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Are you looking for a natural cleaning product? Do you want an inexpensive alternative of room fresheners? Baking soda is your answer!
Baking soda has become a staple home product, helping every household with it’s deodorizing and cleaning properties. Also known as acidosis or bicarbonate of soda, baking soda is alkaline and has a high pH. Along with the natural cleaning properties, baking soda also comes with tons of health benefits like relieving heartburn and indigestion issues.
Baking soda is an inorganic salt which is often used in baking as a leavening agent and is also used in a wide range of non-food products across the globe. It’s just easy cleaning without resorting to using toxic chemical and commercial cleaners.
Is Baking Soda Safe?
Baking soda has amazing cleaning and deodorizing properties and is deemed safe to use. The bactericidal and stain cleaning properties work on almost every surface with harming the material. It is powdery and can absorb grease and spills without any mess.
Unlike other chemicals in cleaning products, baking soda is natural and safe. However, the directions of use must be followed to avoid any anomalies.
30 Brilliant Household Uses of Baking Soda
Kitchen Cleaning
1. Remove Stains
We do have plastic utensils in the kitchen like containers and boxes and they get stained often with leftover food. Freshen up those containers by sprinkling baking soda with a clean sponge.
You can also get rid of tough stains by soaking the affected area in a thick paste of baking soda and water. This method has always proved super effective and cleanser for container refreshing!
2. Clean Microwaves
Now, microwaves can get very oily and greasy considering all the pizzas and lasagnas they heat up. If you want some gentle cleaning of the microwave tray, sprinkle baking soda and scrub it with a damp sponge or microfiber rag.
Scrub the inside and outside of the microwave and wipe away any dried food residue or the disturbing burnt smell from the insides. After all, microwaves do need some love, don’t they?
3. Deodorize Your Refrigerator
Did last night’s salmon leave a foul, fishy smell in your refrigerator? If you are looking for an all-natural deodorizer to refresh a foul-smelling refrigerator, sprinkle some baking soda to absorb all the odor with minimal efforts. The unpleasant odor must not be left unchecked because they can linger around or even change the taste of surrounding food items.
Sprinkle baking soda at the bottom of dust bins to keep unfortunate smells at bay and maintain fresh air in the kitchen.
4. DIY Oven Cleaner
Glass stovetops and ovens get dirty very often with stains of baked-on food and dried up residues stuck here and there. Avoid commercial oven cleaners and make a chemical-free DIY oven cleaner with baking soda.
Make a thick paste using baking soda, lemon juice, vinegar, and liquid dish soap and leave the paste overnight on the stains. Once done, use a sponge and warm water to rinse it off. This oven cleaner is very effective and you can slather the paste anywhere, including the oven glass.
5. No Coffee Stains
An easy-to-make baking soda paste can clean those stubborn coffee stains in the iron plate of your coffee pot. Use distilled water to make the paste and apply the paste directly on the iron plate which is loaded with coffee stains.
You can also use baking soda to sparkle the whole coffee pot. Just washing your coffee mugs and pots in warm water and baking soda can eliminate the bitter off-tastes left by burnt coffee residues. For tough stains, soak the affected area in bicarbonate paste and watch out for the amazing results!
6. Clean Kitchen Surfaces
Clean every dirty spot in your kitchen with the classic baking soda treatment. The kitchen countertops are subjected to food spills, beverage stains, and whatnot. Rejuvenate such areas with a good baking soda scrubbing and see them blush. This treatment is safe and can be used on stainless steel sinks, range hoods, cooking utensils, and many more.
7. Treat Veggies
We know fruits and vegetables are covered with pesticides and other harmful residues. When we cook the food, they do get wiped out but the safety is not a hundred percent.
As a safety measure, scrub those veggies and fruits with baking soda and water to neutralize any harmful chemicals attached to them. Just a teaspoon of baking soda can efficiently remove all the bacteria!
8. No Stinky Sponges
If you think water is enough to clean and fresh up the kitchen staples like microfiber cloth or sponges, you are ignoring the lingering odors. Kitchen staples need a thorough cleaning once every two days after its job it’s done.
Soak them in baking soda and water and you will see them in better shape, with no stinky smell or extra grease. Maintain better hygiene by replacing used sponges every two to three weeks.
9. Goodbye Greasy Dishes and Pots
Just like the coffee stains, baking soda can work on the food remains on your pots, pans, and dishes. Cut the grease by scrubbing the utensils with a mixture of dish soap and baking soda.
If you want to clean a burnt pan or remove caked-on food residue, soak the utensil in a mixture of detergent and baking soda for about 10 minutes. Sprinkle baking soda on a damped sponge and scrub the pan thoroughly.
Similarly, if you want to clean a baking stone after cooking that delicious pizza, make a paste of baking soda and water and scrub it out. These methods are not only useful but also efficient and it won’t scratch your pans as well!
10. Clean Garbage Disposals
Make a DIY cleaner with baking soda and white distilled vinegar in equal parts and use it to clean and deodorize garbage disposals. This cleaning solution can kill bacterias that might be dwelling in your kitchen disposer.
Lift the flaps of the splatter guard and pour the baking soda into the unit until it is full. Next, pour vinegar down the drain and allow it to sit for an hour. Finally, switch on the disposal and run cold water down the drain. Don’t use this method very often because the vinegar can damage the rubber elements in the disposer.
Bathroom and Laundry Cleaning
11. Clean Your Bathtub
The bathroom tiles and hardware are sensitive and they are prone to discoloring, especially fiberglass bathtub or glossy tiles. Sprinkle a light layer of baking soda and use a damp sponge to scrub the tub clean. Don’t forget to rinse it thoroughly and clean dry with a towel.
This method has been deemed effective and safe and can be used to clean rust stains as well. Make a baking soda paste if you want deep cleaning of those glossy tiles.
You can also use a similar method for grout cleaning. Make a paste of baking soda, coarse salt, and dish soap and apply it to a dirty grout in the shower or bathtub. Let it sit for a few minutes and then scrub it off with a toothbrush. Sparkle your bathtub with these popular cleaning hacks!
12. Deodorize Shower Curtains
Due to regular wear and tear, vinyl shower curtains in your bathroom might pick up foul smells and start to grow mildew. Don’t worry, cleaning plastic shower curtains is super easy and it can be done with baking soda without any fuss.
Coat a damped sponge with baking soda and scrub the shower curtain in and out. Once done, rinse it and hang it to dry up. This treatment will not only remove stains and mildew but also deodorize the curtains.
If you don’t want manual scrubbing, put the curtains in a washing machine. Let them soak in baking soda and hot water to maximize the cleaning. Finally, hang it and let it dry. You must clean your shower curtains at regular intervals to keep your bathroom clean and hygienic.
13. DIY Toilet Cleaner
Work with some eco cleaning products and keep harmful chemicals at bay with this easy DIY toilet cleaner. To maintain proper hygiene and disinfect toilets, the nasty toilet bowl needs a routine cleanup, but commercial cleaners are full of toxins. Cut down on the toxicity and rush to the pantry to grab some supplies for this DIY.
You would need some white vinegar, baking soda, and a spray bottle to make that grungy bowl sparkle. Spray some vinegar evenly throughout the stained areas. Then, sprinkle about two tablespoons of baking soda into the bowl and mind it, the portions can be altered as per need.
Leave the toilet bowl with all the fizzes and bubbles for about an hour. Finally, brush away the loose grim and flush. Simple and easy, isn’t it?
14. A Laundry Detergent Boost
Transform your regular laundry detergent into a super-efficient cleaner and also a fabulous homemade, natural fabric softener. The baking soda balances the pH in your wash and works hard to make the clothes fresher and brighter.
Adding half a cup of baking soda would do the work very well and you can try this out in the washing machine. You have just made your detergent go further!
15. No Sharpie Marks
If you have damaged your favorite piece of clothing with Sharpie marks, don’t worry. Baking soda can help you remove it without any harm to the fabric.
Make a baking soda paste with water and it is enough to work on hard stains and deodorize the clothing. This method can also work on upholstery and yes, you don’t have to throw the cloth away because of some black inks!
16. Cleaning Baby Clothes
Baby’s skin is most sensitive and they do require some extra care and love. We often use commercial cleansers that claim to be very gentle for baby clothes but no matter what, the chemicals used can be hard for the baby’s skin.
Add some baking soda to the laundry detergent to refresh the clothes and clean tough stains. All these are down without the toxins and yes, it is a failsafe option!
17. DIY Washing Soda
Washing soda, a powerful cleanser and water softener, can be expensive and has limited availability. What if one can just DIY it? Make some washing soda with the incredibly cheap baking soda that is readily available everywhere.
You just need a microwave, cooking pan, and a spatula to make reliable laundry detergent. Pour the baking soda into the baking dish and let it bake for about an hour and don’t forget to stir it during the bake time. Once done, you will notice a change in the structure. It won’t be bright and fluffy but dull and grainy!
18. Clean Cloth Diapers
Though less efficient than conventional baby diapers, cloth diapers are extremely safe and free of chemicals. If you are using cloth diapers, you must know how important it is to disinfect them after use.
Just like baby clothes, remove stains and neutralize the acidic odors by soaking the fabric in a paste of baking soda and warm water. You can also sprinkle baking soda at the base of the diaper genie before dumping the dirty diapers to keep it smelling fresh.
19. Washing Machine Cleaner
If you think that washing machines can clean themselves with all those laundry detergents, you are wrong. They require a more frequent cleanup routine than we would expect and one must follow the signs. If washed clothes smell less fresh, it’s time for a good cleaning.
Baking soda, our very own natural cleanser, can do the job with the help of vinegar. You need to start with a large, hot load (no clothes, please!), add the mixture in it and start the cleanup. This would drive away all the buildups and mildews.
General Cleaning
20. Brighten Up Floors
Clean up the floors with baking soda and warm water and see them shine after a good mopping. It is one of the best baking soda uses and can be used on marble, tiles, laminate and porcelain floors without any adverse effect.
Make a heavy-duty floor cleaner with white vinegar, baking soda, and hot water and use a mop to rinse the floor. Allow it to dry in air for maximum cleaning. This easy and effective method will not only make your floors shine but also tackle messes in the bathroom and kitchen.
21. Deodorize Carpets
Carpets can get musty and start to smell bad with regular use, especially if the air is full of humidity, with little sunshine. Moreover, if you have pets and children at your place, it is likely to get very dirty in a matter of days.
Besides regular cleanup with carpet shampoos, you can also deodorize it once or twice a week by simply sprinkling some baking soda. Sprinkle the baking soda on the surface evenly and let it sit overnight. Vacuum up the remains the next morning and you have a fresh, odor-free carpet.
22. Clean Crayon Marks
The creativity of your little ones can be seen on those repainted walls with those crayon marks, but you can’t resist that. I mean, those brilliant minds want to learn so many things and we cannot bar that, can we?
You don’t have to repaint. Get some baking soda paste and scrub the stains in and out. You can also use a damped sponge sprinkled with baking soda and have similar results. Once done, wipe it off with a clean, dry cloth, and your job is done for a few days!
23. Clean Mattress
Just like carpets, mattresses do get smelly with regular use or worse musty when not in use for several months. Baking soda can help you clean the mattress and eliminate the foul smell.
This time, after sprinkling some baking soda you have to rub it with a towel to get the best results. After letting it sit for an hour, vacuum it up and enjoy the freshness without any toxins!
This recipe also works if you are up for deodorizing the car upholstery and get rid of some tire smells from your car.
24. Deodorize Wooden Cutting Boards
Wooden cutting boards, your all-time cooking mate, is very helpful and honestly, it would be difficult to chop those veggies without them. Freshen up these cutting boards by sprinkling some baking soda and scrubbing the surface. If you want to add some soothing lemon aroma, add up lemon essential oil and wait for the magic!
25. Air Freshener Spray
Room fresheners are no doubt a necessity but they can get incredibly expensive as well. So, if we can get an eco-friendly and healthy air freshener without cutting a hole in our pockets, we must take it!
Just 1 tablespoon of baking soda and a few drops of your favorite essential oils and your room freshener is ready. Pour the mixture in a spray bottle, fill it with water and shake. Your DIY air freshener would be good to go in just 30 minutes!
26. Refresh Your Dog
I know how much you love your pet and you have got used to the odor that is associated with your four-legged friend. I know you don’t want to get rid of that, but yes, it’s not like only kittie lovers can be benefited from the deodorizing properties of baking soda.
Massage your dog with slicker brushes after sprinkling some baking soda on his fur. Make that innocent creature feel fresh and yes, he would love his new coat!
Quick Tip: Some breeds might be allergic to baking soda, so, do check-up with the vet first.
27. Clean Your Car
Baking soda can be a good cleaning agent for your vehicle’s exterior which is prone to stains from bird poop, road grime, tar, and even tree sap. Make a paste with ¼ the cup baking soda and water. Use it to clean the exterior and interiors like car windows, vinyl sheets, floor mats, and even the tires.
Soak the stubborn stains in baking soda for a few minutes and then scrub it out for best results. None of these methods would leave a scratch behind, it’s just happy cleaning!
28. Freshen the Closet
Much like the refrigerator, baking soda can effectively deodorize a musty and dirty closet. The foul smell often lingers to our favorite clothes and hence, this has to be checked. Just by placing an open box of baking soda will help fight the odor and keep your clothes smelling fresh.
29. DIY Silver Cleaner
Silver jewelry can get tarnished over the years, but don’t worry, they can be brought back to life with an easy DIY recipe. You just need salt, vinegar, and baking soda together with boiling water to make a mixture.
Also, If you have silver flatware and dishes, clean them up with baking soda. Make a concentrated paste with three parts baking soda and one part water and apply the paste on your silver.
This natural silver polish recipe is safe for most of the silver heirlooms and will not damage your favorite pieces of jewelry.
30. Deodorize Your Luggage
Just like the closet, big trunks or trolley bags can get musty very often because they are not regularly used. If you want to avoid bumping into those musty-smelling travel bags every time you start packing for your next trip, do the baking soda treatment.
Once your unpacking is done, sprinkle some baking soda on the interiors of the bag before you place it away until your next trip. So, the next time you pack, no more foul odors!
Numerous benefits and uses of baking soda make it a marvelous product that can be used in household chores. So, if you have cleared all your doubts about the mighty powder, revise your cleaning methods right away and get to work!