Against mold and odor: 5 tips on how to use baking soda at home

Mold may form in joints and corners in the bathroom and kitchen due to moisture. If the mold has not yet penetrated very deeply, a paste made of baking soda and water may help. German consumer magazine Öko-Test writes how it works: Put water and baking soda in a one-to-one ratio in a glass and stir. Apply the thin paste to a toothbrush and brush the joints with it. Rinse with plenty of water after approximately one hour of exposure.

Schaufelberger says baking soda is also ideal for neutralizing odors. To eliminate unpleasant odors from fish and other foods in the refrigerator, you can place a small bowl of dry baking soda powder in the refrigerator. Baking soda absorbs odors overnight. “The refrigerator smells less without needing to be completely cleaned.” The multi-purpose product can also be used on carpets that are difficult to clean, such as those where a dog has slept. According to Schaufelberger, you can spread it out here and let it run overnight. “If you sweep up the dust the next morning, the smell will disappear.”

Silver cutlery or jewelry will darken over time. When it comes into contact with oxygen, it oxidizes and silver sulfide forms on its surface. It is harmless to health but has a metallic or sulfur taste and causes black spots on cutlery. This oxidation process can be reversed by a chemical reaction, Schaufelberger says. To do this, you need a large bowl with the bottom lined with aluminum foil. Add hot water, some salt and baking soda. “You can soak the silver in water for a few minutes, then rinse and dry it. “It’s already shining like new again.”

Commercial drain cleaners are often expensive and harmful to the environment. Instead of buying one, you can put two tablespoons of baking soda down the drain and pour a deciliter of vinegar over it, says Schaufelberger. Due to the chemical reaction, a large amount of foam is immediately formed. “It has a strong cleaning effect and can remove moderate to stubborn residue,” says Schaufelberger. He recommends placing a cloth or rag over the foam to prevent it from leaking down the drain. “The deposits and residue of the baking soda can then be flushed down the drain with boiling water.”