How to clean with bicarbonate of soda
Part I
Using bicarbonate of soda (bicarb)dates back as far as the ancient Egyptians and today the main benefits are that it is environmentally friendly, it is a method of non toxic cleaning and it is fairly cheap.
First things first. Before you rush out and buy this, be aware that there are similar sounding ingredients which are:
Baking Soda yes
Bicarbonate of Soda yes
Baking powder no - This is a mixture of other ingredients
Test on a small inconspicuous area first, and just a point of reassurance, the smell of vinegar will disappear soon after cleaning.
Preventing smells (de-odourising) – Place a small container of bicarbonate of soda in fridges, nappy bins and kitchen bins to eliminate smells. You can also sprinkle some onto pet baskets and litter trays. If you make little sachets, it makes the bicarbonate more portable. To do this use the foot of a pair of tights, fill and hang in your area of choice.
Vomit and other smelly spills on carpet, mix some bicarbonate of soda with water to make a mild liquid and spot clean the carpet with the mixture and a cloth.
Floor cleaner – you can use the same solution above for a floor cleaner.
Cleaning – all purpose cleaner – 2 teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda to 570mls of water, 125ml white vinegar. This mixture will fizz, so do not inhale directly and use a container with some extra room in it. Then place in a spray bottle for convenient application. You can use it on stainless steel and plastic however, never use on non-stick pans.
Fabric softener – Make up a solution of 1 part bicarbonate of soda, 1 part vinegar and lastly 2 parts water. Use 60ml/4 tablespoons in the softener area or at the end of a hand wash.
Blocked drains – Make a mixture of 50g of bicarbonate of soda and 150ml of white vinegar and pour it into the drain. Leave it to react to the grease and scum for about 10 minutes, then pour boiling water down the drain to flush it. If it is being stubborn, try it again, but leave to react for a couple of hours before flushing it down with boiling water.
Grout cleaner – get rid of unsightly discolouration by making a paste of 2 parts bicarbonate of soda and 1 part white vinegar. Get an old toothbrush and scrub the grout between the tiles.
Look out for Part II Next week.
