The Magic of Baking Soda: 53 Clever Ways to Clean Almost Everything

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a true hero in the realm of household cleaning. This unassuming white powder, often tucked away in kitchen cabinets, can do wonders for maintaining a clean and fresh home. Not only is it highly effective, but it’s also budget-friendly and gentle on the environment.

Let’s explore 46 ingenious ways to use baking soda to clean virtually every corner of your home, from the kitchen to the bathroom, the living room, the laundry room, and even the outdoors.

Baking soda is a highly effective and versatile cleaning agent that is commonly used for various cleaning tasks around the house. Its natural abrasive and deodorizing properties make it a popular choice for both gentle and tough cleaning jobs.

1. Kitchen Cleaning

1.1 Countertops

The kitchen is a bustling hub of activity, and countertops bear the brunt of it all. To restore their shine, create a paste by mixing baking soda with water.

Apply it, scrub gently with a cloth or sponge, and rinse thoroughly for a sparkling clean surface.

1.2 Stovetops

Cooking often results in stubborn grease and stains on stovetops. Baking soda comes to the rescue! Sprinkle it generously and then spritz it with vinegar.

Let the bubbling action do its work, scrub away the grime, and wipe clean for a spotless stovetop.

1.3 Microwaves

The interior of microwaves can quickly become a haven for splatters and odors. To restore its cleanliness, create a paste using baking soda and water.

Apply it to the interior, wait a few minutes, and then wipe clean with ease.

1.4 Refrigerators

Is your fridge plagued by persistent odors? Place an open box of baking soda in the back to absorb and neutralize unwanted smells. Remember to replace it every few months for continued freshness.

1.5 Dishwashers

Even dishwashers need some TLC. Run an empty dishwasher with a cup of baking soda to eliminate odors and remove built-up residue, leaving it clean and odor-free.

1.6 Refreshing Sponges and Dishcloths

Soak kitchen sponges and dishcloths in a solution of baking soda and water to remove odors and disinfect them.

1.7 Cleaning Oven

Baking soda can be used to clean kitchen appliances like ovens. Create a paste by mixing baking soda with water and apply it to the interior surfaces.

Let it sit for some time to loosen dirt and stains, then scrub and wipe clean.

1.8 Removing Burnt-On Food

For pots and pans with burnt-on food, sprinkle baking soda over the affected area, add water, and let it soak overnight.

This will help loosen the burnt residue for easier cleaning.

2. Bathroom Cleaning

2.1 Sinks and Faucets

Bathroom sinks and faucets often bear the brunt of soap scum and hard water stains. Banish them by sprinkling baking soda, giving it a good scrub, and then rinsing thoroughly. Your fixtures will gleam like new.

2.2 Showerheads

Mineral deposits can wreak havoc on showerheads, affecting water flow. To restore them, soak the showerhead in a mixture of baking soda and vinegar.

Rinse thoroughly afterward for improved performance.

2.3 Toilet Bowls

Toilet bowls can be a tough nut to crack when it comes to cleaning. Sprinkle baking soda into the bowl, let it sit for a few minutes, scrub, and then flush. Not only does this method clean effectively, but it also deodorizes.

2.4 Grout and Tiles

Grout and tiles in the bathroom often fall prey to mold and mildew. Make a thick paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the grout and tiles, scrub, and watch them regain their original shine.

2.5 Mirrors and Glass

Don’t forget the mirrors. Achieve streak-free, shiny surfaces by cleaning them with baking soda. Create a cleaning solution by mixing baking soda with water, and use it to clean glass surfaces and mirrors. It helps remove smudges and streaks.

3. Living Room and Bedroom Cleaning

3.1 Upholstered Furniture

Upholstered furniture can trap odors over time. Sprinkle baking soda on the fabric, wait for 15 minutes, and then vacuum to refresh and deodorize.

3.2 Mattresses

Mattresses can benefit from some baking soda magic too. Deodorize your mattress by sprinkling baking soda evenly, allowing it to sit for a while, and then vacuuming it away. It’s like giving your mattress a breath of fresh air.

3.3 Carpets and Rugs

Carpets and rugs can accumulate odors, especially in high-traffic areas. Sprinkle baking soda generously, let it sit for a while, and then vacuum to remove odors and refresh the fibers.

3.4 Curtains and Blinds

Dust and odors can also settle on curtains and blinds. Wipe them down with a baking soda solution to effectively remove dust and unwanted smells.

4. Laundry Room

4.1 Deodorizing Laundry

Baking soda is a fantastic laundry aid. Add a cup of it to your laundry to help eliminate odors and boost the effectiveness of your detergent.

4.2 Stain Removal

Stubborn stains are no match for a paste made from baking soda and water. Apply it to stains before washing to help lift and remove them.

4.3 Washing Machine

Even your trusty washing machine needs a good cleaning now and then. Run a cycle with baking soda to eliminate built-up residue and odors, leaving your machine fresh and ready for the next load.

5. General Household Cleaning

5.1 Deodorizing Trash Bins

Trash bins can be a breeding ground for unpleasant odors. Sprinkle baking soda at the bottom to neutralize smells effectively.

5.2 Cleaning Painted Walls

Scuffs and marks on painted walls can be unsightly. Gently scrub them away with a baking soda paste, leaving your walls clean and unharmed.

5.3 Removing Scuff Marks

Don’t let scuff marks on floors and walls bother you. Simply buff them out with a damp cloth and some baking soda.

5.4 Cleaning Shoes

Baking soda is also great for extending the freshness of your shoes. Sprinkle it inside your shoes to absorb moisture and odors.

5.5 Pet Odor Removal

If you have furry friends, you know that pet odors can be a challenge. Sprinkle baking soda on pet bedding or carpets, let it sit, and then vacuum to effectively remove pet odors.

5.6 Dryer Sheet Alternative

Dryer sheets work well to keep static down in clothes if you live in a dry climate or if you’re using laundry detergent that leaves behind a lot of residue (like Tide Pods).

But if you don’t have any dryer sheets on hand, just sprinkle some baking soda on top of the clothes before tossing them into the dryer, this will help absorb moisture and reduce static cling without leaving any residue behind.

5.7 Unclogging Drains

Baking soda is often used in combination with vinegar to unclog drains. Pour baking soda down the drain, followed by vinegar. The resulting chemical reaction can help break down and clear away debris and blockages.

5.7 Scrubbing Surfaces

Baking soda’s abrasive texture makes it excellent for scrubbing surfaces. You can sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on a damp sponge or cloth and use it to scrub sinks, countertops, stovetops, and other hard surfaces.

It helps remove stains, grease, and grime without scratching most surfaces.

5.8 Cleaning Stainless Steel

Baking soda can help remove stains and discoloration from stainless steel appliances and sinks. Apply a paste of baking soda and water, scrub gently, and wipe clean.

5.9 Polishing Silverware

Baking soda can be used to polish tarnished silverware and jewelry. Create a paste with baking soda and water, gently rub it on the tarnished items, rinse, and buff to a shine.

6. Outdoor Cleaning

6.1 Patio Furniture

Outdoor furniture can accumulate dirt and grime. Scrub it with a baking soda solution to restore its shine.

6.2 Grill

Grill grates are notorious for being tough to clean. Make the job easier by scrubbing them with a mixture of baking soda and water.

6.3 Garden Tools

Garden tools can get rusty and dirty. Revive them by scrubbing them with a baking soda paste, ensuring they’re clean and ready for use.

6.4 Sidewalks and Driveways

Oil stains on sidewalks and driveways can be unsightly. Sprinkle baking soda on the stains, let it sit, and then scrub with a brush and water for a cleaner outdoor space.

Conclusion

The versatility of baking soda makes it an indispensable ally in the quest for a clean and fresh home. With these 49 clever ways to utilize baking soda, you can minimize your reliance on harsh chemicals and enjoy a cleaner, healthier living space. Whether you’re tackling kitchen messes, bathroom odors, laundry challenges, or outdoor cleaning projects, trust in the power of baking soda to get the job done efficiently and affordably.

Happy cleaning