HOUSEHOLD: Baking Soda / Washing Soda (TIPS, HINTS)

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Wonders of Baking Soda for Carpet Odors - More Nontoxic Cleaning Solutions

by Annie Berthold-Bond, Care2.com Producer, Green Living Channels

 

Warm weather brings out all kinds of smells that have been lurking in

our carpets: pet mistakes, that well-worn sneaker odor--it can all add

up to a less-than-fresh-smelling home.

 

Fortunately, there is a simple and non-toxic solution. Find out how to

deodorize your carpets safely and effectively with baking soda!

 

Baking soda " adsorbs " odors, which means it takes odors from the air. It

neutralizes acid-based odors in water.

 

Liberally sprinkle baking soda on the carpet. Let set overnight, or as

long as possible (the longer it sets the better it works). Sweep up the

larger amounts of baking soda, and vacuum up the rest. (Note that your

vacuum cleaner bag will get full and heavy.) Redo the process if you

still smell odors you wish to remove. Baking soda works like magic, it

sometimes just takes time and making sure you are using enough baking soda.

 

Caution: While damp baking soda works really well for many odors, damp

baking soda can also get stuck onto the carpet fibers and be difficult

to clean. If you live in a very humid climate you might substitute a

light spray of white distilled vinegar for the baking soda.

 

 

http://www.care2.com/channels/solutions/home/800

 

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Washing Soda: All-Purpose Cleaner - More Nontoxic Cleaning Solutions

Adapted from Better Basics for the Home by Annie Berthold-Bond

 

A chemical neighbor of baking soda, washing soda (sodium carbonate) is

much more strongly alkaline, with a pH around 11. It releases no harmful

fumes and is a far safer heavy duty cleanser than a commercial solvent

formula. Because I am chemically sensitive, there were so many things I

just couldn't clean until I discovered washing soda. It cuts grease,

cleans petroleum oil, removes wax or lipstick, and neutralizes odors in

the same way that baking soda does.

 

This terrific all-purpose cleaner formula is one you will stick with for

a lifetime.

 

All-Purpose Cleaner (Fantastic Cleaner)

 

1/2 teaspoon washing soda

2 teaspoons borax

1/2 teaspoon liquid soap or detergent

2 cups hot water

 

Combine the washing soda, borax, and soap in a spray bottle. Pour in the

hot water (it will dissolve the minerals), screw on the lid, and shake

to completely blend and dissolve. Spritz every 6 inches or so of surface

once or twice, wiping off the cleanser with a rag as you go. For tough

dirt, leave the cleanser on for a few minutes before wiping it off.

Shake the bottle each time before using.

 

Shelf Life: Indefinite

 

Storage: Leave in a labeled spray bottle

 

Helpful Hints: Wear gloves when using washing soda because it is

caustic. And don’t use it on fiberglass, aluminum or waxed

floors--unless you intend to remove the wax.

 

 

http://www.care2.com/channels/solutions/home/712

 

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