Four little-known ways to put bicarbonate of soda to work and save some cash

WE love it for cakes and cleaning, but bicarbonate of soda has all sorts of other ingenious uses too.

Better still, the store cupboard ingredient is cheap and can be used in place of other more expensive products.

Here are some little-known ways to put bicarb to work and save some cash . . . 

AIR PURIFIER: Bicarbonate of soda is fantastic for neutralising foul odours.

Keep a small pot discreetly in your home and it will eliminate bad smells.

You can also simply add a few drops of essential oil to it and cover with thin cloth to give your household a welcoming aroma.

WEED THEM OUT: If you have paving or gravel areas outside at home, weeding rogue plants can be a never-ending and backache-inducing chore.

Bicarbonate of soda will make light work of the task, seeing off unwanted greenery without the need for weed killer.

Just sprinkle a little of the powder over the plants, particularly the roots. Don’t use bicarbonate of soda in flower beds or grass areas as it will alter the composition of the soil and kill off other plants.

GLEAMING TEETH: Bicarbonate of soda is a main ingredient in many whitening toothpastes. But a homemade recipe can work just as well.

Toothpaste brand Arm & Hammer recommends mixing a tablespoon of bicarb with the same amount of water. The paste can then be rubbed on teeth with a brush or fingers for two minutes.

Rinse away thoroughly with water.

PEST CONTROL: If ants are making their way into your house, rather than using toxic ant powder, baking soda will kill off the pesky intruders if they eat it.

Mix up a little with sugar or jam and leave it close to where you have spotted them. They should then take back the “food” to the nest, putting an end to infestations.

BULK BUY: A 500g Dri-Pak box is £2.50 at B&Q. Amazon has a 2kg pack at £6.32.

• All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.

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