There's probably a box of the stuff in your refrigerator, and most chocolate chip cookie recipes call for at least a half-teaspoon of it. But beyond that, you might not have any idea how to use baking soda around the house. And you should because not only is baking soda extremely versatile but it's highly effective and best of all … cheap!

Scientifically referred to as sodium bicarbonate, baking soda is a naturally occurring substance that is found in all living things, helping regulate pH. Soda ash is mined and mixed with carbon dioxide to produce pure, safe and natural baking soda. Most of the baking soda in the U.S. is mined in Wyoming.

And why does it deodorize? Baking soda helps regulate pH, keeping a substance neither too acidic nor too alkaline. It reacts to odors in the same way by neutralizing them.

Here are some great ways to use baking soda that you may not have considered -- compliments of Arm & Hammer, the company that's been supplying us with baking soda since the early 1800s.

CAMPING NECESSITY. Baking soda is a must-have for your next camping trip. Use baking soda as a dish washer, pot scrubber, hand cleanser, deodorant, toothpaste and even a fire extinguisher.

CLEAN GRILLS. Grill grime is no picnic, so get ready for your next barbecue by sprinkling dry baking soda on a damp brush, scrubbing the grill with it and rinsing clean. For tough, greasy stains, scrub with a wire brush and a baking soda paste (three parts baking soda to one part warm water).

DRY BATH FOR DOGS. Help dogs stay fresh-smelling by giving them periodic dry baths. Sprinkle baking soda into their fur and rub, then comb or brush it through.

CLEAN PET TOYS. Clean plastic and rubber toys by washing in a solution of baking soda (four tablespoons dissolved in one quart of warm water). Give furry toys a dry shower by sprinkling with baking soda and brushing off after 15 minutes.

SCRUB FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. Baking soda is the food-safe way to clean dirt and residue off fresh fruit and vegetables. Just sprinkle a little on wet produce, then gently scrub and rinse the produce.

CREATE A PRISTINE PREP AREA. Clean your food prep area with natural, food-safe baking soda. Sprinkle it onto a clean damp sponge or cloth, and wipe the area clean. Rinse thoroughly, and then dry. Great for counters, stainless steel sinks, cutting boards, plastic containers, stove tops and more!

COOL TAN. If you are a fan of the self-tan, before you apply products that give you that natural "glow," remove dead skin cells to leave your skin soft and smooth, perfect before application. Make a paste of three parts baking soda to one part water. Rub in a gentle circular motion to exfoliate the skin. Rinse clean.

For more household tips and product samples, visit the Arm & Hammer Web site at ArmAndHammer.com.

Mary Hunt is the founder of DebtProofLiving.com and author of 17 books, including "Debt-Proof Living." You can e-mail her at mary@everydaycheapskate.com, or write to Everyday Cheapskate, P.O. Box 2135, Paramount, CA 90723. To find out more about Mary Hunt and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.
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