15 Brilliant Baking Soda Tricks Every Woman Should Know
Baking soda is inexpensive, versatile, and useful for many everyday household jobs. Here are 15 practical ways to use it—without treating it as a miracle product.
Freshen a smelly refrigerator 🧊
Place an open container of baking soda inside to help absorb odors. Replace it periodically.
Deodorize carpets
Sprinkle a thin layer over a dry carpet, leave it for a while, then vacuum thoroughly. Check the manufacturer’s care instructions first.
Freshen shoes 👟
Put a small amount inside dry shoes overnight, then shake or vacuum it out before wearing them.
Clean a kitchen sink
Sprinkle baking soda over a damp sink, gently scrub with a soft sponge, and rinse well.
Remove light stains from mugs ☕
Make a paste with baking soda and water, gently rub the stain, and rinse.
Clean greasy cookware
Baking soda can help loosen light grease and food residue when combined with warm water and gentle scrubbing.
Freshen a garbage bin 🗑️
After cleaning and drying the bin, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda in the bottom to help control odors.
Deodorize cutting boards
Sprinkle baking soda over the board, gently scrub, and rinse thoroughly. Always follow appropriate food-safety practices for the board’s material.
Freshen upholstery
For suitable, colorfast fabric, lightly sprinkle baking soda, leave it briefly, and vacuum. Test an inconspicuous area first.
Clean a thermos or bottle
Baking soda and warm water can help loosen odors and residue. Rinse thoroughly afterward.
Freshen laundry 🧺
Adding a modest amount of baking soda to a wash can help with odors, provided it is compatible with your washing machine and the garment-care instructions.
Clean grout
A baking-soda-and-water paste can help scrub surface dirt from grout. Use a soft brush and rinse afterward.
Remove burnt food residue
Soak the cookware in warm water with baking soda before gently scrubbing. Don’t use abrasive scrubbing on delicate coatings.
Freshen a dishwasher
With the dishwasher empty, a small amount of baking soda can help neutralize odors. Follow your dishwasher manufacturer’s instructions.
Clean a microwave
A baking-soda solution can help wipe away light food residue and odors. Avoid getting liquid into vents or electrical components.
⚠️ Don’t use baking soda everywhere
Baking soda is mildly abrasive and alkaline, so it isn’t appropriate for every surface. Avoid aggressive scrubbing on delicate stone, certain metals, nonstick coatings, and easily scratched finishes unless the manufacturer says it’s safe.
And never mix cleaning products indiscriminately. In particular, don’t mix baking soda with bleach or other chemical cleaners unless the product instructions specifically permit it.
The best trick of all? Use baking soda for simple deodorizing and gentle cleaning—not as a replacement for a purpose-designed cleaner when a surface requires one.
