15 useful baking-soda tricks for around the home
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a mild alkali and gentle abrasive, so it can be useful for some everyday cleaning and household jobs. It isn’t a cure-all, though, and mixing it with other cleaners can sometimes make a mess rather than a better cleaner.
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Deodorize the refrigerator — Place an open container of baking soda inside to help absorb odors.
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Freshen carpets — Sprinkle a small amount, let it sit, then vacuum thoroughly. Avoid this if the manufacturer advises against powders.
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Clean a sink — Use baking soda with water as a mild abrasive.
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Remove food residue from cookware — Make a paste with water and gently scrub.
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Freshen smelly shoes — Put a little baking soda inside overnight and shake it out before wearing them.
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Clean a microwave — A bowl of water with baking soda can help loosen food residue; wipe afterward.
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Deodorize garbage bins — Sprinkle a small amount in the bottom after cleaning and drying the bin.
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Freshen a cutting board — Scrub with baking soda and rinse thoroughly. For raw-meat boards, proper washing and sanitizing remain important.
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Clean grout gently — A baking-soda-and-water paste can help with light surface grime.
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Remove odors from lunch containers — Soak them in warm water with baking soda, then wash normally.
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Freshen upholstery — A light sprinkle followed by thorough vacuuming can reduce some odors. Check the care instructions first.
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Clean a stained mug — Gently rub a baking-soda paste over coffee or tea stains.
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Deodorize a dishwasher — After normal cleaning, a small amount can help with lingering odors.
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Freshen a washing machine — Baking soda can help with odors, but follow your appliance manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
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Clean greasy kitchen surfaces — A damp cloth with a little baking soda can provide mild abrasive action on suitable surfaces.
A few important cautions
Don’t mix baking soda with bleach, ammonia, or other cleaning chemicals. Also avoid using it as a routine skin treatment or toothpaste substitute; its abrasiveness and alkalinity can irritate skin or contribute to dental problems with improper use.
And despite popular online claims, baking soda isn’t a proven treatment for weight loss, cancer, kidney disease, or other serious medical conditions.
