Eco-friendly and natural options are becoming increasingly common in people’s homes. Avoiding chemicals has become almost essential these days, especially given scientific studies that discuss the health problems some products, particularly cleaning products, can cause. The fact is, combining baking soda with bay leaves can offer a number of interesting benefits for any home. For example, this combination can eliminate odors, repel insects, and clean without toxic chemicals. This age-old duo competes with expensive products and is an eco-friendly alternative, which is its main appeal to consumers.
The bay leaf and baking soda mixture has been used as a home remedy to eliminate odors
Today we’re highlighting these two products. The mixture of baking soda and bay leaves, two products found in every kitchen, can also be used to keep your home clean, odor-free, and with a natural fragrance that lasts for several days. Furthermore, the bay leaf and baking soda mixture has been used as a home remedy to eliminate odors, repel insects, and as a cleaning supplement, though not for complete disinfection. This aligns with the growing environmental awareness that has driven the use of natural ingredients as a safe and economical way to clean the home.
This ingredient is enhanced with vinegar to create a fizzy cleaning effect
One of the uses of baking soda is to neutralize odors and absorb moisture in refrigerators or cabinets. In addition, baking soda is known as an excellent natural deodorizer, as well as for its ability to clean surfaces without scratching them. This ingredient is enhanced with vinegar to create a fizzy cleaning effect. Meanwhile, bay leaves provide a fresh aroma and contain a number of compounds that are key to fighting bacteria and fungi. It’s important to know that studies confirm baking soda’s role as a safe pH regulator, ideal for avoiding risky chemical combinations.
Bay leaves contain essential oils that combat bacteria such as E. coli and S. aureus (Gram-positive and Gram-negative), which cause common infections. Combining bay leaves and other elements creates a mixture with multiple interesting uses, including cleaning surfaces. It can be used as a cleaner for tiles, countertops, bathtubs, and more. Bay leaves also have antifungal and repellent properties against aphids, flies, and mosquitoes, validated in ethnopharmacological studies. Although there are no direct trials on the mixture itself, together they enhance traditional home remedies. Furthermore, it is ideal for removing tough stains and grease.
This mixture can be used to scent drawers, keep clothes fresh, and repel moths
One way to enhance the properties of these ingredients is to crush 5-6 dried bay leaves, then mix them with 2 teaspoons of baking soda, and place the mixture in an open jar in the refrigerator or closets. This should be replaced every two weeks. When mixed together in a small cloth bag, this mixture can be used to scent drawers, keep clothes fresh, and repel moths. Alternatively, you can prepare a cloth bag with the mixture and place it inside drawers to prevent clothes from absorbing unpleasant odors while also keeping insects away.
To add fragrance, you can place the mixture near a radiator or stove (it’s recommended not to burn it directly) to get free natural perfume. Another way to prepare it is to place baking soda in a heat-resistant container and burn bay leaves to freshen the air. Finally, to use it as a surface cleaner, simply sprinkle the mixture onto the surface to be cleaned, then rub with a damp cloth and rinse with clean water. In short, natural options are a reality and should be the first choice because they are less polluting, have fewer side effects, are inexpensive, and don’t harm human health or the planet.