Baking soda, the unassuming pantry staple, is a powerhouse of versatility that can revolutionize your cleaning routine, personal care, and even your health.
A comprehensive review of five controlled clinical studies involving over 270 subjects consistently demonstrated that Arm & Hammer baking soda dentifrices outperformed non-baking soda products regarding plaque removal effectiveness.1
Here are the 14 game-changing baking soda hacks that will make your life easier and cleaner. These tricks will make you wonder how you managed without this magical ingredient.
1. Freshen Your Fridge
Is your fridge smelling funky? Baking soda can neutralize odors if you place an open box in the back of your fridge.
The baking soda absorbs and eliminates odor particles rather than just masking their smell. For optimal freshness, replace the box every 3 months.
You can also use baking soda to clean your fridge shelves and drawers. Make a paste with baking soda and water, then use it to scrub away stubborn stains and spills. Rinse with clean water and enjoy a sparkling clean fridge.
2. Deodorize Smelly Shoes
Stinky shoes got you down? After wearing them, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda inside them. The baking soda will absorb the odors, leaving your shoes smelling fresh and clean.
For an extra deodorizing boost, make sachets filled with baking soda and tuck them into your shoes when you’re not wearing them.
Baking soda can also freshen gym bags and sports gear. Simply sprinkle baking soda inside the bag or on the gear, let it sit for a few hours, and then shake or vacuum it out. Your gear will smell like new again.
3. Polish Silverware to a Shine
Make your silverware sparkle with a simple baking soda solution of 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water to create a paste. Apply the paste to your silverware using a soft cloth, gently rubbing to remove tarnish.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry with a clean cloth.
For heavily tarnished pieces, you can create a baking soda “bath.” Line a baking dish with aluminum foil, then add 1 cup of boiling water, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Place your silverware in the dish and let it sit for up to 1 minute.
The tarnish should transfer from the silverware to the aluminum foil, leaving your pieces shiny and clean.
4. Clean Your Microwave with Ease
Baking soda makes cleaning a messy microwave a breeze. Mix 1 cup of water with 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the mixture for 5 minutes, allowing the steam to loosen the grime.
Carefully remove the bowl (it will be hot!) and wipe down the inside of the microwave with a damp cloth.
The baking soda’s mild abrasiveness will help lift off stubborn stains and eliminate odors.
Make a paste with baking soda and water for tough, baked-on splatters. Apply the paste to the splatters, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe clean with a damp sponge or cloth. Your microwave will look like new in no time.
5. Boost Your Laundry Game
Baking soda is a laundry room MVP. Add 1/2 cup to your next load of laundry to help balance pH levels and combat odors. This is especially effective for gym clothes, towels, and other items prone to holding onto smells.
Baking soda can also brighten dingy whites and remove stubborn stains. Add 1/2 cup to your wash cycle and your regular detergent for whites.
To tackle stains, make a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, and let it sit for 15 minutes before washing as usual.
6. Unclog Drains Naturally
Is your sink draining slower than molasses? Before you reach for harsh chemicals, try this eco-friendly solution. Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 cup of white vinegar.
The fizzing reaction helps break down gunk and hair. After 15 minutes, flush with hot water.
For stubborn clogs, repeat the process or let the mixture sit overnight. Compared to commercial drain cleaners, this method is effective and safer for your pipes and the environment.
7. Freshen Your Mattress
Your mattress harbors more dust mites, dead skin cells, and sweat than you imagine. To refresh it, sprinkle baking soda liberally over the entire surface. Let it sit for an hour (or longer if possible) to absorb odors and moisture.
Vacuum the baking soda thoroughly using the upholstery attachment. For extra freshness, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the baking soda before sprinkling.
This simple hack can extend the life of your mattress and improve your sleep quality.
8. DIY Dry Shampoo
Are you running late and have no time to wash your hair? Baking soda can be your secret weapon against greasy roots.
Mix baking soda and cornstarch in equal parts, then apply to your roots using a makeup brush. Massage gently and brush out thoroughly.
This homemade dry shampoo absorbs excess oil and adds volume to limp hair. It’s especially effective for dark hair when mixed with unsweetened cocoa powder to match your hair color.
Say goodbye to bad hair days and hello to quick, refreshed locks.
9. Soothe Sunburns
After a day in the sun, cool and calm your skin with a baking soda bath. Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to lukewarm bathwater and soak for 15-20 minutes.
The alkaline nature of baking soda helps balance the pH of sunburned skin, reducing inflammation and itching.
Make a paste with baking soda and water for targeted relief and apply it directly to the affected areas.
This natural remedy can provide quick comfort and may help prevent peeling. Remember, prevention is key, so always use sunscreen!
10. Whiten Your Teeth
Brighten your smile without expensive treatments. Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste. Brush your teeth with this mixture once or twice a week.
The mild abrasiveness of baking soda helps remove surface stains from coffee, tea, and wine.
While effective, use this method sparingly, as overuse can erode tooth enamel. For a gentler approach, dip your damp toothbrush in baking soda before applying your regular toothpaste.
Always consult your dentist before starting any new oral care routine.
11. Deodorize Your Carpet
Banish funky carpet odors with this simple trick. Sprinkle baking soda liberally over your carpet and let it sit for several hours or overnight.
The longer it sits, the more odors it will absorb. Vacuum thoroughly to remove the baking soda along with the neutralized odors.
For pet odors or particularly stubborn smells, mix a few drops of essential oil into the baking soda before sprinkling.
This method not only freshens your carpet but can also help eliminate allergens and dust mites, making your home healthier and more pleasant.
12. Extinguish Small Fires
Baking soda can be a lifesaver in the kitchen when putting out small grease and electrical fires. Its chemical properties allow it to react with heat and produce carbon dioxide, which smothers the flames.
Simply turn off the heat source, stand back, and throw handfuls of baking soda at the base of the fire.
However, it’s important to note that baking soda should only be used for minor fires.
Call the fire department immediately for larger house fires and evacuate the area. Baking soda’s effectiveness is limited when a fire draws in more oxygen.
13. Clean Your Car’s Exterior
Baking soda isn’t just for household cleaning—it can also do wonders for your car’s exterior. Its gentle abrasiveness makes it an excellent choice for removing road dirt, grime, and even bugs from your vehicle’s bodywork.
Mix baking soda with warm water and apply the solution to a damp cloth. Gently scrub your car’s exterior, paying attention to particularly dirty areas.
You can even use this method to clean your headlights, restoring their clarity and improving visibility.
Your car will look like it just rolled out of the showroom!
14. Keep Cut Flowers Fresh Longer
Fresh flowers can brighten any room but often wilt and fade quickly. Baking soda can help extend their lifespan, keeping your bouquets looking beautiful for longer.
To keep your cut flowers fresh, add a teaspoon of baking soda to the water in the vase. Baking soda’s alkaline properties help balance the water’s pH, slowing down the growth of bacteria that cause flowers to deteriorate.
Change the water and add fresh baking soda every few days for optimal results.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.