Uses for bicarbonate of soda: we tell you everything

Bicarbonate of soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is obtained from 2 mineral raw materials: limestone and rock salt. To make it, chalk and salt are combined to produce sodium carbonate, then CO₂ is added. It's a product of natural origin, biodegradable and inexpensive, that can be used for many household jobs — in the garden or the bathroom too. Here's the complete guide to the best uses for bicarbonate of soda.

Cleaning the shower with bicarbonate of soda

Want a clean, healthy bathroom? Trust bicarbonate of soda. To make the shower enclosure or bath sparkle, nothing could be simpler:

• Dampen the surfaces with cold water.

• Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over all the walls.

• Leave it to work for a few minutes (30 minutes is ideal).

• Scrub firmly using circular motions.

• Rinse with clean water.

• Dry with a soft cloth.

Once this job is done, you can admire the result. We recommend repeating it every month.

Uses for bicarbonate: cleaning the toilet

As you know, the toilet isn't the cleanest room in the house. To keep this little corner fresh, heat up 3 glasses of white vinegar and pour this natural agent straight into the bowl. Sprinkle the sides with bicarbonate of soda, then leave the mixture to work for 30 minutes. Finally, scrub the inside of the bowl with the toilet brush and flush.

Cleaning the kitchen with bicarbonate of soda

Here are three tips for looking after the kitchen with sodium bicarbonate…

First kitchen tip

Remove the limescale that builds up on taps by applying a thin layer of bicarbonate with a damp sponge. Scrub firmly, then rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.

Second kitchen tip

Clean burnt pans with bicarbonate of soda. To do this, pour 1 glass of water and 1 glass of white vinegar into the frying pan or saucepan and bring it to the boil. Leave to cool. Add 2 tablespoons of bicarbonate (it's normal for it to foam) and leave to work for 15 minutes. To finish, scrub with a washable sponge or a wooden pan brush until the base is perfectly clean. Rinse and you're done!

Want another trick for rescuing burnt pots and pans? Dampen the end of a dishwasher tablet and use it to rub away the stubborn stains. Leave it to work for a few hours before rinsing.

Discover our tips using dishwasher tablets.

Third kitchen tip

The third and final tip for cleaning your kitchen with bicarbonate of soda concerns your fridge… You'll use bicarbonate to neutralise bad smells. To do this, cut a lemon in half and cover it with bicarbonate of soda, then place this citrus half in a small dish before putting it in the appliance. It's as simple as that!

You can use the other half of the lemon to clean the inside of the fridge before rinsing with clean water.

To discover our tips using lemon juice.

Another use for bicarbonate of soda: caring for mattresses

Did you know? You can freshen up your mattress by sprinkling it with bicarbonate of soda. Then rub the surface to work the powder deep into the fibres, leave it for a whole day, and vacuum up the residue carefully.

To deodorise and freshen the mattress long-term, repeat the process at every change of season.

Foot bath: a relaxing use for bicarbonate of soda

It's time to look after yourself! Prepare a lovely foot bath by mixing 3 tablespoons of bicarbonate with hot water. Soak your feet in this soothing bath for about 10 minutes, then rub them with a bicarbonate paste (3 tablespoons of sodium bicarbonate and a few drops of water). Rinse with clean water, and relax!

Deodorising sports shoes with bicarbonate

To deodorise your shoes and gym bag, your dance shoes or your boxing gloves, sprinkle the inside of these items with bicarbonate of soda and leave it overnight. The next morning, remove the residue with your vacuum cleaner.