If you mean household uses for baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), here are 15 genuinely useful ones—with a few safety caveats:
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Deodorize the refrigerator — Place an open container inside to absorb odors.
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Freshen carpets — Sprinkle a thin layer, leave briefly, then vacuum thoroughly.
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Clean a stained mug — Make a paste with baking soda and water and gently scrub.
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Remove odors from cutting boards — Sprinkle, scrub, rinse, and dry well.
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Freshen shoes — Put a small amount inside overnight and shake it out afterward.
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Clean a greasy oven surface — Use a baking-soda paste with water and wipe away after it loosens grime.
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Clean a stainless-steel sink — Use a damp sponge with a small amount of baking soda, rubbing with the grain.
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Deodorize trash cans — Sprinkle some baking soda in the bottom after cleaning and drying the can.
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Freshen upholstery — A light sprinkling can help absorb odors before vacuuming.
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Clean kitchen sponges — Soak them in warm water containing baking soda, then rinse thoroughly. Replace worn or smelly sponges rather than relying on cleaning alone.
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Remove tea or coffee stains — Gently scrub cups with baking soda and water.
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Freshen a dishwasher — Sprinkle some on the bottom and run an appropriate cleaning cycle according to the appliance manufacturer’s instructions.
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Clean soap residue — A baking-soda paste can help with mild buildup on washable bathroom surfaces.
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Neutralize unpleasant laundry odors — Adding a modest amount to a wash can help with odors, provided it is compatible with the fabric and detergent.
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Clean grimy cookware — Baking soda and warm water can help loosen food residue; avoid aggressive scrubbing on delicate coatings.
A couple of important warnings
Don’t mix baking soda with bleach, ammonia, or other household cleaners. And don’t assume that “natural” means safe for every surface or body part. Baking soda can scratch delicate finishes and can irritate skin or eyes.
Also, despite many viral “beauty hacks,” I wouldn’t recommend using baking soda routinely on your face, hair, or teeth. Its alkalinity and abrasiveness can irritate skin and potentially damage tooth enamel.
