Helpful household hints

Last week I received three books that I bought to help my middle son on his fundraiser. I really just purchased them because I wanted to help him with his sales, but didn't want to buy anymore cookie dough! I was pleasantly surprised when the three books had a lot of things in them that I didn't know. Each book has over 100 helpful household hints. One book is dealing with baking soda, the other-vinegar, and the last one-salt.
Today, I am going to give some of the tips dealing with baking soda. Once you discover the versatility of baking soda, you'll do away with all those cleaners under your sink, and you'll never use oven spray again!

*Remove stains on laminated countertops with a baking soda paste (baking soda mixed with water). Apply, let dry, then rub off and rinse.

*Cover burned-on stains on cookie sheets with baking soda, then with hot water, and let soak for 10 minutes. Next scour with baking soda and scrubber.

*Remove black heel marks on linoleum or vinyl fllors with a damp sponge or scrubber dipped in baking soda.

*To clean teapots and stovetop percolators, fill with water, add 2 or 3 tablespoons of baking soda, and boil for 10 to 15 minutes. After cooling, scrub and rinse thoroughly.

*To prevent clogs, periodically pour 1/2 cup baking soda down your kitchen sink, followed by hot water. You can use the old box from your refrigerator when you replace it.

Here is a homemade recipe for carpet freshener

1 cup crushed, dried herbs (rosemary, southernwood, lavender, etc.)
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda

Combine ingredients, and sprinkle over carpet. Allow to sit for a few minutes, then vacuum.

Variation: Mix 1 small box of baking soda with your favorite potpourri oil, using just a few drops, and sprinkle on as a carpet freshener. Leave on carpet 10 to 20 minutes, then vacuum.

Use 1 cup baking soda, 1 cup cornstarch, and 15 drops essential oil fragrance. Leave on carpet 10 to 20 minutes, then vacuum. Store mixture in a glass jar or airtight container.