Baking soda is most often used for deodorizing refrigerators and, of course, baking. This multi-tasker also has medicinal uses, can scrub your tub and – surprise! – can be used to green up your beauty routine.
While some people swear by ditching the shampoo all together and using baking soda instead, my trial of that last year didn’t go so well. I so wanted it to work, so I could really simplify my routine and pare down the number of products I use. Unfortunately, my scalp’s just plain too oily for that.
My favorite use for baking soda is to give my shampoo a little extra oomph on those days when my hair’s gotten so dirty, it needs some super-strong cleansing. Instead of reaching for a clarifying shampoo – which is more than likely loaded with toxins – just pour about a teaspoon of baking soda into your hand, add your usual amount of shampoo and lather up. You’ll find that the lather is extra rich, and helps your shampoo go a little further. Work it into your scalp with your fingers for a soothing massage and extra oil-fighting power.
You can also mix baking soda with your face wash for an exfoliating scrub that will eliminate oil and leave your skin feeling extra clean. Simple, natural, and oh-so-cheap.
Photo credit: Flickr user s-a-m
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I never thought of that! I’ve been hesitant to switch to only baking soda because my hair gets greasy super fast but this I’ll do. :)
June 30th, 2008 at 9:51 amGreat tip! I like to use a little bit of baking soda mixed in with my facial cleanser for light exfoliation.
June 30th, 2008 at 1:34 pm[...] clean your kitchen, carpets, bathrooms and now – your hair. After reading one of my fav blogs, Eco Chick , I found a post on using baking soda as your shampoo or adding baking soda your shampoo to add an [...]
July 8th, 2008 at 9:58 amWow, is there nothing that baking soda can’t do?! I use baking soda more for cleaning, it adds a little extra oomph when mixed with powdered dishwasher soap. I also use it to clean baked on crud off of my stove, I sprinkled baking soda over it and added a splash of vinegar to make a green version of scrubbing bubbles (it worked a lot better than any other cleaner I used.)
July 8th, 2008 at 12:41 pmYeah, I use it for EVERYthing too! Don’t forget deodorizing cat litter boxes and also you can make toothpowder with it (i used straight baking soda growing up for about 5 years and I’ve never had a cavity!)
July 8th, 2008 at 1:14 pmIt really does work adding baking soda to shampoo. When you have used a shampoo for a while it does not work as good as it did the first time. The baking soda helps keep you shampoo working great and leaving you hair clean and fresh.
July 12th, 2008 at 12:08 am