In the Kitchen
- Benefits Of Buying Local Produce
- Buy Locally Grown Apples
- Don't Pour Kitchen Grease Down The Drain
- ENERGY STAR Refrigerators and Dishwashers Save Energy and Water
- Homemade Baby Food Is A Great Way To Do Your Part
- Organic Produce That's Worth The Money
- Paper VS Plastic
- Recycling Aluminum Cans Makes Good Cents
- The Great Wine Debate
- The Never Ending Glass Recycling Story
- Turkey Talk
In the Bathroom
All Through the House
- Cleaning With Vinegar
- Control Indoor Pests Naturally
- Don't Throw It Away - FreeCycle It!
- Earth 911
- ENERGY STAR products save energy, water and money!
- ENERGY STAR Washing Machine Saves Thousands of Gallons of Water Every Year
- ENERGY STAR- New Homes
- Father's Day Green Gift Ideas
- Get To Know Those Plastic Recycling Numbers
- Green Holiday Table Decorations
- Green Volunteering
- How Plastic Is Made
- How To Properly Dispose of CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs)
- ImagiPLAY For The Holidays
- In With The New and Recycle The Old
- Indoor Air Pollution
- Let the Holidays Shine with LED Lights!
- Mother's Day Gift Ideas
- Put Your Old Cell Phone To Good Use
- Recycle Glass
- Recycling Paper Is A Success
- Recycling Plastic
- Smart Strip Power Strip Saves Energy and Money
- Soap: Bar vs Liquid
- Sponges
- Stop Junk And Other Unwanted Mail
- Terri explains Do Your Part
- The Great Diaper Debate
- Treating Pet Smells and Accidents....Naturally
- Try Baking Soda Instead of Costly Chemical Cleaners
- What do you do with old or unused medicine?
- What Is Do Your part
- Why You Should Buy Organic Cotton
In the Garage
In the Garden
- Fall Leaves
- Go Native in the Garden
- How To Set Up A Rain Barrel
- Keep Mosquitoes Away Naturally
- Kill Outdoor Pests and Weeds Without Using Toxic Chemicals
- Plants That Tolerate Drought Conditions
- Put Those Coffee Grounds To Work In Your Yard
- Reduce amount of energy needed to cool your home
- Save Our Creeks - Don't Over Fertilize
- Test Your Soil Before You Fertilize
- Tree Banding
Try Baking Soda Instead of Costly Chemical Cleaners
Today’s do your part natural home cleaning tip is about baking soda. Baking soda is also known as sodium bicarbonate, it is an inorganic salt that is found naturally in mineral deposits around the world.There are some uses for baking soda you might already be aware of, such as putting boxes in the fridge and freezer to control odors. You may have also seen toothpaste, laundry detergent and carpet powder products made with baking soda. But there are many other uses for this natural, non-toxic and cheap product. Here are some of our favorites:
- Scrub surfaces just like you would with an abrasive cleanser
- Control odors in garbage cans by sprinkling baking soda in the bottom before putting in a new bag
- Use it in the garage or the driveway to clean up grease spills
- Get rid of nasty sneaker smell by sprinkling some baking soda into the shoes. Just dump it out before wearing
- To get rid of pet odors in your carpet, sprinkle baking soda and let sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum it up.
- Eliminate odors from your pet's bedding by sprinkling liberally with baking soda. Let it sit for 10 minutes (longer for stronger smells) and then vacuum clean
- You can also keep your dog smelling fresh between baths by giving him a dry baking soda bath. Lightly sprinkle some baking soda on their fur and then comb or brush it through and out.
Before trying any new cleaner in your home, be sure to test it in an inconspicuous area to make sure it’s safe for the materials.
And be sure to check out our story on cleaning with vinegar under the do your part section.
Many of us already have these products in our kitchen cabinets. Why not put them to other good uses? You’ll be saving money, using fewer chemicals and creating less waste because you won't need to buy as many cleaning products.
