Baking soda and toothpaste DIY cleaning hack spreads across homes

A growing number of households are adopting a simple mixture of baking soda and ordinary toothpaste as a versatile cleaning paste. When combined in equal parts, the alkaline, mildly abrasive soda works with the toothpaste’s mild surfactants and polishing agents to tackle stubborn grime. The paste is promoted for whitening and scrubbing grout and ceramic tiles, restoring the brightness of white shoes and rubber soles, and removing burnt-on residue from cookware.

Separately, a common but often overlooked feature of bathroom washbasins – a small side opening known as an overflow vent – serves to prevent flooding when the drain is blocked. The vent allows excess water to flow out, averting water damage and facilitating faster drainage by admitting air into the pipe. Homeowners are advised to clean the vent periodically, using a basic solution of baking soda and vinegar to dissolve deposits and eliminate odors, while avoiding harsh acids that could damage the plumbing.