Baking Soda - Other Uses: Page 6

• cleaning the drain
  If your kitchen drain tends to block because of a buildup of grease or soap, try pouring about one-quarter of a box of baking soda down it every month as a preventive measure.

• laundry odor tamer
  1 16-ounce box (454g) baking soda
  
  If your busy schedule doesn't afford enough room tackling laundry during the week, you might start noticing the scent of exercise clothes and other well-worn garments long before you're able to wash them. To minimize sour laundry smells, keep a box of baking soda near the hamper. Add a small handful whenever a potentially pungent item is added to the mix. The baking soda will also boost the effectiveness of your detergent in the wash after neutralizing the smell. 

• septic tank maintenance
  1 cup (220g) baking soda
  
  Flushing 1 cup (220g) baking soda into your septic system once a week is an easy way to maintain a neutral pH range in the tank. This basically means that the bacteria present are able to thrive, and, thus, process the other organic matter. A bit of baking soda also helps keep those rotten egg smells that sometimes accompany a septic system to a minimum.  

• lawn furniture cleaner
  1/4 cup (55g) baking soda
  1 quart (1 liter) warm water
  
  If your old patio furniture is looking a little weather-beaten before the season starts, brighten it up with a good baking soda wash. Mix the baking soda in to the warm water and stir to dissolve. Wipe down all surfaces with the solution and rinse clean with fresh water.   

• tooth-whitening toothpaste
  1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) baking soda
  1/2 teaspoon (3ml) water
  
  Baking soda is great at polishing and whitening your teeth. To use, mix 1.2 teaspoon (2.5g) with a few drops of water in the palm of your hand to make a paste. Dip your toothbrush in the mixture and brush as usual; rinse thoroughly when your done. Note: Baking soda does contain quite a bit of sodium, so do not use if you've been diagnosed with gum disease or if you're on a salt-restricted diet. 

• drain clearer
  3 spoonfuls baking soda
  
  After using baking soda in its natural powder form to clean or deodorize, don't just throw it out! Make a habit of pouring a few spoonfuls down the drain, followed by a few minutes of hot water from the faucet. It's a great way to cut down on the grease and grime that naturally accumulates and keep any associated odors to a minimum.    

• Cleaning the bottom of an iron
  Vinegar
  Baking soda
  
  Use a paste of vinegar and baking soda to clean the sole plate of your iron. It will be smooth, clean, and shiny and will not harm any surface. 

• cleaning out a food processor with dried-on food
  Of course, this will never happen to you, but some of us are natural slobs. There are always times when the bowl is left in the sink, without soaking, and the blade is stuck away behind a mountain of pots too big for the dishwasher. If you haven't used your blender for a while, it might need just freshening up. Use a couple of teaspoons of baking soda with a cup of warm water, put the lid on and run it for a few seconds. Afterward you can wash as normal, or simply rinse and dry.