the flavor of tomatoes.  Lowers acidity.    *Use as a cleaner for patio furniture.  Makes them smell nice and removes mildew and grime in a jiff.    *Sprinkle over light grease stains.  Scrub in lightly - let it sit overnight - then sweep up.    *Removes hardened paint on old paint brush bristles.  Use a 1/2 gal. of water, 1 C b/s and 1/4 C vinegar and add brushes and bring to a boil.  Removes all old paint - that can save $$$.    *Cleans white wall tires easily.    *Take on a camping trip - it can be used for cleaning dishes and utensils, washing hands and teeth, used as a fire extinguisher, treat insect bites, etc.!!!!!!     *Great for deodorizing sleeping bags.  Sprinkle with b/s and set in the sun for 1/2 day.  Shake out and set in the sun again.  Sweet smelling sleeping bags!

I am sure there are many, many more uses.  This just goes to show it is really important to keep this product in your long term pantry.  If by some chance you could get ahold of NO other cleaner for a while - you would be good to go!
I buy the big bags at Sam's Club a lot cheaper than buying the same weight at grocery in boxes.

Don't you just love it when one product or thing can have soooooo many uses?  I sure do - as that is just down right FRUGAL!

You have any other uses?  Let us know!