14 Clever Ways To Clean Your Home With Baking Soda

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Introduction

Welcome to the wonderful world of baking soda! You may think of baking soda as a simple ingredient used in baking recipes, but it is actually a versatile powerhouse that can be used for a wide range of cleaning tasks around your home. From removing stains and odors to cleaning surfaces and appliances, baking soda is an effective and environmentally friendly solution.

Not only is baking soda safe to use and non-toxic, but it is also affordable and readily available. It’s no wonder that baking soda has become a staple in many households as a go-to cleaning agent. In this article, we will explore 14 clever ways to clean your home with baking soda, providing you with practical tips and tricks to make your cleaning routine more efficient and effective.

So, put on your cleaning gloves and let’s dive into the amazing cleaning possibilities that baking soda has to offer!

Bathroom Cleaning

The bathroom is one area of the house that requires regular cleaning due to its constant exposure to moisture and the build-up of soap scum and grime. Baking soda can be your secret weapon for keeping your bathroom sparkling clean. Here are a few ways you can use it:

1. Shower and Tub Cleaner: Create a paste by mixing baking soda with water, and then apply it to the surfaces of your shower and tub. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a sponge or brush and rinse thoroughly. Baking soda’s gentle abrasive properties help remove soap scum and grime, leaving your shower gleaming.
2. Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Sprinkle baking soda into the toilet bowl, add vinegar, and let it fizz for a few minutes. Then, scrub the bowl with a toilet brush and flush. Baking soda helps remove stains and eliminates odors, leaving your toilet fresh and clean.
3. Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the grout lines between your tiles. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a brush and rinse. Baking soda’s abrasive properties work wonders on stubborn grout stains, restoring the original color and shine of your tiles.
4. Mix baking soda with warm water to create a cleaning solution. Spray it onto your mirrors and glass surfaces, then wipe with a clean cloth or paper towel. Baking soda effectively removes smudges and leaves your mirrors sparkling and streak-free.

Baking soda is a cost-effective and natural alternative to conventional cleaning products, making it an excellent choice for maintaining a clean and hygienic bathroom.

Kitchen Cleaning

The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, but it can also be a hotbed for grease, stains, and unpleasant odors. Luckily, baking soda can come to the rescue when it comes to cleaning your kitchen. Here are some ways to put it to work:

1. Baking soda’s absorbent nature makes it an excellent grease and stain remover. Sprinkle baking soda on greasy stovetops, countertops, or backsplashes, and gently scrub with a damp cloth. The baking soda will help break down the grease, making it easier to wipe away.
2. Place an open box of baking soda in your refrigerator to absorb odors and keep your fridge smelling fresh. Replace the box every few months for optimal effectiveness.
3. Make a paste of baking soda and water, and apply it to the interior of your oven, avoiding the heating elements. Let it sit overnight, then wipe away the paste and grime the next day. Baking soda’s gentle abrasiveness helps loosen and remove baked-on grease and food residue.
4. Sprinkle baking soda onto your cutting board, scrub with a sponge or brush, and rinse. Baking soda helps remove stains and odors from cutting boards, leaving them clean and fresh.

Baking soda is a fantastic kitchen companion, providing effective and natural solutions for a range of cleaning tasks.

Odor Elimination

Unpleasant odors can linger in various areas of your home, from the kitchen to the bathroom and even in your carpets. Baking soda is a fantastic odor absorber and can help eliminate foul smells effectively. Here’s how you can use it for odor elimination:

1. Place an open box of baking soda in your refrigerator and freezer to absorb odors. The baking soda will neutralize and eliminate unpleasant smells, leaving your fridge smelling fresh.
2. Sprinkle some baking soda at the bottom of your garbage can to control odors. You can also create small sachets filled with baking soda to hang inside the lid for extra freshness.
3. Sprinkle baking soda liberally over your carpets and let it sit for about 30 minutes to absorb any lingering odors. Then, vacuum thoroughly to remove the baking soda along with the odor-causing particles.
4. If you have pets, baking soda can be a great tool for neutralizing pet odors. Sprinkle baking soda on pet beds, carpets, or upholstery, and let it sit for a while before vacuuming it up. This will help eliminate odors and keep your home smelling fresh.

Baking soda is a natural and cost-effective solution for eliminating odors in various areas of your home. Say goodbye to unpleasant smells and enjoy a fresh and inviting living space.

Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning

Carpets and upholstery can accumulate dirt, stains, and unpleasant odors over time. Baking soda can be a game-changer when it comes to keeping your carpets and upholstery looking and smelling fresh. Here are some ways you can use it:

1. Mix baking soda with water to create a paste and apply it to surface stains on your carpets or upholstery. Gently scrub the paste into the stain using a brush or sponge, then blot with a clean cloth. Let it dry, and vacuum any residue. Baking soda helps lift and remove stains, leaving your surfaces cleaner and brighter.
2. Sprinkle baking soda liberally over your carpets or upholstery and let it sit for a few hours, or overnight if possible. Baking soda absorbs odors, including pet odors and cigarette smoke. After letting it sit, vacuum thoroughly to remove the baking soda along with the trapped odors.
3. Sprinkle baking soda over your mattress, let it sit for a few hours to absorb any odors, then vacuum it up. Baking soda helps freshen up your mattress and eliminates any stale smells.

Baking soda is a cost-effective and natural alternative to commercial carpet and upholstery cleaners. It helps maintain the cleanliness and freshness of your soft furnishings, ensuring a clean and inviting living space.

Laundry Boosters

Baking soda is not just for cleaning surfaces; it can also be a valuable addition to your laundry routine. It helps to freshen and clean your clothes, making them look and smell better. Here are some ways you can use baking soda as a laundry booster:

1. Mix baking soda with water to create a paste and apply it to stains on your clothes. Let it sit for a while, then wash the garment as usual. Baking soda helps to lift and remove tough stains, leaving your clothes cleaner and brighter.
2. Add a half cup of baking soda to your laundry load to help eliminate odors. Baking soda neutralizes unpleasant smells, such as those from sweat, smoke, or food, leaving your clothes smelling fresh and clean.
3. Add a tablespoon of baking soda to your laundry detergent to boost its cleaning power and enhance the brightness of your colors. Baking soda helps to remove dirt and residue, making your clothes look vibrant and fresh.

Baking soda is a natural and affordable laundry booster that can help improve the cleanliness and freshness of your clothes.

Jewelry and Silverware Cleaning

Baking soda can also work wonders when it comes to cleaning and shining your jewelry and silverware. Here are some ways you can use it:

1. Create a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water. Gently rub the paste onto your jewelry using a soft cloth or toothbrush. Rinse the jewelry with water and pat dry. Baking soda helps to remove dirt, oils, and tarnish, leaving your jewelry sparkling and beautiful.
2. Line a glass dish with aluminum foil, shiny side up. Place your tarnished silverware on top of the foil. Sprinkle baking soda over the silverware, then pour boiling water into the dish, enough to cover the silverware. Let it soak for a few minutes, then remove the silverware and rinse with water. Baking soda reacts with aluminum foil and hot water to remove tarnish from silverware, restoring its shine.

With baking soda, you can easily bring back the luster and shine to your jewelry and silverware without the need for harsh chemicals or expensive cleaners.

To freshen up your carpets, sprinkle baking soda liberally over the area, let it sit for at least 15 minutes, and then vacuum it up to remove odors and freshen the fibers.

Pet Stain Removal

If you have a furry friend at home, you know that accidents happen. Baking soda can be a lifesaver when it comes to removing pet stains and odors. Here’s how you can use it:

1. Start by blotting up any excess liquid or waste with paper towels. Sprinkle baking soda generously over the affected area and let it sit for a few hours. Baking soda helps absorb moisture and neutralize odors. Afterward, vacuum up the baking soda and assess the stain. If needed, treat the area with an enzymatic cleaner designed specifically for pet stains.
2. If your pet’s favorite spot has developed a lingering odor, sprinkle baking soda over the area. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight, then vacuum it up. Baking soda will help absorb and neutralize the unpleasant pet odors, leaving your carpets smelling fresh.

Baking soda is a safe and effective way to tackle pet stains and odors without the use of harsh chemicals. Remember to address accidents promptly to prevent stains from setting in.

Grease and Oil Cleaning

Grease and oil stains can be notoriously difficult to remove, but baking soda can help break down the grease and facilitate its removal. Here’s how you can use it:

1. Sprinkle baking soda directly onto the greasy or oily surface and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, scrub the area with a sponge or brush, using gentle pressure. Baking soda’s abrasive properties help to lift and loosen the grease, making it easier to wipe away. Rinse the surface with water to remove any residue.
2. If you have a grease trap in your kitchen, you can use baking soda to keep it clean and odor-free. Sprinkle baking soda into the grease trap regularly, followed by vinegar. The mixture will fizz and break down the grease and odors. Flush the grease trap with hot water to rinse away the debris.

Baking soda is a natural alternative to harsh degreasers and can effectively tackle grease and oil stains around your home.

Tile and Grout Cleaning

Tiles and grout can accumulate dirt, grime, and stains over time, but baking soda can be a game-changer when it comes to restoring their cleanliness. Here’s how you can use it:

1. Make a paste by mixing baking soda with water and apply it to the grout lines and tiles. Use a brush or toothbrush to scrub the paste into the grout, working in circular motions. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with water. Baking soda’s abrasive properties help to loosen tough stains and brighten the grout, leaving your tiles looking clean and revitalized.
2. For tile floors, mix baking soda with warm water in a bucket. Dip a mop or sponge into the solution and use it to clean the entire surface. Baking soda helps to remove dirt, grime, and even certain stains from the tiles, leaving them clean without any residue.

Regular use of baking soda for tile and grout cleaning can help maintain their appearance and prevent stubborn stains from setting in.

Wall and Surface Cleaning

Over time, walls and other surfaces in your home can accumulate dirt, fingerprints, and other marks. Baking soda can be a gentle yet effective solution for cleaning various surfaces. Here’s how you can use it:

1. Create a mixture of baking soda and water to form a paste-like consistency. Apply the paste to a sponge or soft cloth and gently scrub the walls, focusing on areas with stains or marks. Baking soda’s gentle abrasive properties help to lift and remove dirt without damaging the paint or wallpaper.
2. For other surfaces like countertops, tables, and cabinets, sprinkle baking soda onto a damp cloth and wipe the surface clean. Baking soda helps to remove dirt, grease, and grime, leaving your surfaces clean and refreshed.

Baking soda is a versatile cleaner that can be used on a wide range of surfaces, making it a handy tool for your regular cleaning routine.

Appliance Cleaning

Appliances are essential in our daily lives, but they can easily accumulate grime and odors. Baking soda can be a fantastic cleaning agent for various appliances. Here’s how you can use it:

1. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and add a few tablespoons of baking soda. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it on high for a few minutes until the water boils and creates steam. Carefully remove the bowl and wipe down the interior of the microwave with a clean cloth. Baking soda helps to loosen and eliminate food splatter and odors, leaving your microwave clean and fresh.
2. Sprinkle baking soda at the bottom of your empty dishwasher and run a normal cycle. Baking soda helps to remove any lingering odors and freshens up your dishwasher. You can also clean the door seal and filter using a baking soda paste to remove stains and residue.
3. Fill your coffee maker’s water reservoir with a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar. Add a couple of tablespoons of baking soda directly into the coffee pot. Run a brewing cycle to descale and clean the coffee maker. Baking soda aids in breaking down mineral deposits and removing built-up residue.
4. Mix baking soda with water to create a paste and apply it to the surface of your greasy oven range hood. Let it sit for a while, then scrub with a sponge or brush. Baking soda helps to cut through grease and grime, making it easier to clean.

Using baking soda for appliance cleaning not only helps maintain their functionality but also keeps them looking clean and smelling fresh.

Rust Removal

Rust can be a stubborn and unsightly problem, but baking soda can help remove rust and restore the appearance of your belongings. Here’s how you can use it:

1. Make a paste by mixing baking soda with water and apply it directly to the rusted surface. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight, depending on the severity of the rust. Then, scrub the area with a brush or sponge and rinse thoroughly. Baking soda’s gentle abrasive properties aid in loosening and removing rust, leaving the surface cleaner and brighter.
2. If you have smaller rusted metal items like tools or kitchen utensils, you can soak them in a solution of baking soda and water. Let the items sit in the solution for a few hours or overnight. Then, scrub them with a brush or sponge to remove the rust. Rinse the items thoroughly and dry them completely to prevent further rusting.

Baking soda is a gentle yet effective solution for removing rust without harsh chemicals. Keep in mind that for heavily rusted items, you may need to repeat the process or seek professional assistance.

Drain Cleaning

Clogged drains can be a major inconvenience, but baking soda can come to the rescue as a natural and effective drain cleaner. Here’s how to use it:

1. To keep your drains smelling fresh, sprinkle baking soda down the drain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with hot water. Baking soda will help neutralize odors and keep your drains smelling clean.
2. Start by pouring hot water down the drain to help loosen any debris. Then, pour about a half cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar into the drain. Let the mixture fizz and bubble for a few minutes to break down any clogs. Finally, flush the drain with hot water again to clear away the debris.
3. For more stubborn clogs, mix baking soda with salt and pour the mixture down the drain. Let it sit for several hours or overnight, then flush with hot water. The combination of baking soda and salt helps break down and dissolve tough clogs, allowing for easier removal.

Regular use of baking soda as a drain cleaner can help prevent clogs and keep your drains flowing smoothly. However, if you have persistent or severe clogs, it may be best to consult a professional plumber.