What does baking soda do? From removing stains from your teeth to under-arm odours

EVER wondered how some people make life look so easy?

When it comes to stress-free living, taking shortcuts is vital and there's one wonder product that just keeps on giving – baking soda.

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What is baking soda?

Sodium bicarbonate or baking soda is the most necessary out of the baking substance family.

The vital white powder is also known as bicarbonate of soda and is a mixture of sodium and hydrogen carbonate.

Its main use is for baking and it is alkaline with a bitter taste.

According to , when it is mixed with acid (such as milk) it creates carbon dioxide - which causes the mixture to expand before it’s replaced with air.

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What is baking soda used for?

It is most commonly used for baking cakes or soda bread.

Because it neutralises both acidity and alkalinity, it's a great cleaning agent and is safe to use on baby skin in the right doses.

Here are some of the top uses for the miracle powder that'll have you stocking up your kitchen cupboards (and baby bag).

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1. Insect bites

If you or your little ones get an itchy insect bite at the park, mix a little baking soda with water to make a soothing paste.

2. Nappy rash

Adding two tablespoons of baking soda to your baby's bathwater can relieve a sore red rash.

3. Car spillages

If your baby spills milks in the back of the car, prevent any sour smells forming by blotting up as much as you can, then covering the area with baking soda and vacuuming it up when you get home.

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4. Unwanted crayon drawings

If your child gets creative with crayons somewhere they shouldn't, dab a wet cloth in some baking soda to remove any scribbles from walls.

5. Grubby teddy bears

Sprinkle baking soda on to cuddly toys and wait 15 minutes before brushing off.

6. Beach bags and baby bags

A sprinkle of baking soda in the bottom of baby bags (or beach bags, when you're on holiday) will help prevent odour building up.

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7. Greasy stains

Any light spillages on clothes or other fabrics can be cleaned by sprinkling baking soda on the spot and scrubbing with a wet cloth.

8. Lank hair

Believe it or not, if you've run out of dry shampoo, a little baking soda on your roots can work just as well.

9. Unwelcome visitors

Keep ants away at a picnic by combining half baking soda and half salt, and sprinkling the mixture wherever you spot the intruders.

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10. Bad breath and stained teeth

Got coffee breath or run out of toothpaste? Make like the olden days and dip your toothbrush into some baking soda to whiten your teeth and freshen your breath.

11. Under-arm odours

Another hygiene use for this wonder product – if you're not feeling fresh after a long day out, lightly pat baking soda under your arms to keep them dry and odour-free.

For more brilliant life hacks, check out our A-Z, including quirky uses for coffee and ketchup.