15 Useful Baking Soda Tricks Every Home Should Know
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is useful for cleaning, deodorizing, and some cooking tasks, but many viral “health hacks” involving it aren’t safe or well supported.
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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 it for a while, then vacuum thoroughly.
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Remove odors from shoes — put a small amount inside overnight and shake it out afterward.
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Clean a sink — sprinkle baking soda over a damp surface and gently scrub.
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Freshen garbage cans — add a small amount to the bottom of a clean, dry bin.
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Clean food containers — make a paste with baking soda and water to help remove stubborn food smells.
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Clean a microwave — use baking soda dissolved in water to wipe away odors and residue.
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Scrub baked-on food — soak cookware with warm water and baking soda before gently scrubbing.
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Freshen cutting boards — sprinkle and gently scrub, then rinse thoroughly.
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Reduce odors in drains — baking soda can help deodorize a drain, although it isn’t a substitute for fixing a blocked or damaged drain.
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Clean grout — a baking-soda paste can provide mild abrasion for surface dirt.
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Freshen laundry odors — adding a modest amount to a wash can help with odors, depending on the fabric and detergent.
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Remove some surface stains from mugs — gently scrub with a baking-soda paste. Swallowing large amounts can cause dangerous electrolyte and acid
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Improve certain baked goods — baking soda reacts with acidic ingredients to produce carbon dioxide, helping some recipes rise.
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Clean greasy surfaces — its mild abrasive action can help lift some grease and grime.
A few things to avoid
Don’t use baking soda as a “detox,” cancer treatment, or daily remedy for heartburn without medical advice. Swallowing large amounts can cause dangerous electrolyte and acid-base disturbances.
Also, don’t mix baking soda with bleach, ammonia, or other household chemicals. And its abrasiveness can damage delicate surfaces such as some natural stone or polished finishes.
For household use, baking soda is most useful as a mild cleaner and odor absorber—not a miracle cure.
