Daisy says she’s raising apes. If she leaves out liquid soap or bar soap by the kitchen sink, the natives attack. She noticed however, that her Parmesan shaker can of baking soda and tea tree oil “carpet cleaner” remains untouched. So, she started using it to wash her hands. Even hands she thought were relatively clean yield murky wash water against her white porcelain sink. Who knew?
That Darn Equation on Which Deanna Keeps Harping
Temperature (1) + Agitation(2) + Chemistry(3) + Time (4) = CLEAN
Unlike the hair routine I shared yesterday, this routine takes advantage of BOTH cleaning aspects of baking soda: scouring(2) and the change in pH(3). If you also use warmer water, you get the temperature advantage (1). I can’t imagine she lets it sit on her hands for any length of time, but if they were really funky, I suppose that would be another step up in power.
If you only use soap, with the minimal rubbing required to bubble it up, you are only getting the chemistry advantage(3). That’s why the gurus say to get clean with soap, you need to RUB every inch of your hands(2) including nail beds and the backs for at least 20 seconds and use warm water(1).
How To Do It
- Fill an empty clean can of Parmesan half full with baking soda.
- (Optional) Put in twenty or so drops of your favorite antibacterial essential oil.
- Close top and shake to mix.
- Turn on water and shake a teaspoon into your hand.
- Scour your hands with it.
- Rinse.
I love baking soda and use it for everything, I’m going to try adding some essential oil and putting it in a container to shake out. I love mixing baking soda with some creamy facial cleanser and gently exfoliating my face, its the best!
I love all these tips. I never knew the uses and things around the house that have so many different functions. Thanks and keep them coming.
I have baking soda in a parmesan jar beside the sink already but I never thought to add tea tree oil and use it for my hands.
Gee baking soda really can be used for almost everything.
Sarah from gladysinthegarden@blogspot.com
I would be very careful using baking soda on my body, it is a very strong cleanser. But I have rosacea and can’t use a lot of stuff. I do use it to brush my teeth at least once a week cause I drink a lot of tea. My dentist has advised against daily use cause it will make your gums bleed and recede. If you have canker sores in your mouth or any cut in there swishing b. soda around with water will help them to heal faster.
Yes, Leah, I’m in the sensitive EVERYTHING tribe. Baking soda SOLUTION on the body is fine for me, but I would never use the powder straight. I had a horrid reaction to straight soda as deodorant. And though some use it as a paste on their scalp, I never would. It’s too strong. Itchy!
Hey, you forgot to put a (4) after “for at least 20 seconds”! 😉
I like to take a handful of dishwashing soap and then a shake or two of baking soda to wash my hands. And yes, it’s a noticeable difference the amount of gray ickiness I can get out of my skin. It’s also great for washing your hands after handling anything smelly, like fish.