This post may contain affiliate links.
Baking soda isn’t just for baking, it’s a surprisingly useful tool in survival situations. From hygiene and cleaning to simple first aid, it can handle a variety of tasks when you need it most.
Keep some on hand as part of your emergency kit, and try these 14 clever ways baking soda can help in everyday survival scenarios.
Clean Fruits and Vegetables
Baking soda is a great natural cleaner for fruits and vegetables. In a survival situation, ensuring food is free from pesticides and dirt is essential. Dissolve baking soda in water, then scrub your produce to remove any contaminants.
Block Odor Hunting
Minimize your scent in the field by lightly dusting yourself with baking soda before heading out. This simple step helps mask human odors, giving you a better chance of staying undetected by wildlife.
Treat Bug Bites and Bee Stings
Baking soda can relieve the itchiness and discomfort of bug bites and stings. Create a paste with water and apply it to the affected area. This will help reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief.
Baking soda can be mixed with clean water to create a mild antiseptic rinse for cleaning cuts and scrapes when other disinfectants are unavailable.
Make an Emergency Fire Extinguisher
If a small fire breaks out, sprinkle baking soda on the flames to help extinguish it. Baking soda can help smother a fire.
Soothe Indigestion
Baking soda can act as an antacid to help neutralize stomach acid. Dissolve a small amount in water and drink to relieve heartburn and indigestion—an especially useful remedy if traditional medicines aren’t available.
Deodorize Clothing and Gear
In a survival setting, clean clothing and gear might be scarce. Baking soda can help neutralize odors from clothing, shoes, or backpacks. Simply sprinkle some baking soda on the items and shake off or rinse when possible.
Preserve Perishable Foods
Sprinkling baking soda on perishable foods can help absorb moisture and extend their shelf life. It’s not a substitute for refrigeration, but can help in a pinch by slowing down spoilage.
Soothe Sunburns
Baking soda can provide relief from sunburn pain. Dissolve it in cool water and apply it to the skin with a soft cloth or sponge to soothe the burn and reduce redness.
Use as a Toothpaste Substitute
Baking soda’s mild abrasive quality makes it a great substitute for toothpaste. If regular toothpaste is unavailable, use a small amount of baking soda on your toothbrush to clean your teeth and freshen your breath.
Freshen Breath
For a quick mouthwash, dissolve a bit of baking soda in water. Gargle with this solution to neutralize odors and keep your breath fresh in survival situations where regular mouthwash might not be accessible.
Use as a Meat Tenderizer
Baking soda can soften tough cuts of meat, which is especially helpful if you’re relying on wild game or preserved meats. Sprinkle it on the meat and let it sit before cooking for improved texture and flavor.
Clean Cooking Equipment
When access to soap and cleaning supplies is limited, baking soda can help you clean dishes, cookware, and utensils. It effectively cuts through grease and food residue with minimal water needed.
Control Body Odor
If water is scarce and bathing isn’t an option, use baking soda as a natural deodorant. Apply it to your underarms or sprinkle it on your clothing to keep odor under control in survival situations.
Poison Ivy Rash Relief
Similar to bug bites, Baking soda can be an effective remedy for soothing rashes caused by poison ivy or poison oak. Mix baking soda with water to create a paste, then apply it directly to the affected area. Allow it to dry on the skin to help reduce itching and provide relief.
16 Survival Uses for Vaseline You’ve Probably Never Considered
Vaseline is a versatile and readily accessible household staple with many unexpected uses. Here are 16 ways to use it for household problems.
16 Survival Uses for Vaseline You’ve Probably Never Considered
18 Survival Skills Our Great-Grandparents Knew That Most Of Us Today Don’t
Many activities were once essential survival skills, but today, they’ve been forgotten by many. While technology has certainly made life easier, previous generations didn’t have these systems, making them far more self-sufficient. Here are 18 basic skills they mastered that many people today have no idea how to do.
