Bicarbonate is an essential ally in the zero waste home because it is naturally disinfectant and environmentally friendly.
It is used in powder form to absorb odors, disinfect litter boxes, etc. Or in paste form (approximately 3 volumes of bicarbonate and 1 volume of water), to clean surfaces, make dishes shine, etc.
There are many uses for home maintenance.
Baking soda
Baking soda is the ideal product if you are looking for an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical-laden household products. It is non-toxic but surprisingly powerful and effective. It adapts to an incredible variety of uses around the home:
- Deodorizes refrigerators. To absorb odors, place a small glass jar (without the lid) filled with baking soda. You can leave the baking soda in place for up to 6 months, then throw it down the sink to clean the pipes.
- Deodorizes trash and recycling bins. Wipe a damp cloth sprinkled with bicarbonate inside your tray, rinse. Once dry, you can sprinkle a little baking soda on the bottom to prolong the effects.
- Cleans pans: To remove burnt food from pans, soak them overnight in hot water with a pinch of baking soda.
- Removes coffee and tea stains from cups. Place cups, teapots and coffee pots in a basin with 1 part bicarbonate to 4 parts water. Soak for 15 minutes and rinse.
- Polishes silverware (and jewelry). Make a paste by mixing baking soda with a little water and gently polish the silverware or jewelry with a soft toothbrush before rinsing.
- Boost laundry. For brighter whites and more vibrant colors, add ½ part (top load) or ¼ part (front load) baking soda to your laundry detergent. Reduce the dose of detergent because the bicarbonate softens the water.
- Whitens tile joints: Make a paste of equal parts lemon juice, vinegar and baking soda and scrub the joints with a soft toothbrush then rinse.
- Cleans Toilets: Sprinkle your toilet bowl with ½ cup baking soda, let sit for 30 minutes, spray with vinegar to moisten, then scrub and flush.