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Everyday Cheapskate: Clever and Frugal Uses for Baking Soda

Mary Hunt on

NO. 9: GROUT CLEANER

Mix up a small about of baking soda and fresh hydrogen peroxide to make a paste about the consistency of pancake batter. Working in small areas, apply to dirty grout. Scrub well with a stiff brush. Rinse, and prepare to be surprised.

NO. 10: GENTLE EXFOLIANT

A quick and easy way to remove dead skin cells is with a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. With your fingers, apply the paste to your face, hands, etc. Using a circular motion, rub it well to exfoliate the skin. Rinse thoroughly, and enjoy softened skin!

NO. 11: TAKE CARE OF SMELLY, SLOW RUNNING DRAIN

Pour baking soda directly into that smelly drain. Following with an equal amount of plain white vinegar, and get ready for the show! It's going to bubble up and fizz away. Allow to sit for a few hours or so. Follow with a quart or two of boiling water. Your drain will be fresh and clean, and as a bonus, you've cleared any potential clogs from stuff that has a way of building in household drains.

 

NO. 12: MANICURE PREP

Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Use as you would hand lotion on your hands, massaging it into your hands, nails and cuticles to smooth and exfoliate prior to your home manicure. Rinse well, and dry your hands before proceeding.

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Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, "Ask Mary." This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book "Debt-Proof Living."


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