Baking soda is our friend

And when it comes to cleaning it should be one of our best friends. Baking soda and vinegar can clean just about anything. I can buy a massive bag of baking soda at Sams club for $5 or so (last time I bought it anyway) and it lasts me forever. Here are many ways you can use it in your home.

• sprinkle on your carpet, let sit for a few minutes and then vacuum - great deodorize
• when you have food burned on your pots, sprinkle baking soda in them, add a little water and boil for a few minutes, the food will come right off
• cleans your toilet, tub and shower great - use a stiff brush to really scrub
• add to your laundry to brighten your whites and deodorize
• make a paste of baking soda and water and put on armpit stains
• sprinkle on your counter tops and scrub with the cut side of a lemon, a natural bleach without the fumes
• sprinkle in shoes to remove the smell, I need to do this right now with my son's shoes, but every time I think about it he is at school
• use it to unclog your drains, especially slow ones. Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain followed by a cup of vinegar. This will bubble and fizz. Let sit for 30 minutes and then run very hot water for a bit to clear it out.
• use it to whiten your teeth. I used to brush with baking soda as a kid, my grandmother swore it would keep my teeth from getting tea stains. It really works! Much cheaper than the teeth whiteners on the market today.

For more frugal tips, check out Biblical Womanhood.