10 Bi-Carb Soda hacks that'll change your life

The humble pantry staple, Bi-Carb Soda, has many more uses than just making sure your yummy cakes rise in the oven.

Think brightening your beloved white kicks, deodorising smelly pet bedding or creating a hair mask to rejuvenate your mane.

And best of all, at under $3 and without the eye-watering chemicals, it’s both wallet- and enviro-friendly.

Here are 10 handy hacks for making the most out of this wonder powder from the household name behind those distinctive blue-and-white boxes of Bi-Carb Soda, McKenzie’s Foods.

1. Beautifying hair mask

Remove unwanted styling product build-up from your hair by washing weekly with one tablespoon of Bi-Carb mixed with your regular shampoo. Rinse thoroughly, then condition and style as usual.

1. Clean Makeup Brushes

To clean makeup brushes, soak in Bi-Carb solution overnight. Rinse well and dry.

1. Shoe whitener and deodoriser

Make your white sneakers like new again. Combine 1tbs of hot water, one tablespoon of white vinegar and one tablespoon of Bi-Carb. Mix and then use an old toothbrush to lather the mixture onto the canvas areas of your shoes. Sprinkle a small amount of dry Bi-Carb into your shoes to remove smells. Shake out well before wearing.

1. Deodorise Refrigerator

Place a small open container of Bi-Carb in your fridge to eliminate unwanted food odours. Replace monthly.

1. Cleaning Silver Jewellery

Soak in a solution of 1⁄2 cup of vinegar and two tablespoons of Bi-Carb for two hours. Buff with a soft cloth.

1. Deodorising Smelly Pet Bedding

Sprinkle Bi-Carb onto dry bed. Leave for at least 15 minutes, then vacuum. See how simple it is in this video.

1. Freshen New Towels

Wash new towels with 1⁄2 cup of Bi-Carb to increase fluffiness.

1. Remove Stubborn Stains on Carpets or Rugs

Sprinkle Bi-Carb over the stain, then moisten it with a little soda water and rub gently. Do not over-wet the carpet or rug. Allow to dry, then vacuum clean

1. Clean Baby Bottles

Safely clean baby bottles by placing two teaspoons of Bi-Carb into the bottle, pour in hot water, leave to soak then rinse well.

1. Fruit and Vegetable Scrub

For a safe way to effectively clean dirt and residue off fresh fruit and vegetables, sprinkle a little Bi-Carb on a clean cloth or vegetable brush. Scrub and rinse.

What is the difference between Bi-Carb Soda, Baking Powder and Baking Soda?

If you’re anything like us, you’re a bit stumped when it comes to knowing the difference between Bi-Carb Soda, Baking Powder and Baking Soda.

We asked the experts at McKenzie’s Foods to explain.

Bi-Carb Soda

Also known as: baking soda, sodium bi-carb or bi-carb soda

What it does: it liberates carbon dioxide when in contact with acid

Use: it is commonly used as a raising agent in baking

Baking Powder

What it is: a mixture of baking soda, starch, and at least one slightly acidic compound such as cream of tartar

What it does: it works as a leavening agent in baking by releasing carbon dioxide when mixed with a liquid, such as milk or water

Use: like Bi-Carb Soda, it is also used as a raising agent in baking but they are used under different conditions depending on the mix of other ingredients within the recipe

Can you use Baking Powder instead of Bi-Carb soda?

Yes, you can use Baking Powder instead of Bi-Carb soda but you will need to use more and it can sometimes change the taste of the end product.

You cannot, however, use Bi-Carb Soda in place of Baking Powder.

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