25 Surprising Uses for Baking Soda: The Ultimate Natural Multitasker

You may have heard that baking soda is used to clean stoves. This is a great use for this natural, non-toxic cleaning agent. Just soak a soft sponge in vinegar, then wipe the stove with baking soda. Be sure to avoid scratching the stove’s surface. Baking soda also helps remove coffee stains. Use it as directed to get great results! Listed below are some of the most common uses for baking soda.

Baking soda is more than just a kitchen staple for baking cakes and cookies—it’s a natural, affordable, and eco-friendly solution for countless household needs. Its versatility makes it a must-have for cleaning, personal care, and even gardening. Here are 12 creative and practical uses for baking soda that will make you wonder how you ever lived without it!

1. Natural Deodorizer

Baking soda neutralizes odors rather than masking them, making it perfect for freshening up your home.
How to Use:

  • Place an open box of baking soda in your fridge, pantry, or closet to absorb odors.
  • Sprinkle it on carpets or upholstery, let sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum it up for a fresh scent.

2. All-Purpose Cleaner

Baking soda’s mild abrasiveness makes it a safe and effective cleaner for various surfaces.
How to Use:

  • Mix baking soda with water to form a paste and use it to clean sinks, tubs, countertops, and stovetops.
  • Add a few drops of essential oil for an extra fresh scent.

3. Stain Remover

Tough stains on clothes or surfaces don’t stand a chance against baking soda.
How to Use:

  • Create a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to stains. Let sit for 15 minutes, then scrub and rinse.
  • For laundry, add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your washing machine to boost detergent power.

4. Freshen Shoes

Eliminate unpleasant odors from shoes with baking soda.
How to Use:

  • Sprinkle baking soda inside shoes and leave it overnight. Shake out the excess in the morning.

5. Unclog Drains

Clear minor clogs with a natural baking soda solution.
How to Use:

  • Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar. Let it fizz for 5 minutes, then flush with hot water.

6. Toothpaste Booster

Baking soda’s gentle abrasiveness helps clean and whiten teeth.
How to Use:

  • Mix a small amount of baking soda with water or your toothpaste for an occasional natural teeth-cleaning boost.

7. Soothe Bug Bites and Skin Irritations

Reduce itchiness and irritation from bug bites, rashes, or minor burns.
How to Use:

  • Mix baking soda with water to create a paste and apply it to the affected area. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes before rinsing.

8. Deodorize Trash Cans

Keep your trash cans smelling fresh with baking soda.
How to Use:

  • Sprinkle baking soda at the bottom of the can before adding a new trash bag.

9. Clean Your Microwave

Baking soda easily removes food residue and odors from microwaves.
How to Use:

  • Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with a cup of water and microwave it for 2–3 minutes. Wipe down the interior with a damp cloth.

10. Revive Drains and Garbage Disposals

Baking soda can freshen and clean drains and garbage disposals.
How to Use:

  • Sprinkle baking soda down the disposal or drain, add a few drops of lemon essential oil, and flush with hot water.

11. Exfoliating Body Scrub

Baking soda’s fine texture makes it a gentle and natural exfoliant for your skin.
How to Use:

  • Mix baking soda with water or coconut oil to create a scrub. Gently massage onto your skin and rinse.

12. Boost Garden Health

Baking soda can help plants thrive and prevent fungal infections.
How to Use:

  • Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 gallon of water and spray it on plants to deter pests and reduce fungus.

13. Clean Silverware and Jewelry

Restore shine to tarnished silverware or jewelry with baking soda.
How to Use:

  • Line a bowl with aluminum foil, add 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and pour in hot water. Place the silver item in the bowl for a few minutes, then rinse and polish with a soft cloth.

14. Neutralize Pet Odors

Tackle pet-related smells in a safe, non-toxic way.
How to Use:

  • Sprinkle baking soda on pet bedding, let it sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum it up.
  • Add a little baking soda to your pet’s bathwater for odor control.

15. Clean Coffee Makers

Baking soda can remove coffee stains and odors from your coffee maker.
How to Use:

  • Run a brewing cycle with 1/4 cup of baking soda and water, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.

16. Remove Crayon Marks from Walls

Easily clean crayon marks without damaging your paint.
How to Use:

  • Dampen a sponge, sprinkle it with baking soda, and gently scrub the crayon marks until they disappear.

17. Clean Grout

Brighten and clean grout lines in your bathroom or kitchen.
How to Use:

  • Mix baking soda with water to form a paste, apply it to grout, scrub with a toothbrush, and rinse.

18. Freshen Closets and Drawers

Keep your clothes smelling fresh with a DIY deodorizer.
How to Use:

  • Place a small bowl or sachet filled with baking soda in your closet or drawer to absorb odors.

19. Brighten Laundry

Baking soda can enhance your detergent’s effectiveness and brighten clothes.
How to Use:

  • Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your washing machine along with your detergent for brighter, cleaner laundry.

20. Clean Your Hairbrushes and Combs

Remove product buildup and oils from hair tools.
How to Use:

  • Soak brushes and combs in warm water with 1 tablespoon of baking soda for 15 minutes, then rinse and dry.

21. Polish Stainless Steel

Bring back the sparkle to stainless steel appliances.
How to Use:

  • Sprinkle baking soda onto a damp cloth, gently rub the surface, then rinse and dry with a clean cloth.

22. Deodorize Mattresses

Freshen up your mattress and eliminate odors.
How to Use:

  • Sprinkle baking soda over your mattress, let it sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum it off.

23. Clean Outdoor Furniture

Remove dirt and grime from plastic, metal, or wood outdoor furniture.
How to Use:

  • Mix baking soda with warm water to create a cleaning solution. Scrub furniture with a sponge or cloth, then rinse.

24. DIY Dry Shampoo

Baking soda can freshen your hair between washes by absorbing excess oil.
How to Use:

  • Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda onto your roots, massage it in, and brush it out for refreshed hair.

25. Clean Your Oven

Remove stubborn grime and grease from your oven without harsh chemicals.
How to Use:

  • Mix baking soda with water to form a paste, spread it over dirty oven surfaces, and let it sit overnight. Scrub and wipe clean the next day.

Why Baking Soda is a Must-Have

Baking soda is affordable, readily available, and free of harsh chemicals. Its versatility makes it an essential item for natural cleaning, personal care, and beyond.

With these 12 uses, baking soda proves itself as a natural powerhouse for everyday life. 

 

 

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