If you’re looking for the details behind this headline, baking soda can be genuinely useful around the home, but some popular “hacks” are exaggerated. Here are 15 practical uses:
15 useful baking-soda tricks
- Deodorize the refrigerator — Place an open container inside to help absorb odors.
- Freshen carpets — Sprinkle lightly, leave for a while, then vacuum thoroughly.
- Clean a greasy stovetop — Make a paste with water and gently scrub washable surfaces.
- Lift odors from shoes — Put a small amount inside overnight and shake it out afterward.
- Clean a kitchen sink — Sprinkle onto a damp sink, gently scrub, and rinse.
- Remove food residue from cookware — Soak with warm water and baking soda before scrubbing.
- Freshen cutting boards — Use it as a mild abrasive, then rinse the board thoroughly.
- Deodorize trash cans — Sprinkle a little in the bottom after cleaning and drying the bin.
- Clean grout — A baking-soda paste can help loosen surface dirt; rinse well afterward.
- Freshen upholstery — A light application followed by thorough vacuuming can reduce some odors.
- Clean a washing machine — Baking soda can help with odors, although it isn’t a substitute for the machine manufacturer’s cleaning procedure.
- Remove coffee or tea stains — A baking-soda paste can help with some stains on washable cups and mugs.
- Freshen drains — Baking soda may help with odors, but it isn’t a substitute for clearing a blocked drain.
- Clean soap residue — Its mild abrasiveness can help on suitable bathroom surfaces.
- Reduce unpleasant household odors — Containers of dry baking soda can absorb odors in enclosed spaces.
A few things to avoid
Don’t assume baking soda is safe for every surface. Its abrasiveness can dull or scratch delicate finishes, and it shouldn’t be used indiscriminately on natural stone, certain metals, or manufacturer-coated surfaces.
Also, never mix baking soda with bleach or other household chemicals unless the product instructions specifically say the combination is safe.
