Hints from Heloise

Dear Readers: When you’re trying to save money and the environment, but your home needs a major cleaning, then the best solution is baking soda. Commercial cleaners can be costly and might contain chemicals that come with warnings, while a box of inexpensive, planet-friendly baking soda could be all you need to tackle many cleaning jobs around the house.

You can use baking soda in every room, including the bathroom as a natural deodorant, homemade toothpaste, foot deodorant and even mouthwash. Sprinkle it directly on a damp toothbrush instead of using expensive toothpastes that contain baking soda as one of the ingredients. For a mouthwash, just gargle with 1 teaspoon dissolved in 1/2 glass of warm water.

You can also use baking soda for a soothing bath or as a mild facial scrub that will leave you with a healthy glow. – Heloise