Given the properties of baking soda in neutralizing odor-causing bacteria, many people use this ingredient for their homemade natural deodorant. This compound works amazingly well if used in small quantities. But it must be noted that “natural” does not mean “harmful-free” in all cases.
Dermatologists always make sure to point out that there are certain pH balances on human skin. Usually, human skin has an acid mantle that has a pH of about 5.5. But baking soda, on the other hand, has a much higher level of acidity, a pH of around 9.
This is why the American Academy of Dermatology warns against interference with the natural barrier of the skin, as this could result in dehydration, inflammation, and even painful rashes in individuals with sensitive skin. This means that if you decide to use it as a deodorant, you would have to apply it in its diluted form.
3. A Gentle Yet Effective Household Abrasive
The composition of baking soda itself lends itself very well to use as a surface cleaner because of its nature as a mild abrasive; tough enough to scrub away dried food stains or soap film, but not hard enough to damage the surface polish of your stainless steel kitchen sink or porcelain bathtub.
As pointed out by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), ingredients such as baking soda make excellent substitutes for other, more potent cleaning agents. This can help families enhance their indoor air quality, as it reduces the off-gassing effect that occurs when using industrial cleaners. A paste comprising three parts of baking soda and one part of water can clean any household surface, from stovetops to bathroom tiles.
