Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is one of those rare, all-purpose products that you can use just about anywhere in your home. From cleaning stubborn stains to freshening up your laundry, this simple white powder is a household hero. Let’s dive into 30 effective and practical ways to use baking soda in your daily life.
Table of Contents
Household Cleaning Uses
1. Deodorize Trash Cans
Trash cans tend to get pretty stinky, especially during the warmer months. Sprinkle a layer of baking soda at the bottom of your trash can before adding a new bag. It’ll help absorb any unpleasant odors, keeping your kitchen smelling fresh and clean.
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2. Remove Coffee and Tea Stains
Coffee and tea stains on mugs or countertops can be stubborn, but baking soda is up to the task. Simply make a paste with baking soda and water, then scrub the stains away. It’s quick, easy, and works like a charm.
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3. Clean Oven Racks
Oven racks often get neglected because they’re tough to clean. But with baking soda, it’s much easier. Soak the racks in a mixture of hot water and baking soda for a few hours. Afterward, scrub off the grime with ease, and enjoy your sparkling clean oven racks.
4. Unclog Drains
Instead of reaching for harsh chemicals when your drain is slow, try baking soda. Pour some baking soda down the drain, followed by vinegar. The fizzing reaction helps break down the clog. Finish with hot water, and your drain should be running smoothly again.
5. Clean Grout
Grout lines can be a pain to clean, but baking soda simplifies the job. Make a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the grout, and scrub with a brush. Your grout will look much brighter and cleaner with minimal effort.
6. Freshen Toilet Bowls
Toilet bowls need frequent freshening, and baking soda can help. Sprinkle some baking soda into the bowl, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub with a toilet brush. It deodorizes and cleans at the same time, leaving your toilet fresh.
7. Pre-Soak Stained Laundry
For tough laundry stains, a baking soda pre-soak can work wonders. Add baking soda to water, and let your stained clothes soak before washing as usual. It helps lift stains more effectively than detergent alone.
8. Boost Laundry Detergent
Want to give your laundry detergent a boost? Add half a cup of baking soda to your laundry. It’ll help your detergent work better and leave your clothes smelling fresher.
9. Clean the Washer Drum
The washing machine itself can start to smell after a while. To clean the drum, run an empty cycle with hot water and a cup of baking soda. It’ll help eliminate any lingering odors and buildup.
10. Scrub Pots and Pans
If your pots and pans have stubborn stains, baking soda is your best friend. Make a paste with baking soda and water, and scrub away those tough spots. It’s gentle on your cookware but tough on stains.
11. Clean Shower Doors
Shower doors are notorious for collecting soap scum and water spots. A bit of baking soda can help. Sprinkle some on a damp sponge, and scrub the doors. Rinse off, and they’ll be gleaming in no time.
12. Freshen Carpets
Carpets can hold onto odors, but baking soda can freshen them up. Sprinkle baking soda over the carpet, let it sit for about 15 minutes, and then vacuum it up. It’ll help absorb any lingering smells.
13. Spruce Up Your Mattress
Your mattress can benefit from a little baking soda love, too. Sprinkle baking soda over the mattress, let it sit for a few hours, and then vacuum it up. This helps to remove odors and keep your mattress fresh.
14. Remove Shoe Odors
Shoe odors can be embarrassing, but baking soda can save the day. Sprinkle some in your shoes and let it sit overnight. By morning, the odors will be absorbed, leaving your shoes smelling much better.
15. Scrub Down Stovetops
Grease and grime can build up on stovetops quickly, but baking soda makes cleanup easy. Sprinkle some on a damp cloth or sponge, and scrub the stovetop. It’ll cut through the grease without scratching your surfaces.
16. Clean Your Wood Cutting Boards
Wood cutting boards need regular cleaning to avoid bacteria buildup. Scrub them with baking soda and water to deodorize and clean them without harsh chemicals.
Health and Personal Care Uses
17. Mouthwash
Baking soda makes an excellent natural mouthwash. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with water, swish it around in your mouth, and spit it out. It neutralizes odors and helps keep your breath fresh.
18. Teeth Whitener
Want a brighter smile? Baking soda can help. Brush your teeth with a little baking soda once a week to remove surface stains. Just be gentle to avoid damaging your enamel.
19. Deodorant
If you’re out of deodorant, baking soda can be a quick substitute. Apply a paste of baking soda and water under your arms. It neutralizes odors naturally, without the chemicals found in many commercial deodorants.
20. Pesticide Remover for Fruits and Veggies
Worried about pesticides on your produce? Wash fruits and vegetables in a baking soda solution. It helps to remove pesticide residues more effectively than water alone.
21. May Help Treat Heartburn
A small amount of baking soda mixed with water can relieve heartburn by neutralizing stomach acid. Just don’t overdo it, as too much baking soda can have the opposite effect.
22. May Soothe Canker Sores
Canker sores can be painful, but a baking soda rinse might help. Mix baking soda with water and use it as a mouth rinse. It can soothe the sores and help them heal faster.
Miscellaneous Uses
23. Fridge Odor Neutralizer
A box of baking soda in your fridge can work wonders. It absorbs odors, keeping your fridge smelling fresh and preventing your food from taking on strange smells.
24. Air Freshener
Mix baking soda with your favorite essential oils to create a natural air freshener. Place the mixture in a small container, and let it sit in any room that needs a little freshening.
25. Whitening Agent for Laundry
Baking soda can help keep your whites bright. Add it to your laundry routine to enhance your detergent’s whitening power, making your clothes look cleaner and fresher.
26. Kitchen Cleaner
Use baking soda to clean your kitchen countertops, sinks, and appliances. It’s gentle enough to use on most surfaces and tough enough to remove stains and grime.
27. Garbage Odor Eliminator
Sprinkle baking soda directly in your garbage bags before using them. It helps keep bad smells at bay, so you don’t dread taking out the trash.
28. Carpet Stain Remover
Got a stain on your carpet? Make a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, and let it sit for a while. Afterward, scrub and vacuum to lift the stain away.
29. Multipurpose Bathroom Cleaner
Baking soda is a powerful bathroom cleaner. Use it to clean sinks, tiles, and tubs. It’s effective at removing soap scum and grime without scratching surfaces.
30. Homemade Weed Killer
For a natural way to kill weeds, sprinkle baking soda directly onto them. It’s an easy, chemical-free solution that’s safe for your family and pets.
Baking soda is a versatile product that can be used in many ways around your home. Whether you’re looking to clean, freshen, or tackle specific problems, chances are baking soda can help. With these 30 tips, you’ll be able to make the most of this household essential.
