Not only that, but you can reuse the same bottle, which allows you to avoid the plastic waste you would create from buying a new spray cleaner each time. If you’ve got carpets that are in need of some TLC you may be tempted to go out and buy a specialised cleaner to do the job. You might even be tempted to rent out a machine for the day to revitalise your carpets. If you don’t need to use your cleaner immediately, you can infuse your spray with citrus fruits to remove the vinegar smell. Here’s what you need to make this spray cleaner:

Removing stains on carpets can be a real challenge for any cleaner. However, bicarb and vinegar can even get these out too. For instant relief from bug bites and sunburn mix bicarbonate of soda with a little water and apply it directly to the sore. 26. Get rid of dandruff As lead researcher for our carpet stain removers testing, I've spent hours scrubbing away at coffee, curry, red wine and tomato ketchup stains. More than 20 carpet tiles and some serious elbow grease later, here's what I've learned about shifting tough stains: Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, has been touted as an effective and safe fungicide on the treatment of powdery mildew and several other fungal diseases. And as a final downside, several fungicides are especially toxic to bees. With the wild population of these essential pollinators already under stress from several directions, few gardeners want to add to the pressure. Bi-Carb of Soda to the Rescue

In the Kitchen

Before we explain how to use bicarbonate of soda for cleaning, it’s important to clarify that baking soda and baking powder are very different when it comes to cleaning. You can use bicarb and vinegar to make an excellent and totally natural drain cleaner too. Mix equal parts and pour it down the drain. Descale a kettle by filling it with around three quarters of the way with water and add a large tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda before boiling the kettle. If you have any stubborn stains in your kitchen, bicarbonate of soda and vinegar is your best friend. However, it is just as versatile in the bathroom too. Almost all of the ingredients in these homemade spray cleaners can be used for other purposes. Lemon, vinegar and bicarbonate of soda can be used in cooking, baking and food preservation.

Quade BN, Parker MD, Occhipinti R. The therapeutic importance of acid-base balance. Biochem Pharmacol. 2021;183:114278. doi:10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114278 The BiCARB study group. Clinical and cost-effectiveness of oral sodium bicarbonate therapy for older patients with chronic kidney disease and low-grade acidosis (BiCARB): a pragmatic randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. BMC Med. 2020;18(91). doi:10.1186/s12916-020-01542-9Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda into stinky trainers - and even your whole gym bag - and leave it. Just tap it out when you next need to use them 17. Keep flowers fresher for longer In everyday amounts, bi-carb of soda is vastly less harmful than other common fungicides such as copper or sulphur, but it can still cause problems if it isn't used carefully. First, you’ll need a spray bottle. You can use plastic or glass, both work well, but glass is a more environmentally-friendly option as it can be recycled easier than plastic.