Keep Summer Fresh and Fun

MISSION, KS--(Marketwire - Jul 18, 2011) - (Family Features) 'Tis the season... for embracing the great outdoors and a whole host of invigorating activities. But without proper care, the sweet smells of summer can turn into the stench of sweaty clothes and sports equipment, and the go-to gear and toys can get layered up with gunk.

Whether you are hosting an outdoor barbeque or hitting the beach for some sun, take note of how one, simple kitchen staple -- Baking Soda -- can not only eliminate odors, but keep your home and belongings fresh and much more.

Wash and Deodorize Workout Apparel - Fight sweat odors that linger on clothes, sweatbands and towels. Add one cup of Baking Soda to laundry to make liquid detergent work harder. This balances the pH in the wash to get clothes cleaner, fresher and brighter.

Go Camping - On a campout, Baking Soda may prove as useful as a Swiss Army knife. A box or shaker of ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda is easy to transport and can be used as a dish washer, pot scrubber, hand cleanser, toothpaste and more.

No More Smelly Sneakers - Keep shoe odors from spreading by adding Baking Soda to sneakers when not in use, then shake out before wearing. Or, fill an old (hole-free) sock with one cup of Baking Soda and secure with a rubber band. Trim extra material and place inside sneakers overnight for fresh shoes in the morning.

Soothe Bug Bites - Baking Soda temporarily protects and helps relieve minor skin irritation and itching due to insect bites. Dissolve one to two cupfuls in a tub of warm water and soak for 10 to 30 minutes. Pat dry (do not rub) to keep a thin layer on the skin. Or, add enough water to the Baking Soda to form a paste, apply to the affected area of skin as needed. Complete directions and warning statements are on the side of the Baking Soda box. Please read before use. Use on adults and children two years and older.

Clarify Your Pool and Spruce Up Lawn Furniture - Keep your pool sparkling with Baking Soda - it's all about the pH. You can even give patio furniture a thorough cleaning with Baking Soda. Keep outdoor furniture fresh in the off-season too; just sprinkle Baking Soda underneath cushions or inside the storage bag.

Wash and Freshen Sports Gear - Use four tablespoons of Baking Soda in one quart of warm water to clean and deodorize sports equipment like rubber free weights and water bottles. Sprinkle Baking Soda into golf bags and gym bags to deodorize. Use three parts Baking Soda to one part water for a scratch-free paste to clean golf clubs.

Clean Grills - Grill grime is no picnic, so get ready for your next barbecue by sprinkling dry Baking Soda on a damp brush, scrub and rinse clean. For tough, greasy stains, scrub with a wire brush and Baking Soda paste (three parts Baking Soda to one part warm water).

Use Natural Deodorant - Beat the heat the natural way. When working up a sweat, dust baking soda under your arms as needed. The Baking Soda absorbs odors instead of just covering them up.

For additional tips and directions for using Baking Soda in unexpected ways this summer, visit www.armandhammer.com.

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