Looking for a simple yet effective personal hygiene solution for when modern conveniences are scarce? This list is for you.
Let's face it – in the midst of a crisis or SHTF scenario, maintaining personal hygiene can be a challenge. However, maintaining proper personal hygiene in a survival situation is vital, as it not only keeps us physically healthy by preventing the spread of germs, but also contributes to our mental well-being by boosting confidence and providing a sense of normalcy during tough times.
In our quest to find a versatile and readily available solution, one household staple emerged as the clear winner – baking soda. Beyond its commonplace use in baking and cleaning, baking soda is also an unsung hero of personal hygiene. In fact, this baking staple is an incredible Swiss Army Knife of personal care products. Here are 11 baking soda hacks to help keep you fresh and clean in a survival situation:
- Laundry Detergent: Here's a simple, 3 ingredient recipe for making your own laundry detergent. Mix one box (about 16 oz.) of baking soda, one box of washing soda, and one bar of grated castile soap. That's it! This homemade detergent is effective, economical, and gentle on clothes. Baking soda helps keep whites loads white and bright clothes bright. You can use scented castile soap or add 10-20 drops of essential oils to your DIY detergent if you want a light fragrance to your freshly washed clothes.
- Toothpaste: Arm & Hammer toothpaste is the best-selling baking soda-based toothpaste of the commercial world, but plenty of toothpastes contain baking soda and it's easy to make your own. The simplest recipe for homemade toothpaste is 1 teaspoon of baking soda mixed with enough water to form a paste. You can also add one drop of an essential oil, like peppermint for traditional flavor or tea tree oil for the added antibacterial benefit. Another mod is to use coconut oil in place of water to make your paste. Brush your teeth as usual. Baking soda helps to neutralize acids and bacteria in your mouth, but it is abrasive, so it might be too harsh for those with sensitive teeth.
- Mouthwash: Another way to use baking soda for oral health and hygiene is to make your own mouthwash. You can keep it basic by simply rinsing your mouth with about half a teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in a small glass of warm water, or double down with your DIY mouthwash, mouthwash by mixing half a teaspoon of baking soda and half a teaspoon of sea salt into your warm water to gargle. This homemade mouthwash is an effective way to freshen your breath and kill bacteria. Plus, swishing with baking soda helps heal canker sores!
- Denture/Retainer Cleaner: Last stop in the dental health department. For those folks with dentures, retainers, or mouth guards, baking soda is an inexpensive and effective way to keep your mouth gear clean. Dissolve 2 teaspoons of baking soda in a large glass or bowl of warm water and soak for at least 15 minutes. Baking soda will help loosen up any debris on your removable dental items.
- Deodorant: You probably have a container of baking soda sitting inside your refrigerator door this very second keeping bad orders at bay. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and can be used on its own to fight body odor whether you're roughing it, feeling frugal, or regular deodorant is scarce if SHTF. Simply dust a small amount of baking soda under your arms and let the excess fall away.
- Boot/Camp Shoe Deodorizer: Ah, your trusty boots are perfectly worn in and are your feet's best-fitting friends...but also they're smelly. Once again, baking soda to the rescue. Sprinkle a generous dusting of baking soda into your shoes and let it sit overnight. The baking soda absorbs odors, leaving your shoes fresh by morning. Shake or vacuum them out and you're good to go.
- Foot Soak: As a bonus, and to bring a touch of spa day to a SHTF scenario, you can also soak achy, tired (or stink) feet in baking soda. Add half a cup of baking soda to a bucket of warm water and soak your feet for 15-20 minutes. This will help eliminate foot odor and soothe sore feet.
- A Hair "Facial": Baking soda acts as a clarifying treatment for hair, removing product buildup and excess oils – like from not washing your hair as often if you're trying to conserve water in an emergency. Mix a teaspoon or two of baking soda with a small amount of water or with your regular shampoo to form a paste, rub it into your hair and let it sit for 1-2 minutes on your scalp before rinsing thoroughly. This can also help reduce dandruff and soothe an itchy scalp.
- Dry Shampoo: Speaking of not washing your hair as often, another use for baking soda in a SHTF situation is dry shampoo. When you don't have access to running water or want to conserve it, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda onto your scalp and roots, rub it in, then brush it out. This will help absorb excess oils and freshen up your hair.
- Skin Exfoliator: Baking soda mixed with a small amount of water makes an excellent exfoliator for the skin. You can use it to gently scrub away dead skin cells and reveal smoother, softer skin. Just be gentle when using it on your face as baking soda can be too harsh for some.
- Hand Soap: In a pinch, baking soda can also be used as hand soap. Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste and then rub it into your hands to scrub away dirt and grime before rinsing.
Baking Soda: Your Secret Weapon for Personal Hygiene When Disaster Strikes
When it comes to protecting personal hygiene during tough times, baking soda can be a valuable and versatile resource. The 11 baking soda hacks mentioned in this blog post offer practical and accessible solutions for maintaining cleanliness through a crisis. From freshening your breath to washing clothes and hair, baking soda proves to be a reliable companion. Its affordability and widespread availability make it an essential item for any emergency preparedness kit. So, the next time you find yourself in a situation where personal hygiene is a challenge, remember the power of baking soda and its ability to help you stay fresh and squeaky clean, even if SHTF.