Post no.2 in our Spring cleaning, "Tip sharing week"

Grandmother's favourite ingredient No.2: baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) Baking soda is a cheap and effective general cleaner that can spruce up your surfaces and fabrics all around the home. It's a light abrasive and a natural disinfectant and sanitizer, so it's tough on stains and germs, but won't “etch” porous surfaces, such as marble. It's cheap, readily available and better still, it's kind to the environment. Here are some reasons why a box of baking soda more than earns it's place in your cleaning basket...

Cleaning marble: Marble scratches “etches”, so use this formula as safe way to clean your marble worktops
Take: Baking soda, water and a damp cloth. Rub the baking soda into the marble with the cloth, then rinse with water and towel dry for a smear, and scratch free finish.
Help preserve marble surfaces by: Cleaning up spills immediately to avoid staining, stay clear of vinegar, lemon or other acidic substances, which can lead to “etching” (small scratches)

Deodorize carpets and rugs: Get rid of pet smells and refresh your carpets and rugs by sprinkling baking soda over them. Let it to sit for a minimum of 15 minutes, then vacuum it up, along with the smells!

(Maybe it's time to think about  booking "spot" in for his spring clean too...)

Careful though: If your carpets or rugs are damp, test for color fastness before applying to the whole area. And keep children and pets out of the room while you're sprinkling!


Zap grimy fridges and lingering smells: by wiping surfaces with a sponge covered in baking soda. It lifts any residue and replaces musty smells with a fresh odours.
And keep the inside of cupboards, fridges and freezers fresh: by placing an open container of baking soda inside. It's natural odour-eating properties gobble up nasty and lingering smells better than any chemical based spray: for a fraction of the price!

Did you know: that a big % of teeth whitening products is...baking soda? But do check with your dentist, before trying this grandmothers tip: whiten discoloured teeth and dentures by dipping a dampened toothbrush into baking soda, and gently brush your teeth after you've finished your normal cleaning procedures. Rinse and check out that smile....



Couple baking soda with white vinegar: take a look at Monday's tips and see how these two store-cupboard ingredients combine, to zap blocked and smelly drains! Just add hot water and hey presto, no more blocked drains! Isn't it amazing what a little box of baking soda can do! Happy deodorizing.