100 Uses For Baking Soda
- 100 Alternative Uses For Baking Soda. Next to vinegar, baking soda is one of the most natural and health-friendly cleaning solutions and it has more than 100 uses. Baking Soda vs Baking Powder.
- Baking Soda for Health: 100 Amazing and Unexpected Uses for Sodium Bicarbonate [Britt Brandon] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. New in the popular For Health series, a guide to the affordable, all-natural healing, wellness, and beauty benefits of baking soda. Baking soda has been a kitchen staple for generations.
Here are some of the best uses for baking soda. Bicarbonate of soda—commonly known as “baking soda”—is a wonderful household product used in baking, cleaning, and many more household activities.
byPatience A. Pecoraro (Licensed Esthetician)May 14, 2019 55There is one ingredient in nearly every kitchen cupboard capable of doing wonders for your hair, skin, and body. This inexpensive, multipurpose item goes by the name of baking soda, and you don’t need to be a culinary expert for it to ring a bell.
Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, a natural substance that is crystalline but often appears as a fine powder.[1] This alkaline substance has antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Traditionally used as a leavening agent for dough, cake, and cookies, baking soda works by releasing carbon dioxide bubbles that cause the batter to rise.
If you think that the use of baking soda is limited to baking alone, think again. It is also recognized as a powerful medical tool effective at combating everything from colds to oral problems to skin issues.
AdvertisementsYou cannot also undermine the multiple beauty applications of baking soda. The versatility of this product is such that this simple ingredient alone packs quite a punch when it comes to head-to-toe grooming.
Baking soda is effective when used for short periods. Excessive use can damage your skin and hair. Also, you should do a patch test to determine whether your skin is sensitive to it.
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People with high blood pressure can also bear the unhealthy consequences of its high sodium content and are advised to consult with their doctor about the safety and suitability of consuming baking soda medicinally.
ContentsAdvantages of Baking Soda for Skin, Hair and Body
Here are 10 benefits of baking soda for your hair, skin, and body.
1. Brightens Yellow Teeth
Baking soda is excellent in making your pearly whites shine. It works as a mild abrasive to remove yellow stains from your teeth.
AdvertisementsIn addition, it helps remove plaque by neutralizing acids produced by bacteria.[2]
- Simply put a little baking soda on your toothbrush along with your regular toothpaste. Brush your teeth as usual for 2 minutes. Do this once daily for a few days.
- Alternatively, prepare a homemade teeth whitener with 4 tablespoons of turmeric root powder, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, and 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin coconut oil. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly. Use a small amount of this paste to brush your teeth once daily for a few days.
Caution:
- There are a few problems to keep in mind when using baking soda. Applying baking soda to your teeth over an extended period time can erode away your teeth’s natural protective enamel.
- Mixing baking soda with an acid for a DIY tooth whitener can prove extremely corrosive for your teeth’s protective covering.
Cleaning With Baking Soda
2. Relieves Sunburn and Sunburn Blisters
During the summer, keep a box of baking soda handy. Due to its alkaline nature, baking soda has a soothing effect on sunburned skin, which helps relieve the itching and burning sensations.
It also has mild antiseptic and drying properties that help dry out sunburn blisters quickly.[3]
Advertisements- Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of baking soda in 1 cup of cold water. Soak a clean washcloth in this solution, wring out the excess water, and apply the washcloth as a cool compress on the affected area for 5 to 10 minutes. Repeat this two or three times a day until you get relief.
- Alternatively, add a ½ cup of baking soda to a bathtub filled with water. Stir well and soak yourself in this water for 10 to 15 minutes. After getting out of the bath, pat your skin dry or allow your body to air-dry. Do this once daily for a few days.
3. Improves Skin Complexion
Uneven skin tone is a major problem for many. If it’s a brighter and more uniform complexion that you aspire, baking soda is an easy and inexpensive solution.
It is a good exfoliating agent that helps remove dead cells. In addition, it balances the pH level of the skin, which is very important in maintaining even and clear skin.[4]
- Mix 1 to 2 teaspoons of baking soda with enough filtered water or rose water to make a paste. Apply the paste on your face. Allow it to sit for 1 minute, and then gently rub it off using only the tips of your fingers. Finally, wash your face with lukewarm water and pat your skin dry to reveal brighter skin. Follow this remedy one or two times a week only. Make sure to moisturize your skin after using baking soda.
- Alternatively, mix 1 tablespoon each of baking soda and fresh lemon juice along with 4 or 5 drops of extra-virgin olive oil. Apply this paste on your face. Leave it on for 5 minutes, and then rinse it off with cold water. Repeat this two or three times a week.
4. Acts as a Natural Antacid
Baking soda works as a neutralizing agent for the treatment of acid reflux.
This digestive condition is characterized by a backwash of stomach acid into the food pipe. As the corrosive acid comes in contact with the esophageal lining, it is likely to cause heartburn, a burning feeling that can occur anywhere between the abdomen and throat.
AdvertisementsGiven that baking soda inherently has an alkaline pH, it works as a quick-acting and highly absorbable antacid to counter the excess stomach acid.
In fact, sodium bicarbonate, which is the active ingredient in baking soda, is naturally secreted by the pancreas to protect the intestines.
Thus, the medicinal administration of baking soda only mimics and supports the action of the natural sodium bicarbonate produced within the body.
However, one must bear in mind that this natural antacid only provides temporary relief from the symptoms of acid reflux and other stomach-related issues.[5]
Caution:
- Prolonged use of this remedy can render your body’s internal environment too alkaline. Also, the sudden dip in acidity can trigger an acid rebound, causing your symptoms to become worse than before.
- Occasionally, drinking a baking soda solution to counter stomach acidity can trigger overproduction of digestive gas, which will only aggravate your GI symptoms.
- More rarely, taking this kind of natural antacid after a large meal may lead to a stomach rupture.
Due to the above-listed countereffects, the National Capital Poison Center recommends sticking to safer products such as Tums for addressing acidity problems.
Note: Children below the age of 6 should not be given baking soda medicinally unless prescribed by a doctor.5. Keeps Your Kidneys Healthy
Well-functioning kidneys are vital to your overall health, given that these bean-shaped organs perform a number of essential bodily functions such as removing toxins and waste from the blood.
The kidneys also promote healthy hormone production and work with other organs 24/7 to regulate blood pressure, increase red blood cell production, and synthesize vitamin D. Suffices to say that kidneys are among the most hard-working organs of the body.
Given the mounting toxic load prevalent in today’s times, your kidneys often succumb under the pressure and give way to renal dysfunction and disease.
A study demonstrates that bicarbonate supplementation can dramatically slow the decline of renal function in stage 4 chronic kidney disease.[6]
Because metabolic acidosis (low blood bicarbonate/high blood acidity) is a common by-product of advanced renal disease, baking soda was also found to increase bicarbonate levels to restore normal blood pH.[6]
Experts propose taking a teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in a cup of water daily.
Not only will this help regulate your body’s pH level and improve your hormone balance, but drinking this solution is also a cheap and easy way to enhance nutrient absorption and blood quality-all of which can help your kidneys stay healthy.
Caution: Given that sodium is one of its major components, consuming excessive amounts of baking soda can lead to a sodium overload in the body, resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, and graver issues such as seizures and renal problems.6. Serves as a Foot Soak and Exfoliator
Your feet have to carry the brunt of your entire body, day in and day out, yet these overworked parts of the body are often the most neglected when it comes to self-care.
Being your point of contact to the ground, your feet tend to pick up a lot of grime over time. To keep your feet in top shape, it is essential that you treat them to some much-needed TLC from time to time.
To that end, baking soda figures as a cost-effective, gentle, and a natural exfoliating agent that can be used on your feet every day.
Whip up an invigorating foot soak by adding 3 tablespoons of baking soda to a tub of warm water. Stir thoroughly and dip your feet in the tub for at least 10 minutes.
The baking soda will work to soften the immersed skin over this period. Thereafter, wash your feet and scrub off the residual dirt and dead skin with a pumice stone.[4]
7. Heals Skin Rashes and Itchiness
Skin rashes and itchiness can cause a lot of discomforts. You can treat these problems with baking soda. It has a soothing effect on the skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties that also help reduce inflammation, itching, and swelling.[7]
- For localized itching, mix 1 part water with 3 parts baking soda. Apply the paste on the affected area. Allow it to sit for a couple of minutes, and then rinse it off with cool water. Use this treatment once daily until the condition improves.
- If you have itching all over your body, add 1 cup of baking soda to a bathtub of cool water and soak in it for 10 minutes a day.
8. Treats Nail Fungus
Nail fungus can make your nails look ugly and cause many discomforts. It is an infection that occurs when fungi start growing under the nails. This results in crusty, thick, discolored, and distorted nails.
The alkaline nature of baking soda prevents the growth of fungi.[8]
- Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda in 1 cup of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. Soak the affected toenails or fingernails in this solution for 5 minutes. Pat your nails dry with paper towels. Do this twice a day.
- Alternatively, make a paste of 1 to 2 teaspoons of baking soda mixed with warm water. Apply it on your affected nails for a few minutes, and then rinse it off with warm water. Repeat once daily.
9. May Treat Calluses
If any particular area of the skin is subjected to prolonged friction and pressure, it tends to develop calluses. The continued irritation causes the skin to toughen up and acquire a thick, hardened, and rough exterior to prevent rupturing.
The typical problem sites include the feet, palms, and fingertips. Although largely not serious, a callus can be painful especially when pressure is applied to it.
Depending upon the location of the callus, something as simple as walking can aggravate the discomfort. If not tended to properly, the affected site may even get ulcerated or infected.
Considering that baking soda is composed of tiny crystals, it works as a mild abrasive agent that gently sloughs off the hardened layers of the skin.
This claim was further corroborated by evidence-based studies. It was found that soaking your callus-ridden area in a baking soda bath may help soften the hardened skin, remove any scales, and alleviate discomfort.[9]
10. Treats Body Odor
Baking soda is one of the best natural deodorizers that help treat mild to severe body odor.
It helps absorb moisture and sweat from the skin, thereby reducing body odor. Being an antibacterial agent, it also helps kill bacteria that give rise to body odor.[10]
- Combine ⅛ teaspoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of water, and a few drops of any essential oil. Use a cotton ball to rub the mixture on your underarms or areas where you sweat excessively. Use it regularly to fight body odor.
- Alternatively, thoroughly mix equal amounts of baking soda and cornstarch. Dust this powder onto your dry underarms to prevent sweating and bad odor.
Follow these remedies for several weeks.
User-Submitted Remedies
Treats Smelly and Oily Hair
Smelly hair is a very embarrassing problem, and people with oily hair are more prone to this condition. Oily hair picks up environmental pollutants and strong smells more readily.
Baking soda can easily fix this problem because it helps reduce oiliness and also neutralizes foul odors. In addition, its alkaline nature balances the pH level of the scalp to keep it clean and healthy.
- Mix 1 a part of baking soda with 3 parts of water. Apply the mixture on your damp hair, wait for 5 minutes, and then rinse your hair. Repeat this once or twice a month.
- Alternatively, add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to your regular shampoo bottle and use it to wash your hair 1 or 2 times a week.
- Follow with apple cider vinegar. Once your hair is clean, you need to return your scalp pH to its normal pH of 4-5. Otherwise, your hair will dry out and be frizzy. Wash your hair with diluted apple cider vinegar. This treatment is simple and quick and smooths and softens your hair!
- You can also use baking soda as a dry shampoo. Thoroughly mix equal amounts of baking soda and cornstarch. Sprinkle a small amount at the roots of your hair and tousle your hair around. Brush your hair thoroughly with a good-quality brush and you will be impressed with the result.
Fights Acne and Pimples
To get rid of acne or pimples, you do not need harsh chemicals. Baking soda will do the work easily. The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of this kitchen staple help treat the cause and reduce the symptoms of acne breakouts.
In addition, it helps balance the skin’s pH, which helps reduce the occurrence of acne breakouts.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with a little water to make a paste.
- Apply this paste on the affected skin for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Rinse it off with cold water.
- Repeat this once daily for 2 or 3 days, and then reduce the frequency to one or two times a week.
How to Tell Baking Soda and Baking Powder Apart
A lot of people fail to tell the difference between baking soda and baking powder.
While both ingredients work equally well for increasing the volume and lightening the texture of baked goodies, they cannot be used interchangeably when it comes to skin and beauty purposes.
Only baking soda works in this regard, and therefore you must ensure that you have the right product before you get down to business.
Baking soda is essentially a component of baking powder, which also contains a dry acid. Moreover, baking powder usually expires within 3-12 months; baking soda can last you a lifetime without going bad.
Resources:
- Full Report (All Nutrients): 45358184, BAKING SODA, UPC: 842798102234. USDA Food Composition Databases. https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/45358184. Published April 2018.
- Kleber CJ, Putt MS, Nelson BJ. In vitro tooth whitening by a sodium bicarbonate/peroxide dentifrice. The Journal of clinical dentistry. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9835828.
- Quandt SA, Sandberg JC, Grzywacz JG. Home Remedy Use Among African American and White Older Adults. Journal of the National Medical Association. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4631220/. Published June 2015.
- Milstone LM. Scaly skin and bath pH: Rediscovering baking soda. Plum X Metrix. https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(09)00493-9/fulltext. Published May 2010.
- Booth BE, Gates J, Morris Jr. Grocery store baking soda. A source of sodium bicarbonate in the management of chronic metabolic acidosis. Clinical Pediatrics. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6319065.
- Jeong J, Kwon SK, Kim H- Y. Effect of Bicarbonate Supplementation on Renal Function and Nutritional Indices in Predialysis Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease. Electrolytes & blood pressure. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4297707/. Published December 31, 2014.
- Quandt SA, Sandberg JC, Grzywacz JG. Home Remedy Use Among African American and White Older Adults. Journal of the National Medical Association. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4631220/. Published November 3, 2015.
- Letscher-Bru V, Obszynski CM, Samsoen M, Sabou M, Waller J, Candolfi E. Antifungal activity of sodium bicarbonate against fungal agents causing superficial infections. Mycopathologia. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22991095. Published February 2013.
- Falco MB. Hereditary Palmoplantar Keratodermas. JDDG: Journal der DeutschenDermatologischenGesellschaft. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1610-0387.2009.07058.x. Published April 1, 2009.
- Lamb JH. Sodium Bicarbonate: An Excellent Deodorant. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022202X15500791. Published January 7, 2016.
Comments 55
Dileep KSsays:4 years ago It is very nice forskin,hair and body.
Replykareesays:3 years agoComment:eish im not so sure about this
ReplyTirhas Gebrekidansays:4 years agoWow very nice about hair
Replysimonsays:4 years agoThanks.very.much.have.really.benefited.keep.up.dating.the.world.in.the.same.mener.i.salute.you.
ReplySuvarnasays:4 years agoreally! Its so useful….
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Replysristhy sharmasays:4 years agofThx for the information it’s very important and banificical
ReplyAlexandrasays:4 years agoThanks for the info.
ReplyBharath.jsays:4 years agothank you very much for information
Replyheenasays:4 years agoit realy very nice.thankx
ReplyVidishasays:4 years agoThat actually helped. thanks?
Replyvinuthasays:4 years agoThanks for the information
ReplyPooja Kumarisays:3 years agoThanks for advice
Replypenescosays:3 years agoI have already started
Replyshivanisays:3 years agoThanks a lot
ReplySexysays:3 years agoVery useful tanks
ReplyGerry F Lennonsays:2 years agoYou’re welcome 😊
ReplyKhushbusays:3 years agoThank u so much itz really work…
ReplyTsumoksays:3 years agoIs baking soda and baking powder difference???? Can i use baking powder ??????
ReplySabasays:3 years agoBaking powder and baking soda are different things , baking soda is bi carbonate of soda ,
Replymamta naidusays:3 years agoThank you its really work….
ReplyGayathri.Rsays:3 years agoReally vry good homeremedies thanks lot
Replyirishsays:3 years agothank you for sharing these very helpful tips.???
ReplyHermie penalessays:3 years agoKeep me posted, please. Thanks
ReplyRabiyasays:3 years agoThank you so much 4 d wonderful tips
ReplyDechensays:3 years agoThank u for d wonderful post.
Replynthabiseng mphelesays:3 years agoThanx a lot about all dis info it reali helped me a lot,especially da Baking Soda mixtures nd all adas,
U guys are da best.!
Thanks so much for opening my eyes.
Replykomal ssays:3 years agoGood one home remedies
I usually follow all the home remedies dat r all useful. .
Thanks for the effective remedies
Thnx alot for the gud home remedies i love dis page im now a doctor cs i help others
ReplyShrutisays:2 years agoI follow this and the results are really good….thnks for giving information
Replyfionahsays:2 years agoComment:really helpful tips here …amazing
kindly send me more information on natural remedies
Comment:useful tips
ReplyHelen Godwinsays:2 years agoComment: thank you very much for such useful informations
ReplyTeeKaysays:2 years agoVery useful info.
I truly never knew it was this useful
I’ll put these tips to good use.
God bless ya
ReplyPurple ladysays:2 years agoFantastic tips, use baking soda it’s marvellous. Great for balancing ph levels, stops bacteria engaging. Love the tips, thank you.
Replychimadsays:2 years agowow,i wanna try this!
ReplyPrashanthi Gallagesays:2 years agoSo helpful thanx
Replyeasyhomeremediesforcomsays:2 years agoThanks for home remedies for dandruff. I usually not drink water so much and ı have this problem. I think dirnking water is very important to get rid of dandruff
ReplyMaheshsays:2 years agoWounderful tips, thankyou So much
Replysomeonesays:2 years agoImma try it 🙂 letchu know later how it works….
Replysomeonesays:2 years agoI’m going to try this. I’ll comment later to tell y’all if it works or not. :)))))
ReplyElizabeth Gurirassays:Uses For Baking Powder
2 years agoIn which shops can I buy the baking soda for beauty uses, I am in Southern Africa, Pretoria, thanks
ReplyUser1says:2 years agoEven at the petrol station. A sachet is less than R2.00.
ReplyLisa Johnsays:2 years agothank you for such awesome tips…imma try it and let you know the results;)
ReplyM yousafsays:2 years agoThanks for this information but can you give us more information about it.
ReplyChrissays:2 years agoI really appreciate the info and ideas. I love your blog!
ReplyGwensays:2 years agoComment:
yet to try….how about cracks at the back of my feet heels ,can baking soda help?
Hey I am using raw milk on my face overnight
I have hyperpigments redness on my nose
Does milk help reduce redness and heal skin as well.
can anyone help me
Awesome tips thank you! Tried it on my hair, loved the results!!
ReplyEmmanuel okyeresays:1 year agoPlease where can I get this baking soda some buy….
ReplyA Sakyakirtisays:1 year agoVery easy on the body. Great as a detox agent and great for health and dirt cheap too.
ReplySerahsays:1 year agoCan I use barking powder instead of barking soda
ReplyJuniasays:1 year agoWow!!!! It works, I tried it only once and my face is glowing again
ReplyRosesays:1 year agoI’ve tried it and it’s amazing. My hair was silky smooth and easy to manage. I’ll continue using baking soda for sure. Much cheaper and gives my hair a deep clean especially removing excess hair products which normal shampoos weren’t able to do. Love it!!
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AdvertisementsSure, it's an essential for grandma's amazing chocolate chip cookies, but baking soda also has the power to freshen and clean seemingly countless spots in your home. It's a super-effective (but gentle) abrasive and is a great natural deodorizer, so it's helpful in all sorts of cleaning emergencies.
1. Remove stains from plastic food containers
Leftovers have a way of leaving their mark. To freshen your containers, wipe with a clean sponge sprinkled with baking soda. Or erase tough stains by soaking in a solution of four tablespoons of baking soda and a quart of warm water. If that doesn't work, we recommend investing in these containers.
2. Refresh a foul-smelling fridge
Never worry that last night's salmon will leave your fridge smelling, well, fishy for months to come again. Baking soda will absorb strong food odors so they don't linger or change the taste of neighboring foods.
3. Clean store-bought fruits and veggies
Mixed with water, baking soda can remove dirt and that waxy coating that comes on produce from the supermarket.
4. Scrub down kitchen surfaces
Nearly every dirty spot in your kitchen can benefit from a baking soda treatment. Combine it with water to clean countertops, stainless steel sinks, microwaves, range hoods and cooking utensils.
5. Deep-clean extra greasy dishes and pans
Give baked-on food the one-two punch by dialing up your dish soap with a sprinkle of baking soda. 'Hot water soak, mildly abrasive baking soda, a scrub sponge and some elbow grease is all you need to dissolve stuck-on grease,' says Carolyn Forte, director of the Cleaning Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute.
6. Revive stale-smelling sponges
Soak these kitchen staples in baking soda and water to freshen them up so you can use them a little longer. But remember, you should still toss your sponges every two to three weeks, depending on use.
7. Deodorize musty upholstery
Banish smells from the soft, cushy places around your house by sprinkling surfaces with baking soda, letting it sit for 15 minutes, then vacuuming it up. 'You can also use this method to freshen up your mattress between cleanings,' says Forte.
8. De-stink pet beds
The same goes for Spot's favorite place to sleep! Sprinkle, wait 15 minutes and vacuum.
9. Give new life to old toys
Naturally fight the effects of your little one's grubby hands by wiping them with a sponge dipped in a baking soda and water solution.
10. Scrub a crayon-covered wall
And when your kid's artistic efforts end up all over that wall you just repainted, scrub lightly with a damp sponge sprinkled in baking soda.
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11. Banish mildew from bathrooms
Scrub your tub, tile, sink and shower curtain with a damp sponge and baking soda. Rinse to reveal gleaming surfaces.
12. Dust stuffed animals
These dust-collectors will be easier to clean if you place them in a large plastic bag with a cup of baking soda. Secure the top, take the bag outside and shake well. The baking soda helps draw out soil and dust. After you remove them from the bag, vacuum everything away.
13. Brighten dingy laundry
Both whites and colors will come out of the washing machine brighter if you add a cup of baking soda to your load. Combined with liquid detergent, it helps balance the pH levels to get clothes cleaner.
14. De-clog a drain
Clear a stubborn drain by pouring a 1/2 cup of baking soda down it, followed by a 1/2 cup of vinegar ($4, amazon.com). Cover with a wet cloth to contain the science fair-like effects (remember DIY volcanoes?). Wait five minutes, then flush with hot water.
15. Refresh smelly sneakers
Freshen up after gym class by sprinkling some baking soda inside your shoes (and your gym bag while you're at it.). Just tap it out before you wear them again.
16. Eliminate garbage can odors
Place some baking soda in the bottom of your can to fight trash stink. Then try these trash upgrades too.
17. Clean up a garage oil spill
Got an offending spot on your concrete? Pour on a little baking soda and scrub with a wet brush to make it disappear.
18. Scrub a messy grill
Combat a summer's worth of cookout grime by sprinkling some baking soda on your grill-cleaning brush before you scrub away.
19. Wipe down dirty patio furniture
Before you pull out your lawn chairs for the season, give them a wipe-down with baking soda and water. And before you put them away at the end of summer, place baking soda underneath the cushions or inside their storage bags to keep them fresh.
20. Fight linen closet smells
Just like in the fridge, an open box of baking soda placed near your sheets and towels can fight musty smells.
21. Buff out white water rings
If someone forgot their coaster and left a water ring on your coffee table, combine one part white non-gel toothpaste ($3, amazon.com) with one part baking soda. Dampen a cloth with water, add the mixture and rub with the grain to buff out the ring. Then take a dry cloth and wipe off. Use another soft cloth for a final shine and finish by polishing as you normally would.
22. Brighten dull jewelry
When your sterling silver stops shining, get rid of tarnish by making a paste (three parts baking soda to one part water). Apply it with a lint-free cloth (not a paper towel, which can scratch) and rinse.