10 great outdoor uses for baking soda

(Homesteading.news) Many of us already know that baking soda is one of the most versatile products we have in our pantry or frig. Besides being a key cooking ingredient, baking soda can be used for cleaning, odor control and for other household uses.

But did you know that baking soda also has a wide variety of outdoor uses? It’s true, and we’re about to discuss 10 great uses for this multipurpose product outside your home.

1. Weed killer: Readers Digest suggests using baking soda to keep weeds out of sidewalk, paver stone and patio cracks. Simply sprinkle baking soda on your concrete or stones and sweep it into the cracks; the added sodium will chase away the weeds.

2. Pool water: eHow says you can use baking soda to regulate pH in pool water. For sure, baking soda is a much safer, natural and chemical-free pH-balancing solution.

3. Pet stains: If your dog’s urinating is leaving brown stains in your otherwise green grass, try sprinkling some baking soda in water on the spots as soon as possible after your dog “goes.” The baking soda helps to counteract the acidity of the urine.

4. Tomato plants: The Gardening Cook uses baking soda to sweeten up tomatoes. Being careful not to get any on the plants themselves, sprinkle some baking soda around the base of each plant. The reduction in soil acidity will make your tomatoes much sweeter. You can also make a baking soda spray.

5. Garden-safe: Install It Direct says you should sprinkle some baking powder around the perimeter of your garden to keep nibbling rabbits away. Rabbits can literally obliterate a garden quickly, so in addition to baking soda you might want to consider putting up a fence around it as well (and getting an outside dog).

6. Patio-safe: Use a water-baking soda mix to wash off patio furniture, since harsh chemicals are not recommended for the job. Another option is to just sprinkle the powder directly onto the furniture and scrub with a damp sponge, then wash it off.

7. Rugs and mats: The same combo as above can be used to clean outdoor rugs and mats, which can begin to get mildewy and smelly after spring rains.

8. Fire control: Many people love the ambiance of an outdoor fire all year round, even in summer. But sometimes fire pits can get a bit too heated for summertime use; having a squirt bottle filled with water and a couple tablespoons of baking soda will help tame the fire monster.

9. Ice melt: Baking soda makes a great de-icer for your car, sidewalks and farm equipment. Use it in place of corrosive salt.

10. Sparkling windows: You can also use a baking soda-and-water combo to clean bugs and other debris off your glass panes and windshields.

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