I'm not exactly the world's most fabulous housekeeper, but I do feel better when the house is clean. I just hate all the hard work required to do it. So I tend to turn to harsh cleaners that get the job done fast, all the while worrying about the effect it may have on the baby I am carrying or the air quality in the house for the people and pets that are already living here.
So I love coming across tips for inexpensive, nontoxic, green cleaners (because while I am totally Method's bitch, the cost mounts up). Like these tips for baking soda. I already knew it was a wonder substance, but I didn't know it could do things like put out small kitchen fires, kill roaches, and deodorize your hands (I'm assuming after chopping onions or garlic). And to keep drains clear, pour baking soda and vinegar down them once a week, which sounds like a chore my daughter and husband would fight for.
My favorite baking soda use is as a deodorizer for stanky gross laundry. When my daughter was in the "frequent accidents" phase of potty training, I'd throw a bunch in with any load that had her stuff in it and it came out smelling fine – I'm guessing it would work well on cloth diapers too. Plus I use it on sheets and towels; we all have sensitive skin and this helps soften and freshen them without giving us rashes.
Not only is it Earth-friendly, it's cheap. You can find it in giant bags at Costco and frequently find generics at the dollar store.
