Baking soda is surprisingly useful around the home, but it’s not a miracle cleaner and shouldn’t be mixed indiscriminately with other products. Here are 15 practical uses:
🧼 15 baking-soda tricks
- Deodorize the refrigerator — Place an open container of baking soda inside to absorb odors.
- Freshen carpets — Sprinkle lightly, let it sit for a short time, then vacuum thoroughly.
- Clean a smelly sink — Sprinkle baking soda over the damp surface, gently scrub, and rinse.
- Freshen shoes — Put a small amount inside overnight, then shake or vacuum it out.
- Remove coffee or tea stains from mugs — Make a paste with a little water and gently scrub.
- Clean greasy cookware — Baking soda can help loosen grime when combined with warm water and dish soap.
- Freshen laundry — Adding a modest amount to a wash can help neutralize odors, though it isn’t a replacement for laundry detergent.
- Clean oven residue — Make a baking-soda paste with water, apply to cool surfaces, let it sit, then wipe away. Avoid heating baking soda during cleaning.
- Deodorize garbage cans — Sprinkle some in the bottom after cleaning and drying the can.
- Freshen cutting boards — Sprinkle on a damp board, gently scrub, and rinse thoroughly. Use appropriate sanitizing procedures for raw-meat contamination.
- Clean a stained thermos — Add baking soda and warm water, let it soak, then rinse well.
- Remove crayon marks from washable walls — Try a very gentle baking-soda paste on a small hidden area first; it can be mildly abrasive.
- Freshen upholstery — A light sprinkle followed by thorough vacuuming can help with odors, provided the manufacturer’s care instructions allow it.
- Clean grimy grout — A baking-soda paste can help loosen surface dirt. A grout-safe cleaner may work better for heavy buildup.
- Neutralize odors in a litter-box area — A small amount around the surrounding area can help with odors, but keep loose powder away from pets’ noses and avoid adding large amounts directly to litter.
⚠️ A few things NOT to do
Never mix baking soda with chlorine bleach, ammonia, or unknown cleaning products. And don’t use it aggressively on delicate surfaces such as marble, natural stone, or easily scratched finishes.
Also, despite many online claims, baking soda shouldn’t be used as a DIY treatment for serious medical, dental, or skin problems.
