20

West Central
Solid Waste District 87 Uses
for
MISSION Baking Soda

West Central Solid Waste District is a government

organization whose purpose is to inform and
educate the citizens of Montgomery, Parke, and
Putnam Counties in Central Indiana about proper
waste disposal, waste reduction, reuse and
recycling, and to provide programs and services in
these areas. We strive to continually improve the
quality and availability of these programs and
services, collaborating with public and private
entities and pursing innovative options whenever
A safe, natural,
possible. Well-educated citizens and convenient,
e c o n o m i c a l
effective programs and services will enable the West
environmentally
Central Solid Waste District to protect the
friendly alternative to
environment, fulfill all regulatory and legislative many products that are
objectives, and benefit our communities today and used daily. Baking soda
tomorrow. [sodium bicarbonate]
can replace many of the
expensive products
WEST CENTRAL SOLID WASTE DISTRICT
1007 Mill Pond Lane, Ste. B currently used in the
Greencastle, IN 46135 home that are
potentially harmful to
the environment.
Phone: 800-211-2750
Fax: 765-653-1486
Web Site: www.westcentalswd.com
 2 19

TABLE OF CONTENTS WCSWD PROGRAMS SUMMARY

Page
CHRISTMAS TREE SCHOOLS AND CIVIC
IN THE KITCHN 3-7 RECYCLING GRANTS

AROUND THE HOUSE 8-10 These sites participate in Email:

the collection of live jcollisi@westcentralswd.
IN THE MEDICINE CABINET 11-12 Christmas trees for the use com to find out more about
FOR PERSONAL HYGIENE 13-14 in animal habitats. the schools and civic
grants.
Rockville Lake, Raccoon
IN THE LAUNDRY 15
Lake, Lieber State Park,
Programs/ Services
FOR THE DO-IT-YOURSELFER 16 Greencastle &
Visit our web site at
Crawfordsville YW Sites
IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS 17 www.westcentralswd.com
FOR YOUR PET 18
TOX AWAY EVENTS YARD WASTE PROGRAM
Look for event in your Greencastle
local newspaper . Located at 2363 S 250 W—
just past Putnam County
Putnam
Hwy Dept and DePauw
Month of May
Nature Center on left.
Montgomery
Open: April thru October
Month of June
765-653-6699
Parke
Month of September

Humankind has not woven the web

RURAL RECYCLING CENTERS
of life. We are but one thread within
Parke County Putnam County
it. Whatever we do to the web, we do
Rockville- located Shopko Roachdale—Vol. Fire Station
to ourselves. All things are bound on US 41 Cloverdale— Town Hall
together. All things connect.
Montgomery County
~~Chief Seattle, 1855~~
New Ross- Electric Building South Mont High School
Waveland - Elementary North Mont High School
School
 18 3

FOR YOUR PET IN THE KITCHEN

MAKE DEODORIZING DOG SHAMPOO—The next time CLEAN YOUR PRODUCE— Wax coatings and surface
Rover rolls around in your compost heap, pull out the pesticides on fruits and vegetables are concerns for many
baking soda to freshen him up. Just rub a few handfuls of people. Wash produce in a pot of cold water with 2-3 table-
the powder into his coat and give it a thorough brushing. spoons baking soda; the baking soda will remove some of
In addition to removing the smell, it will leave his coat the impurities tap water leaves behind. Or put a small
amount of baking soda on a wet sponge or vegetable brush
shiny and clean.
and scrub your produce. Give everything a thorough rinsing
before serving.
WASH INSIDE PETS’ EARS—If your pet is constantly
scratching at his ears, it could indicate the presence of an TENDERIZE YOUR MEAT— Got a tough cut of meat on
irritation or ear mites. Ease the itch (and wipe out any your hands? Soften it up by giving it a rubdown in baking
mites) by using a cotton ball dipped in a solution of 1 tea- soda. Let it sit (in the refrigerator, of course) for three to
spoon baking soda in 1 cup warm water to gently wash five hours, and then rinse it off thoroughly before cooking.
the inside of his ears.
SOAK OUT FISH SMELLS— Get rid of that fishy smell from
your store-bought flounder filets and fish steaks by soaking
KEEP BUGS AWAY FROM PETS’ DISHES—Placing a border
the raw fish for about an hour (inside your refrigerator) in 1
of baking soda around your pet's food bowls will keep quart (1 liter) water with 2 tablespoons baking soda. Rinse
away six-legged intruders. And it won't harm your pet if the fish well and pat dry before cooking.
he happens to lap up a little (though most pets aren't
likely to savor soda's bitter taste). REDUCE ACID IN YOUR RECIPES— If you or someone in
your family is sensitive to the high-acid content of tomato-
DEODORIZE THE LITTER BOX—Don't waste money on based sauces or coffee, you can lower the overall acidity by
expensive deodorized cat litter. Just put a thin layer of sprinkling in a pinch of baking soda while cooking (or, in
baking soda under the bargain-brand litter to absorb the the case of coffee, before brewing). A bit of baking soda can
odor. Or mix baking soda with the litter as you're chang- also counteract the taste of vinegar if you happen to pour in
a bit too much. Be careful not to overdo it with the soda,
ing it.
though -- if you add too much, the vinegar-baking soda
combination will start foaming.

BAKE BETTER BEANS— Do you love baked beans but not

their aftereffects? Adding a pinch of baking soda to baked
beans as they're cooking will significantly reduce their gas -
producing properties.

FLUFF UP YOUR OMELET— Want to know the secret to

making fluffier omelets? For every three eggs used, add 1/2
teaspoon baking soda. Shhhh! Don't let it get around.

USE AS YEAST SUBSTITUTE— Need a stand-in for yeast

when making dough? If you have some powdered vitamin C
(or citric acid) and baking soda on hand, you can use a
mixture of the two instead. Just mix in equal parts to equal
the quantity of yeast required. What's more, the dough you
add it to won't have to rise before baking.
 4 17

IN THE KITCHEN IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS

RID HANDS OF FOOD ODORS— Chopping garlic or clean-
ing a fish can leave their "essence" on your fingers long af-
ter the chore is done. Get those nasty food smells off your KEEP WEEDS OUT OF CEMENT CRACKS—Looking for a safe
hands by simply wetting them and vigorously rubbing with way to keep weeds and grasses from growing in the cracks of
about 2 teaspoons baking soda instead of soap. The smell your paved patios, driveways, and walkways? Sprinkle handfuls
should wash off with the soda. of baking soda onto the concrete and simply sweep it into the
cracks. The added sodium will make it much less hospitable to
CLEAN BABY BOTTLES AND ACCESSORIES—Here's some dandelions and their friends.
great advice for new parents. Keep all your baby bottles, nip-
ples, caps, and brushes "baby fresh" by soaking them over- CLEAN RESIN LAWN FURNITURE—Most commercial clean-
night in a container filled with hot water and half a box of ers are too abrasive to be used on resin lawn furniture. But you
baking soda. Be sure to give everything a good rinsing after- won't have to worry about scratching or dulling the surface if
ward, and to dry thoroughly before using. Baby bottles can you clean your resin furniture with a wet sponge dipped in bak-
also be boiled in a full pot of water and 3 tablespoons baking ing soda. Wipe using circular motions; then rinse well.
soda for three minutes.

CLEAN A CUTTING BOARD—Keep your wooden or plastic USE AS PLANT FOOD—Give your flowering, alkaline-loving
plants, such as clematis, delphiniums, and dianthus, an occa-
cutting board clean by occasionally scrubbing it with a paste
sional shower in a mild solution of 1 tablespoon baking soda in
made from 1 tablespoon each baking soda, salt, and water.
2 quarts (2 liters) water. They'll show their appreciation with
Rinse thoroughly with hot water.
fuller, healthier blooms.
FIRE EXTINGUISHER— Every kitchen should have a con-
tainer of baking soda near the stove. It effectively puts out MAINTAIN PROPER POOL ALKALINITY—Add 1% pounds
cooking fires. If flames appear, quickly throw baking soda at (680 grams) baking soda for every 10,000 gallons (38,000 liters)
the base of the fire. Be sure to stand at least an arm's length of water in your swimming pool to raise the total alkalinity by
from the flames. Baking soda extinguishes grease and electri- 10 porn (parts per million). Most pools require alkalinity in the
cal fires. Many commercial fire extinguishers. including dry 80-150 porn range. Maintaining the proper pool alkalinity level
chemical and foam, contain baking soda. Carbon dioxide is is vital for minimizing changes in pH if acidic or basic pool
released when baking soda is heated (just like when dough chemicals or contaminants are introduced to the water
rises) and water is produced. Since carbon dioxide is heavier
than air and does not support combustion like oxygen does, SCOUR BARBECUE GRILL—Keep your barbecue grill in top
it smothers the fire while the water that is formed cools the condition by making a soft paste of 1/4 cup baking soda and
fire to below the ignition temperature. Baking soda both 1/4 cup water. Apply the paste with a wire brush and let dry for
cools and smothers a fire unlike any other household chemi- 15 minutes. Then wipe it down with a dry cloth and place the
cal. It's a good idea to keep a box by your stove, or in your grill over the hot coals for at least 15 minutes to burn off any
travel trailer, with your camping gear, in your car, by the bar- residue before placing any food on top.
becue, etc. - you may be glad you did.
NOTE: Baking soda should not be considered a replacement for a
commercially available fire extinguisher.

CLEAR A CLOGGED DRAIN— Most kitchen drains can be

unclogged by pouring in 1 cup baking soda followed by 1
cup hot vinegar (simply heat it up in the microwave for 1
minute). Give it several minutes to work, then add 1 quart
(1 liter) boiling water. Repeat if necessary. If you know your
drain is clogged with grease, use 1/2 cup each of baking
soda and salt followed by 1 cup boiling water. Let the mix-
ture work overnight; then rinse with hot tap water in the
morning.
 16 5

FOR THE DO-IT-YOURSELFER IN THE KITCHEN

BOOST POTENCY OF DISHWASHING LIQUID—Looking for

CLEAN BATTERY TERMINALS—Eliminate the corrosive a more powerful dishwashing liquid? Try adding 2 tablespoons
buildup on your car’s battery terminals. Scrub them clean using baking soda to the usual amount of liquid you use, and watch it
an old toothbrush and a mixture of 3 tablespoons baking soda cut through grease like a hot knife!
and 1 tablespoon warm water. Wipe them off with a wet towel
and dry with another towel. Once the terminals have com- MAKE YOUR OWN DISHWASHING DETERGENT— Combine 2
pletely dried, apply a bit of petroleum jelly around each termi- tablespoons baking soda with 2 tablespoons o Borax. You may
nal to deter future corrosive buildup. be pleased with the results you’ll switch for good.

USE AS DEICER IN WINTER—Salt and commercial ice-melt DEODORIZE YOUR DISHWASHER—Eliminate odors inside
formulations can stain -- or actually eat away --the concrete your automatic dishwasher by sprinkling 1/2 cup baking soda
around your house. For an equally effective, but completely in- on the bottom of the dishwasher between loads. Or pour in half
nocuous, way to melt the ice on your steps and walkways dur- a box of baking soda and run the empty machine through its
ing those cold winter months, try sprinkling them with gener- rinse cycle.
ous amounts of baking soda. Add some sand for improved trac- CLEAN AND DEODORIZE YOUR REFRIGERATOR—To get
tion. rid of smells and dried-up spills inside your refrigerator, re-
TIGHTEN CANE CHAIR SEATS—The bottoms of cane chairs move the contents, then sprinkle some baking soda on a damp
can start to sag with age, but you can tighten them up again sponge and scrub the sides, shelves, and compartments. Rinse
easily enough. Just soak two cloths in a solution of 1/2 cup bak- with a clean, wet sponge. Don't forget to place a fresh box of
ing soda in 1 quart (1 liter) hot water. Saturate the top surface soda inside when you're done.
of the caning with one cloth, while pushing the second up CLEAN YOUR MICROWAVE—To clean those splatters off the
against the bottom of the caning to saturate the underside. Use inside of your microwave, put a solution of 2 tablespoons bak-
a clean, dry cloth to soak up the excess moisture, then put the ing soda in 1 cup water in a microwave-safe container and cook
chair in the sun to dry. on High for 2-3 minutes. Remove the container, then wipe down
REMOVE TAR FROM YOUR CAR—It may look pretty bad, but the microwave's moist interior with a damp paper towel.
it's not that hard to get road tar off your car without damaging REMOVE COFFEE AND TEA STAINS FROM CHINA—Don't
the paint. Make a soft paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part wa- let those annoying coffee and/or tea stains on your good china
ter and apply to the tar spots with a damp cloth. Let it dry for spoil another special occasion. Remove them by dip-ping a
five minutes, then rinse clean. moist cloth in baking soda to form a stiff paste and gently rub-
GIVE YOUR DECK THE WEATHERED LOOK—You can in- bing your cups and saucers. Rinse clean and dry, then set your
stantly give your wooden deck a weathered look by washing it table with pride.
in a solution of 2 cups baking soda in 1 gallon (3.7 liters) water. CLEAN A THERMOS—To remove residue on the inside of a
Use a stiff straw brush to work the solution into the wood, then thermos, mix 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart (1 liter) water. Fill
rinse with cool water. the thermos with the solution - if necessary, give it a going-over
CLEAN AIR-CONDITIONER FILTERS—Clean washable air- with a bottle brush to loosen things up -- and let it soak over-
conditioner filters each month they're in use. First vacuum off night. Rinse clean before using.
as much dust and dirt as possible, then wash in a solution of 1 FRESHEN A SPONGE OR TOWEL—When a kitchen sponge or
tablespoon baking soda in 1 quart (1 liter) water. Let the filters dish towel gets that distinctly sour smell, soak it overnight in 2
dry thoroughly before replacing. tablespoons baking soda and a couple of drops of antibacterial
KEEP YOUR HUMIDIFIER ODOR-FREE—Eliminate musty dish soap dissolved in 1 pint (450 milliliters) warm water. The
smells from a humidifier by adding 2 tablespoons baking soda following morning, squeeze out the remaining solution and
to the water each time you change it. Note: Check your owner's rinse with cold water. It should smell as good as new.
manual or consult the unit's manufacturer before trying this.
 6 15

IN THE KITCHEN IN THE LAUNDRY

REMOVE STAINS AND SCRATCHES ON COUNTERTOPS— BOOST STRENGTH OF LIQUID DETERGENT AND
Is your kitchen countertop covered with stains or small knife BLEACH—It may sound like a cliche, but adding 1/2 cup bak-
cuts? Use a paste of 2 parts baking soda to 1 part water to "rub ing soda to your usual amount of liquid laundry detergent
out" most of them. For stubborn stains, add a drop of chlorine really will give you "whiter whites" and brighter colors. The bak-
bleach to the paste. Immediately wash the area with hot, soapy ing soda also softens the water, so you can actually use less
water to pre-vent the bleach from causing fading. detergent. Adding 1/2 cup baking soda in top-loading machines
(1/4 cup for front-loaders) also increases the potency of bleach,
SHINE UP STAINLESS STEEL AND CHROME —To put the
so you need only half the usual amount of bleach.
shine back in your stainless steel sink, sprinkle it with baking
soda, then give it a rubdown -- moving in the direction of the
grain -- with a moist cloth. To polish dull chrome trim on your REMOVE MOTH BALL SMELL FROM CLOTHES—If your
appliances., pour a little baking soda onto a damp sponge and clothes come out of storage reeking of mothballs, take heed:
rub over the chrome. Let it dry for an hour or so, then wipe Adding 1/2 cup baking soda during your washer's rinse cycle
down with warm water and dry with a clean cloth. will get rid of the smell.
GET RID OF GREASE STAIN ON STOVETOPS—Say good-
bye to cooked-on grease stains on your stovetop or backsplash. WASH NEW BABY CLOTHES—Get all of the chemicals out of
First wet them with a little water and cover them with a bit of your newborn's clothing --without using any harsh detergents.
baking soda. Then rub them off with a damp sponge or towel. Wash your baby's new clothes with some mild soap and 1/2 cup
baking soda.
CLEAN AN AUTOMACTIC COFFEEMAKER—Properly caring
for your automatic coffeemaker means never having to worry
about bitter or weak coffee. Every two weeks or so, brew a pot RUB OUT PERSPIRATION AND OTHER STAINS—Pre-
of 1 quart (1 liter) water mixed with 1/4 cup baking soda, fol- treating clothes with a paste made from 4 tablespoons baking
lowed by a pot of clean water. Also, sweeten your coffeemaker's soda and 1/4 cup warm water can help vanquish a variety of
plastic basket by using an old toothbrush to give it an occa- stains. For example, rub it into shirts to remove perspiration
sional scrubbing with a paste of 2 tablespoons baking soda and stains, for really bad stains, let the paste dry for about two
1 tablespoon water. Rinse thoroughly with cold water when hours before washing. Rub out tar stains by applying the paste
done. and washing in plain baking soda. For collar stains, rub in the
paste and add a bit of vinegar as you're putting the shirt in the
CARE FOR YOUR COFFEEPOTS AND TEAPOTS—Remove
wash.
mineral deposits in metal coffeepots and teapots by filling them
with a solution of 1 cup vinegar and 4 tablespoons baking soda.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then let simmer for five minutes. Or WASH MILDEWED SHOWER CURTAINS—Just because
try boiling 5 cups water with 2 tablespoons soda and the juice your plastic shower curtain or liner gets dirty or mil-
of half a lemon. Rinse with cold water when done. To get off dewed doesn't mean you have to throw it away. Try clean-
annoying exterior stains, wash your pots with a plastic scouring
ing it in your washing machine with two bath towels on
pad in a solution of 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart (1 liter)
warm water. Follow up with a cold-water rinse.
the gentle setting. Add 1/2 cup baking soda to your de-
tergent during the wash cycle and 1/2 cup vinegar during
REMOVE STAINS FROM NONSTICK COOKWARE—It may the rinse cycle. Let it drip-dry, don't put it in the dryer.
be called nonstick cookware, but a few of those stains seem to
be stuck on pretty well. Blast them away by boiling 1 cup water
mixed with 2 tablespoons baking soda and 1/2 cup vinegar for
10 minutes. Then wash in hot, soapy water. Rinse well and let
dry, then season with a bit of salad oil.
 14 7

FOR PERSONAL HYGIENE IN THE KITCHEN

USE AS A DEODORANT—Looking for an effective, all-natural CLEAN CAST-IRON COOKWARE—Although it's more prone
to stains and rust than the nonstick variety, many folks swear
deodorant? Try applying a small amount -- about a teaspoon's
by their iron cookware. You can remove even the toughest
worth -- of baking soda with a powder puff under each arm. You
burned-on food remnants in your iron pots by boiling 1 quart (1
won't smell like a flower or some exotic spice. But then, you
liter) water with 2 tablespoons baking soda for five minutes.
won't smell like anything from the opposite extreme, either. For
Pour off most of the liquid, then lightly scrub it with a plastic
a combination deodorant/ antiperspirant, mix four parts baking
scrub pad. Rinse well, dry, and season with a few drops of pea-
soda with one part cornstarch.
nut oil.
CONTROL YOUR DANDRUFF—Got a bit of a flaking prob- CLEAN BURNED OR SCORCHED POTS AND PANS—It usu-
lem? To get dandruff under control, wet your hair and then rub ally takes heavy-duty scrubbing to get scorched-on food off the
a handful of baking soda vigorously into your scalp. Rinse thor- bottom of a pot or pan. But you can make life much easier for
oughly and dry. Do this every time you normally wash your yourself by simply boiling a few cups of water (enough to get
hair, but only use baking soda, no shampoo. Your hair may get the pan about 1/4 full) and adding 5 tablespoons baking soda.
dried out at first. But after a few weeks your scalp will start pro- Turn off the heat, and let the soda settle in for a few hours or
ducing natural oils, leaving your hair softer and free of flakes. overnight. When you're ready, that burned-on gunk will practi-
cally slip right off.
CLEAN COMBS AND BRUSHES—Freshen up your combs and
hairbrushes by soaking them in a solution of 3 cups warm water DEODORIZE YOUR GARBAGE PAIL—Does something smell
and 2 teaspoons baking soda. Swirl them around in the water to "off' in your kitchen? Most likely, it's emanating from your trash
loosen up all the debris caught between the teeth, then let them can. But some smells linger even after you dispose of the of-
soak for about half an hour. Rinse well and dry before using. fending garbage bag. So, be sure to give your kitchen garbage
pail an occasional cleaning with a wet paper towel dipped in
SOOTHE TIRED, STINKY FEET—When your dogs start bark- baking soda (you may want to wear rubber gloves for this).
ing, treat them to a soothing bath of 4 tablespoons baking soda Rinse it out with a damp sponge, and let it dry before inserting
in 1 quart (1 liter) warm water. Besides relaxing your aching a new bag. You can also ward off stinky surprises by sprinkling
tootsies, the baking soda will remove the sweat and lint that a little baking soda into the bottom of your pail before inserting
gathers between your toes. Regular footbaths can also be an the bag.
effective treatment for persistent foot odor.

DEODORIZE SHOES AND SNEAKERS—A smelly shoe or

sneaker is no match for the power of baking soda. Liberally
sprinkle soda in the offending loafer or lace-up and let it sit
overnight. Dump out the powder in the morning. (Be careful
when using baking soda with leather shoes, however; repeated
applications can dry them out.) You can also make your own
reusable "odor eaters" by filling the toes of old socks with 2 ta-
ble-spoons baking soda and tying them up in a knot. Stuff the
socks into each shoe at night before retiring. Remove the socks
in the morning and breathe easier
 8 13

AROUND THE HOUSE FOR PERSONAL HYGIENE

REMOVE CRAYONS MARKS FROM WALLS—Has Junior re- USE AS GARGLE OR MOUTHWASH—Did the main course
decorated your walls or wallpaper with some original artworks you ordered include a few too many onions or a bit too much
in crayon? Don't lose your cool. Just grab a damp rag, dip it in garlic? Try gargling with 1 teaspoon baking soda in a half glass
some baking soda, and lightly scrub the marks. They should of water. The baking soda will neutralize the odors on contact.
come off with a minimal amount of effort. When used as a mouthwash, baking soda will also relieve canker
-sore pain.
WASH WALLPAPER—Is your wallpaper looking a bit dingy?
Brighten it up by wiping it with a rag or sponge moistened in a
SCRUB TEETH AND CLEAN DENTURES—If you run out of
solution of 2 tablespoons baking soda in 1 quart (1 liter) water. your regular toothpaste, or if you're looking for an all-natural
To remove grease stains from wallpaper, make a paste of 1 ta- alternative to commercial toothpaste, just dip your wet
blespoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon water. Rub it on the stain, toothbrush in some baking soda and brush and rinse as usual.
let it set for 5-10 minutes, then rub off with a damp sponge. You can also use baking soda to clean retainers, mouthpieces,
and dentures. Use a solution of 1 tablespoon baking soda dis-
solved in 1 cup warm water. Let the object soak for a half hour
CLEAN BABY SPIT-UPS—Infants do tend to spit up -- and usu-
and rinse well before using.
ally not at opportune moments. Never leave home without a
small bottle of baking soda in your diaper bag. If your tyke spits CLEAN AND SWEETEN TOOTHBRUSHES—Keep your fam-
up on his or her (or your) shirt after feeding, simply brush off ily's toothbrushes squeaky clean by immersing them in a solu-
any solid matter, moisten a washcloth, dip it in a bit of baking tion of 1/4 cup baking soda and 1/4 cup water. Let the brushes
soda, and dab the spot. The odor (and the potential stain) will soak overnight about once every week or two. Be sure to give
soon be gone. them a good rinsing before using.
DEODORIZE RUGS AND CARPETS—How's this for a simple REMOVE BUILT-UP GEL, SPRAY, OR CONDITIONER FROM
way to freshen up your carpets or rugs? Lightly sprinkle them HAIR—When it comes to personal grooming, too much of a
with baking soda, let it settle in for 15 minutes or so, then vac- good thing can spell bad news for your hair. But a thorough
uum up. Nothing to it! cleansing with baking soda at least once a week will wash all of
REMOVE WINE AND GREASE STAINS FROM CARPET— the gunk out of your hair. Simply add 1 tablespoon soda to your
What's that? Someone just dropped a slab of butter or a glass of hair while shampooing. In addition to removing all the chemi-
cabernet on your beautiful white carpeting! Before you scream, cals you put in your hair, it will wash away water impurities,
get a paper towel, and blot up as much of the stain as possible. and may actually lighten your hair.
Then sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda over the spot.
Give the soda at least an hour to absorb the stain, then vacuum
USE AS HAND AND FACE WASH—Make a mixture of three
up the remaining powder. Now ... exhale! parts water to one part baking soda. Use this paste to scrub
away stubborn hands stains like paint and grease or strong
FRESHEN UP MUSTY DRAWERS AND CLOSETS—Put baking odors like fish and garlic. The same mixture can be used to
soda sachets to work on persistent musty odors in dresser naturally exfoliate and soften your face after washing away sur-
drawers, cabinet hutches. or closets. Just fill the toe of a clean face dirt with soap and water. For more sensitive skin, make the
sock or stocking with 3-4 tablespoons soda, put a knot about an mixture four parts water to one part baking soda.
inch above the bulge, and either hang it up or place it away in
an unobtrusive corner. Use a few sachets in large spaces like USE AS A BATH SALT—Baking soda in the tub helps to re-
closets and attic storage areas. Replace them every other month lieve stress and soften skin. Add 1/4-1/2 cup to your bath. This
if needed. This treatment can also be used rid closets of is safe for most skin allergies and doesn't leave behind oily resi-
mothball smells. due that many bath oils and detergents can.
 12 9

IN THE MEDICINE CABINET AROUND THE HOUSE

COMBAT CRADLE CAP—Cradle cap is a commonplace, and REMOVE MUSTY ODOR FROM BOOKS—If those books you
typically harmless, condition in many infants. An old but often just took out of storage emerge with a musty smell, place each
effective way to treat it is to make a paste of about 3 teaspoons one in a brown paper bag with 2 tablespoons baking soda. No
baking soda and 1 teaspoon water. Apply it to your baby's scalp need to shake the bag, just tie it up and let it sit in a dry envi-
about an hour before bedtime and rinse it off the following ronment for about one week. When you open the bag, shake any
morning. Do not use with shampoo. You may need to apply it remaining powder off the books, and the smell should be gone.
several consecutive nights before the cradle cap recedes. (You
can also treat cradle cap with baby oil)
POLISH SILVER AND GOLD JEWELRY—To remove built-up
tarnish from your silver, make a thick paste with 1/4 cup bak-
ACID INDIGESTION AND HEARTBURN REMEDY—You can ing soda and 2 tablespoons water. Apply with a damp sponge
naturally neutralize painful stomach acids by adding 1/2 tea- and gently rub, rinse. and buff dry. To polish gold jewelry,
spoon of baking soda to an 8-ounce glass of water. Stir until cover with a light coating of baking soda., pour a bit of vinegar
completely diluted then drink. Do not use when your stomach is over it, and rinse clean. Note: Do not use this technique with
overly full. This remedy should not be used by anyone on a so- jewelry containing pearls or gem-stones, as it could damage
dium-restricted diet. their finish and loosen the glue.
RELIEVE ITCHING INSIDE A CAST—Wearing a plaster cast GET YELLOW STAINS OFF PIANO KEYS—That old upright
on your arm or leg is a misery any time of year, but wearing one may still play great, but those yellowed keys definitely hit a
in the summertime can be. torture. The sweating and itchiness sour note. Remove age stains on your ivories by mixing a solu-
you feel underneath your "shell" can drive you nearly insane. tion of 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart (1 liter) warm water. Ap-
Find temporary relief by using a hair dryer-- on the coolest set- ply to each key with a dampened cloth (you can place a thin
ting --to blow a bit of baking soda down the edges of the cast. piece of card-board between the keys to avoid seepage). Wipe
Note: Have someone help you, to avoid getting the pow-der in again with a cloth dampened with plain water, and then buff dry
your eyes. with a clean cloth. (You can also clean piano keys with lemon
juice
ALLEVIATE ATHLETE’S FOOT—You can deploy wet or dry
baking soda to combat a case of athlete's foot. First, try dusting REMOVE STAINS FROM FIREPLACE BRICKS—You may need
your feet (along with your socks and shoes) with dry baking to use a bit of elbow grease, but you can clean the smoke stains
soda to dry out the infection. If that doesn't work, try making a off your fireplace bricks by washing them with a solution of 1/2
paste of 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon water and cup baking soda in 1 quart (1 liter) warm water.
rubbing it between your toes. Let it dry, and wash off after 15
minutes. Dry your feet thoroughly before putting on your
REMOVE WHITE MARKS ON WOOD SURFACES—Get those
white marks --caused by hot cups or sweating glasses--off your
shoes.
coffee table or other wooden furniture by making a paste of 1
tablespoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon water. Gently rub the
spot in a circular motion until it disappears. Remember not to
use too much water.
REMOVE CIGARETTE ODORS FROM FURNITURE—To
eliminate that lingering smell of cigarette or cigar smoke on
your upholstered furniture, simply lightly sprinkle your chairs
or sofas with some baking soda. Let it sit for a few hours, then
vacuum it off.
 10 11

AROUND THE HOUSE IN THE MEDICINE CABINET

SHINE UP MARBLE-TOPPED FURNITURE—Revitalize the TREAT MINOR BURNS—The next time you grab the wrong
marble top on your coffee table or counter by washing it with a end of a frying pan or forget to use a pot holder, quickly pour
soft cloth dipped in a solution of 3 tablespoons baking soda and some baking soda into a container of ice water. soak a cloth or
1 quart (1 liter) warm water. Let it stand for 15 minutes to a half gauze pad in it, and apply it to the burn. Keep applying the so-
hour, then rinse with plain water and wipe dry. lution until the burn no longer feels hot. This treatment will
also prevent many burns from blistering.
CLEAN BATHTUBS AND SINKS—Get the gunk off old enam-
eled bathtubs and sinks by applying a paste of 2 parts baking COOL OFF SUNBURN AND OTHER SKIN IRRITATIONS—
soda and 1 part hydrogen peroxide. Let the paste set for about For quick relief of sunburn pain, soak gauze pads or large cot-
half an hour. Then give it a good scrubbing and rinse well, the ton balls in a solution of 4 tablespoons baking soda mixed in 1
paste will also sweeten your drain as it washes down. cup water and apply it to the affected areas. For a bad sunburn
REMOVE MINERAL DEPOSITS FROM SHOWERHEADS—Say on your legs or torso - or to relieve the itching of chicken pox -
so long to hard-water deposits on your showerhead. Cover the take a luke-warm bath with a half to a full box of baking soda
head with a thick sandwich-size bag filled with 1/4 cup baking added to the run-ning water. To ease the sting of razor burns,
soda and 1 cup vinegar. Loosely fasten the bag -- you need to let dab your skin with a cotton ball soaked in a solution of 1 table-
some of the gas escape -- with adhesive tape or a large bag tie. spoon baking soda in 1 cup water.
Let the solution work its magic for about an hour. Then remove
the bag and turn on your shower to wash off any remaining de- SOOTHE POISON IVY RASHES—Did you have an unplanned
bris. Not only will the deposits disappear, but your showerhead encounter with poison ivy when gar-dening or camping re-
will be back to its old shining self! cently? To take away the itch, make a thick paste from 3 tea-
spoons baking soda and 1 teaspoon water and apply it to the
ABSORB BATHROOM ODORS—Keep your bathroom smelling affected areas. You can also use baking soda to treat oozing
fresh and clean by placing a decorative dish filled with 1/2 cup blisters caused by the rash. Mix 2 teaspoons baking soda in 1
baking soda either on top of the toilet tank or on the floor be- quart (1 liter) water and use it to saturate a few sterile gauze
hind the bowl. You can also make your own bathroom deodoriz- pads. Cover the blisters with the wet pads for 10 minutes, four
ers by setting out dishes containing equal parts baking soda times a day. Note. Do not apply on or near your eyes.
and your favorite scented bath salts.
MAKE A SALVE FOR BEE STINGS—Take the pain out of that
TIDY UP YOUR TOLIET BOWL—You don't need all those bee sting -- fast. Make a paste of 1 tea-spoon baking soda mixed
chemicals to get your toilet bowl clean. Just pour half a box of with several drops of cool water, and let it dry on the afflicted
baking soda into your toilet tank once a month. Let it stand area. Warning: Many people have severe al-lergic reactions to
overnight, then give it a few flushes in the morning. This actu- bee stings. If you have difficulty breathing or notice a dramatic
ally cleans both the tank and the bowl. You can also pour sev- swelling, get medical attention at once. (You can also treat bee
eral tablespoons of baking soda directly into your toilet bowl stings with meat tenderizer.)
and scrub it on any stains. Wait a few minutes, then flush away
the stains. FIGHT DIAPER RASH—Soothe your baby's painful diaper rash
by adding a couple of table-spoons of baking soda to a luke-
warm -- not hot-- bath. If the rash persists or worsens after sev-
eral treatments, consult your pediatrician.