A riddle for you: what was bought 10 years ago and is still going strong? It’s baking soda! Sodium bicarbonate, a powder with small crystals, can really be on the shelf for decades and not used at all. Well, it’s your loss!

SmallJoys has collected 15 unusual methods that will definitely make you finally get the baking soda from the shelf and use it.

15. Natural deodorant

If you can’t use a store-bought deodorant, mix water with baking soda in a container (or just take a pinch of baking soda) and apply to the underarm area. You can get rid of foot odor in the same way.

14. Remedy for itching

Apply a paste made from baking soda and water to the skin to relieve itchy rashes from insect bites and poison ivy.

13. Relief for heartburn

To eliminate heartburn, you can drink a mixture of half a glass of water and 1 tsp baking soda. Or you can try a little milk with a pinch of baking soda. You can also use the following recipe: 100 ml (3.4 oz) water, 1/4 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp citric acid (or a little lemon juice), 1/2 tsp sugar.

12. Natural scrub

Recipe #1. For brighter skin. 1 tbsp baking soda, 1 tsp lemon juice, 4-5 drops of tea tree oil. Mix, apply to the face, and massage well using a special massage brush.

Recipe #2. To remove blackheads. 1 tsp baking soda, 0.5 tsp honey. You can even add a little vegetable oil. Mix, apply to blackhead-prone areas for 5 minutes, then massage and rinse.

Recipe #3. To minimize lines and wrinkles. Mix 2 tsp baking soda with 1 tsp coconut oil. Massage your face thoroughly for 5-7 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Repeat 1-2 times a week.

11. Hair care

For rapid hair growth, mix 9 tbsp water with 3 tbsp baking soda. Apply the mixture from root to tip using an applicator bottle, and massage your scalp. Prepare and apply a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar, then massage your scalp again and rinse well. Your hair will become shiny and healthy.

10. Remedy for stretch marks

Regular massage with this mixture will make your body’s tissues regenerate faster. Mix 3 tbsp baking soda with the juice of half a lemon. Massage the affected areas.

9. Bad breath and dental plaque remover

Mix 2 tsp baking soda with lime juice, and add half a cup of water. Rinse your mouth with this solution if you smell an unpleasant odor. You can also use a solution of water and 3-4 tbsp baking soda.

8. Remedy for calluses and hand odor eliminator

Warm soaks with baking soda a couple of times a week will save you from having rough skin on your hands and feet. And if you rub your hands and cutting board with baking soda, you can remove unpleasant odors of garlic or fish.

7. Stains, mold, and mildew remover

Mix 1 part water with 1 part vinegar in a container. Then mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part hydrogen peroxide to form a paste. First, spray the liquid mixture on the grout between the tiles, then scrub it with the paste. Be sure to test these mixtures in an inconspicuous area first.

6. Fridge odor absorber

Just leave a glass with baking soda on a refrigerator shelf for a couple of days.

5. Jewelry cleaner

Mix 3 tsp baking soda with 1 tsp water, and brush your jewelry using a toothbrush. Rinse with cold water.

4. Remedy to treat abscesses

Soak the affected area twice a day for 15-20 minutes in a solution of baking soda, salt, and warm water using 1 tsp baking soda and 1 tsp salt for 1 glass of water.

3. Sunburn remedy

Mix a cup of baking soda in a cool water bath. This will help to soothe the sunburn. Salt and warm water applications can eliminate local pain.

2. Peas and beans softener

Just add a pinch of baking soda to the pan, and the beans will be ready sooner, especially if they are old.

1. Teeth whitener

Baking soda is an excellent abrasive, so you shouldn’t use it too often. You can add a little baking soda to your toothpaste and clean your teeth as usual. Or use this recipe: sprinkle baking soda on your wet toothbrush, and add 2-3 drops of lemon juice. Then clean as usual.