Baking soda is a staple in most kitchens, but its uses go far beyond baking. This inexpensive, eco-friendly powder has surprising applications in cleaning, personal care, and even home maintenance. Many people are unaware of how effective baking soda can be as a deodorizer, stain remover, and natural cleaner. According to experts, it can replace many harsh chemical products while being just as effective, if not better. If you haven’t been using baking soda to its full potential, here are 15 brilliant ways it can make your life easier.
1. Eliminate Fridge Odors
Baking soda is a powerful deodorizer that absorbs unpleasant smells instead of just masking them. According to the American Cleaning Institute, placing an open box of baking soda inside your refrigerator helps neutralize strong food odors like onions, fish, and leftovers. It works by balancing pH levels, which prevents odors from lingering in the confined space of the fridge.
To maximize its effectiveness, replace the box every three months and give your fridge a wipe-down with a baking soda solution. This will not only keep the interior smelling fresh but also remove food residue without the need for harsh chemicals. Unlike air fresheners, which only cover up smells, baking soda actively absorbs and eliminates unwanted scents.
2. Revive Dingy Laundry
Baking soda acts as a natural detergent booster, helping to brighten clothes and neutralize odors. The Spruce notes that adding half a cup of baking soda to a wash cycle can enhance your detergent’s performance by softening water and breaking down stains. Hard water often makes it difficult for detergents to dissolve properly, leaving mineral deposits on fabrics.
By adjusting the pH of the water, baking soda helps detergents work more effectively, leaving clothes feeling fresher and softer. It’s especially useful for washing gym clothes, towels, and other fabrics that trap odors over time. Additionally, baking soda can help prevent yellowing in white fabrics, making it a must-have for any laundry routine.
3. Remove Carpet Stains
Carpets can trap dirt, bacteria, and odors, but baking soda provides an easy and affordable cleaning solution. Good Housekeeping suggests sprinkling baking soda over a stain, letting it sit for at least 15 minutes, and then vacuuming it up to lift dirt and odors. This method works well for general freshening, but for tougher stains, a combination of baking soda and vinegar is more effective.
Mixing baking soda with white vinegar creates a fizzy reaction that breaks down grime and lifts stains from carpet fibers. This is especially useful for pet accidents, spilled drinks, and mud stains that seep deep into carpets. Unlike commercial carpet cleaners, baking soda is non-toxic, making it safe for homes with children and pets.
4. Unclog Drains Naturally
Chemical drain cleaners can be harsh on pipes, but baking soda offers a gentler, equally effective alternative. According to The New York Times, pouring half a cup of baking soda down a clogged drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar, creates a reaction that breaks up grease, soap scum, and debris. The fizzing action helps loosen blockages without corroding pipes like some chemical cleaners.
After letting the mixture sit for 15 minutes, flush the drain with hot water to clear out the loosened residue. This method is particularly useful for bathroom sinks and kitchen drains that accumulate grease, hair, and soap buildup. Using baking soda regularly as a maintenance routine can prevent clogs before they become serious plumbing issues.
5. Freshen Up Mattresses
Over time, mattresses can absorb odors, sweat, and dust mites, leading to an unpleasant sleeping environment. Sprinkling baking soda evenly over the mattress and letting it sit for at least 30 minutes before vacuuming it up helps absorb moisture and neutralize smells. This is a great way to refresh a mattress without using synthetic sprays or deodorizers.
For an extra boost, adding a few drops of essential oil to the baking soda before applying it can leave your mattress with a light, pleasant scent. Performing this cleaning routine every few months can keep your bed feeling fresh and hygienic, improving overall sleep quality.
6. Clean Greasy Pots and Pans
Scrubbing burnt or greasy cookware can be frustrating, but baking soda makes the job much easier. Its mild abrasive properties help break down stuck-on food and grease without damaging surfaces. Simply sprinkle baking soda onto the affected area, add a bit of warm water, and let it sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing with a sponge.
For tougher grime, combining baking soda with dish soap creates a powerful grease-cutting paste. This method works well on stainless steel, cast iron, and non-stick cookware, reducing the need for excessive scrubbing. Unlike harsh chemical cleaners, baking soda is non-toxic, making it a safer choice for cleaning kitchenware.
7. Deodorize Shoes
Footwear can develop persistent odors, especially after frequent use, but baking soda provides an easy fix. Sprinkling a generous amount inside shoes and letting it sit overnight absorbs moisture and neutralizes unpleasant smells. In the morning, simply shake out the excess powder, and your shoes will smell noticeably fresher.
For an even more effective solution, placing baking soda in a fabric pouch and leaving it inside your shoes when not in use can help maintain odor control over time. This trick works particularly well for athletic shoes, work boots, and casual sneakers that are worn daily.
8. Whiten Teeth
Baking soda’s mild abrasiveness makes it a natural teeth whitener that can remove surface stains without damaging enamel. Brushing with a mixture of baking soda and water once a week can help brighten teeth and reduce plaque buildup. Some toothpaste brands even include baking soda as a key ingredient for its cleansing properties.
However, excessive use can wear down enamel over time, so it’s important to use this method in moderation. For those looking for a more natural alternative to commercial whitening products, baking soda offers an affordable and effective option.
9. Soothe Skin Irritations
Baking soda has natural anti-inflammatory properties that make it useful for treating minor skin irritations. Mixing it with water to create a paste and applying it to bug bites, rashes, or minor burns can help reduce itching and discomfort. This remedy is particularly effective for sunburn relief, as baking soda helps soothe and cool irritated skin.
A baking soda bath can also be beneficial for those with eczema or dry, itchy skin. Adding half a cup to warm bathwater can help restore the skin’s pH balance, providing soothing relief.
10. Neutralize Pet Odors
Pets can leave lingering odors on furniture, carpets, and bedding, but baking soda is a safe and effective deodorizer. Sprinkling it over pet beds, rugs, or upholstery, letting it sit for 15 minutes, and then vacuuming it up helps eliminate unwanted smells. Unlike chemical-based air fresheners, baking soda is non-toxic and won’t harm pets.
Regular use can help maintain a fresher home environment, especially for pet owners dealing with persistent odors from dogs or cats. It’s an easy, budget-friendly way to keep your home smelling clean.
11. Remove Coffee and Tea Stains
Mugs, thermoses, and teapots often develop stubborn coffee and tea stains that regular washing can’t remove. Baking soda’s gentle abrasiveness helps lift these stains without scratching surfaces. Simply sprinkle a small amount of baking soda onto a damp sponge and scrub the inside of the stained cup. After a few seconds of scrubbing, rinse thoroughly, and the stains should disappear.
For more stubborn discoloration, soak the mug in a mixture of warm water and baking soda for at least 30 minutes before scrubbing. This method works well for ceramic, glass, and stainless steel drinkware, keeping them looking clean and stain-free. Regular use can prevent stains from building up over time.
12. Keep Garbage Cans Fresh
Trash bins can develop strong odors, even if you take out the garbage regularly. Sprinkling baking soda at the bottom of the can before adding a new bag helps absorb moisture and neutralize unpleasant smells. This simple trick prevents bacteria from multiplying and keeps odors from spreading throughout your home.
For extra freshness, you can also mix a few drops of essential oil with the baking soda before sprinkling it in the trash can. This works particularly well for kitchen garbage bins that frequently contain food waste. Changing the baking soda every few weeks ensures maximum odor absorption.
13. Restore Silverware Shine
Tarnished silverware and jewelry can be easily restored with baking soda. Its mild abrasiveness helps remove oxidation and bring back the original shine. To clean silverware, mix three parts baking soda with one part water to create a paste, then gently rub it onto the tarnished surface using a soft cloth.
For heavily tarnished items, lining a bowl with aluminum foil, adding hot water, and mixing in baking soda creates a chemical reaction that lifts the tarnish without excessive scrubbing. This method is effective, affordable, and much gentler than chemical silver polish.
14. Clean Tile Grout
Grout lines between tiles often collect dirt and grime, making them look dark and dingy. Baking soda is a great natural cleaner for grout, as it helps break down dirt without damaging the tiles. Make a paste using baking soda and water, apply it to the grout lines, and let it sit for at least 10 minutes.
Using an old toothbrush, scrub the grout gently to lift the dirt, then rinse with warm water. For even tougher stains, adding a little white vinegar to the baking soda paste creates a fizzing reaction that loosens stubborn grime. This method is perfect for bathroom and kitchen tile maintenance.
15. Keep Flowers Fresher Longer
Fresh-cut flowers often wilt quickly, but adding a teaspoon of baking soda to the water in a vase can help extend their life. The baking soda balances the pH levels in the water, reducing bacteria growth and keeping the flowers hydrated. This trick works especially well for roses, lilies, and tulips, which are sensitive to water quality.
For best results, change the water every two days and add fresh baking soda each time. This simple hack can help keep your floral arrangements looking vibrant for longer without the need for expensive flower preservatives.
