Baking Soda Cleans—Too
TILE FLOORS AND WALLS. To cleanse such surfaces soiled by splashed water, etc., sprinkle baking soda on a damp cloth and rub briskly. Wipe with cloth wrung from clean water and dry. The surface will be clean and shiny. Arm & Hammer or Cow Brand Baking Soda will not harm tile or any composition material resembling it.
ASH TRAYS. Unless cleaned daily these receptacles become offensive. To cleanse, scrub trays either with a baking soda solution (a small handful to a quart of warm water) or use a damp cloth sprinkled with bicarbonate of soda. Rinse and dry. Brass and copper trays may require polishing with a woolen or other polishing cloth.
LINOLEUM OR CONGOLEUM. Dissolve a large handful of baking soda in warm mop water and clean. Rinse with clean water. Do not allow water to seep under floor covering. This method of cleaning leaves the linoleum (inlaid or printed) bright and clean and it will be neither sticky nor slippery.
WASH-BOWLS, TUBS, ETC. Hard water is often responsible for scum and sediment; grease and dirt adhere to surfaces. To remove these sprinkle with baking soda and rub briskly with a damp cloth. Baking soda is immediately soluble and will not clog drains or injure the finest porcelain or enamel.
DRAIN BOARDS. Dampen surfaces, whether wood or enamel, and sprinkle with Arm & Hammer or Cow Brand Baking Soda. Rub with a damp cloth, rinse and wipe dry. Rubber or other composition drain boards may be cleaned in the same way. Bicarbonate of soda, while being a most effective cleanser, will not harm any of these surfaces.
GAS AND OIL STOVE BURNERS. Make a solution of one-quarter pound of baking soda to one gallon of hot water. Bring to a boil. Immerse the burners and boil for one hour. They will operate like new.
ENAMELED SURFACES. Enameled table tops, stoves, washing machines, etc., may be cleaned either by sprinkling the soda on the dampened surface or washing with a baking soda solution (a handful to a basin of warm water). This removes the oil or grease film which holds the dirt, and leaves the surface clean and odorless.
MILK BOTTLES. Pour a little baking soda into the bottle, half fill with cool water and shake. If milk is dried on, let bottle soak for a few minutes. Cold water removes milk more quickly than hot, as hot water causes a coating of milk to adhere to the glass. Bicarbonate of soda not only hastens the cleansing process, but sweetens the bottle. Milk cans, pails and all milk containers are cleansed in the same manner, using more baking soda in greater quantities of water.
FIRE EXTINGUISHER. Arm & Hammer or Cow Brand Baking Soda is unsurpassed as a fire extinguisher. It not only smothers the fire, but generates carbonic acid gas which temporarily envelopes the flames, shuts off the air supply or oxygen, and so extinguishes the fire.
BREAD BOXES. Cake and bread boxes, cooky jars, etc., after washing with soap and water, should frequently be well rinsed with a baking soda solution, a handful of baking soda to one quart of water. Rinse in clean water and dry thoroughly. This treatment keeps them fresh and free from odors.
CASSEROLES. Food that is burned onto or adheres to casseroles is easily removed by soaking for a few minutes in warm water to which a small handful of baking soda has been added. The bicarbonate of soda loosens the encrusted particles.
REFRIGERATORS. Baking soda, refined mild bicarbonate of soda, is a soluble cleanser, sweetener and polisher, and cannot scratch the smoothest surface. It will remove odors by breaking up the oily surface films, prevent fermentation by removing mold and retard the growth of bacteria, thus keeping the refrigerator sanitary and fresh.
Whether the refrigerator is electric, gas, oil or ice, keep the inside sweet and clean by wiping all surfaces with a soft cloth wrung from cool or lukewarm water containing a handful of baking soda to each quart of water, or by generously sprinkling baking soda on a damp cloth and briskly rubbing the surface to be cleaned.
Keep ice cubes free from stale or musty flavors by cleaning the ice trays each week with baking soda in a similar fashion. Also with a baking soda solution, wash the food containers and the chilling tray beneath the freezing unit.
In ice refrigerators, periodically remove drain pipe, ice chamber, pan, trap and flues for a thorough washing with a hot solution of water and baking soda. Rinse with clear water.
A baking soda solution (a small handful to a basin of water) may be used to wipe the outer surfaces when soiled.
SILVER CLEANING. Silver may be cleaned easily and thoroughly by placing it in an aluminum pan filled with a hot solution of baking soda, salt and sugar, or in an enamel or granite pan, using a similar solution and a small piece of aluminum such as a measuring spoon or pot cover. Use about a tablespoon of each, baking soda, salt and sugar, for every quart of hot water. Select a large container for convenience. Place the silver in such a way that it is completely immersed and that each piece comes in contact with the aluminum or a piece of silver touching the aluminum. Let it stand until tarnish is removed and the silver becomes shiny and bright. Heat if necessary. Rinse in hot water and rub dry. This method removes absolutely no silver, hence it prolongs the life of silverware. Since the aluminum article will be blackened in the process, do not use one you care about keeping bright.
Large pieces of silver, such as candlesticks, cake plates, pitchers, etc., may also be cleaned this way, making sure they are completely immersed in the solution.
CUT GLASS. Goblets, tumblers and other cut glassware are satisfactorily cleaned by rubbing the surface with a paste made of Arm & Hammer or Cow Brand Baking Soda and water. Rinse with cold water and rub with a soft brush. Soap is unnecessary.
CHOCOLATE POTS OR MIXING BOWLS. Dried-on chocolate needs a little coaxing for removal. Sprinkle with baking soda, fill dishes with warm water and let soak until their turn comes in the washing.
ODORS. Odors from dishes in which fish or onions are cooked, are quickly killed by sprinkling baking soda in the dish and wiping out thoroughly with tissue paper. Then wash in hot soapy water, rinse with hot water and dry.
DOG KENNELS AND FEEDING DISHES. Scrub the inside of dog kennels frequently with a baking soda solution, one package to three gallons of hot water. Rinse.
To promote the health of pets, their feeding dishes must be cleansed frequently. Let soak in a baking soda solution (a handful in a pan of warm water). This loosens dried-on food. Wash and rinse.
BEVERAGE SERVICE. Cups, coasters, pitchers, glasses, spoons, punch bowls, fruit containers, etc., are all successfully cleaned and sweetened with bicarbonate of soda. The baking soda is best applied by sprinkling on a moist cloth and then gently rubbing the object until clean. Rinse with warm clear water and dry with clean towels having no lint.
To clean bottles, decanters, flasks, shakers, etc., which do not permit interior cleaning by hand, pour the baking soda into the container and add a little warm (not hot) water. Shake well until clean, then rinse with fresh water and allow to drain. This leaves the containers in a sweet clean condition. Repeat after each use.
Cocktail sets made of glass, silver, etc., are excellently cleaned by these methods.
THERMOS BOTTLES AND JUGS. To keep thermos bottles and jugs clean and sweet, put a handful of baking soda in jug or bottle, partly fill with warm water and shake well. Rinse with clean water. Corks and other closures used for the bottles and jugs are kept odorless by rubbing with moist baking soda.