Introduction
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a versatile household staple with many unexpected uses besides baking. In this article, I will explore the myriad ways that this inexpensive ingredient can make cleaning, deodorizing, and general home care easier and more effective. Read on to uncover the surprising benefits of keeping baking soda on hand.
Cleaning
Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can be used to clean all kinds of surfaces around the house without scratching or damaging them. Here are some of my favorite cleaning uses for baking soda:
Fridge and Freezer
Baking soda absorbs odors incredibly well. I simply leave an open box of baking soda in my fridge and freezer to keep them smelling fresh. I change the boxes every month.
Oven and Microwave
A paste of baking soda and water makes an excellent oven and microwave cleaner. I mix 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water to make a spreadable paste. I apply the paste to baked-on grime in my oven or microwave, let it sit for at least 15 minutes, then wipe away. The baking soda paste scrubs the mess right off.
Bathroom Surfaces
For scrubbing tile, porcelain, chrome, and other bathroom surfaces, baking soda works wonders. I sprinkle some right onto my cleaning cloth or sponge for a little extra scrubbing power. It cleans soap scum and hard water stains without damaging fixtures.
Clogged Drains
To clear slow-running drains, I pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar. The chemical reaction fizzes away clogs! I let it sit for 5-10 minutes then rinse with hot water.
Produce
To remove pesticide residue, wax, and other contaminants from my fruits and veggies, I fill a bowl with cool water and stir in 2 tbsp baking soda. After soaking produce for 5 minutes, I rinse under fresh water.
Hands
Baking soda removes strong smells like garlic and onion from my hands. I just rub them with baking soda and rinse with water. It also gently scrubs away stains.
Deodorizing
Baking soda is a powerful odor neutralizer making it ideal for deodorizing just about anything. Here are some clever ways I use it:
Fridge Odors
I place an open box of baking soda in my fridge to absorb funky smells. Changing it every 30 days keeps odors away.
Cutting Boards
To deodorize and clean cutting boards, I sprinkle baking soda on the surface and rub it in with a wet sponge before rinsing. This disinfects and removes food odors.
Carpets
To freshen carpets before vacuuming, I liberally sprinkle baking soda over the carpet. Letting it sit for 15 minutes before vacuuming pulls odors out of the carpet fibers.
Garbage Cans
I combat stinky trash cans by sprinkling baking soda at the bottom of the can before putting in a new bag. It keeps garbage odors away between trash days.
Pet Areas
To neutralize pet odors, I sprinkle baking soda onto my pet’s bedding or litter box and let sit overnight before removing. The baking soda absorbs the funky pet smells.
Miscellaneous Uses
Baking soda also has many other purposes around the home. Here are a few handy tricks:
Pest Control
Ants hate baking soda. I sprinkle lines of baking soda along baseboards, windowsills, and anywhere else ants enter. The baking soda stops ants in their tracks!
Deodorize Shoes
I keep my shoes fresh by placing baking soda insoles inside them when not being worn. The baking soda absorbs foot odors and moisture.
Extinguish Fires
Baking soda can be used to smother small grease and electrical fires. I keep some near the kitchen in case of emergency.
Shine Silver
To polish tarnished silver, I make a paste with baking soda and water. Rub onto silver with a soft cloth then rinse clean for a shiny finish.
Remove Splinters
Making a paste with baking soda and water helps draw splinters to the surface of skin for easy removal with tweezers.
Conclusion
As you can see, baking soda is an endlessly useful household item with a ton of surprising applications. Its natural cleaning, deodorizing, and abrasive properties make it a true multipurpose helper. Keeping baking soda stocked in your home provides an inexpensive way to solve all kinds of problems. Try some of these clever baking soda tricks the next time you need a little help around the house!
