Discover 15 practical baking soda tricks for cleaning, deodorizing, laundry, kitchen care, and everyday household tasks using this inexpensive staple.
Baking soda is one of those inexpensive household staples that can be surprisingly useful. Also known as sodium bicarbonate, it is mildly alkaline and can help neutralize odors, loosen certain types of grime, and gently scrub some surfaces.
But it isn’t suitable for everything. Baking soda can scratch delicate finishes, react with acids, and should never be mixed indiscriminately with household chemicals.
Here are 15 useful ways to put it to work around the home.
1. Freshen a Smelly Refrigerator
Place an open container of baking soda inside the refrigerator to help absorb unpleasant odors.
Replace it periodically, particularly if the refrigerator has developed a strong smell.
Tip: Clean spills and spoiled food first. Baking soda can reduce odors, but it doesn’t replace cleaning.
2. Deodorize Carpets
Sprinkle a light layer of baking soda over a dry carpet and allow it to sit for a while before vacuuming thoroughly.
It can help neutralize some odors trapped in carpet fibers.
Always test a small inconspicuous area first, especially with delicate or dark carpeting.
3. Freshen Shoes
A little baking soda can help absorb odors inside shoes.
Sprinkle a small amount inside dry shoes, leave it for several hours or overnight, and shake or vacuum it out before wearing them.
4. Clean a Kitchen Sink
Baking soda can act as a mild abrasive for removing light grime from stainless-steel or ceramic sinks.
Sprinkle some onto a damp surface, gently scrub with a soft sponge, and rinse thoroughly.
Avoid aggressive scrubbing on surfaces that scratch easily.
5. Remove Coffee and Tea Stains
Baking soda can help loosen stains from mugs and cups.
Add a small amount to the stained area, use a damp sponge to gently rub it, and rinse thoroughly.
For stubborn stains, allow the paste to sit briefly before rinsing.
6. Freshen a Cutting Board
After washing a cutting board, baking soda can help with lingering odors.
Sprinkle some over the surface, gently scrub, and rinse well.
For food-safety purposes, remember that deodorizing isn’t the same as disinfecting. Wash cutting boards properly after preparing raw meat or other potentially contaminated foods.
7. Help Clean Greasy Pans
Baking soda can help loosen certain food residues and grease.
Sprinkle it over the pan, add warm water, and allow the residue to soften before scrubbing.
Don’t use abrasive scrubbing methods on nonstick coatings.
8. Brighten Laundry
Adding a modest amount of baking soda to a wash can help deodorize laundry and may improve cleaning in some situations.
However, it isn’t a replacement for detergent or a dedicated stain remover.
Always follow the clothing and washing-machine manufacturer’s instructions.
9. Remove Odors From Towels
If towels have developed a musty smell, washing them thoroughly and ensuring they dry completely is the most important step.
Baking soda can be used as an additional deodorizing aid, but persistent odors may indicate buildup inside the washing machine or towels that aren’t drying properly.
10. Clean Grout
A baking-soda paste can help scrub surface dirt from some tile grout.
Apply gently with a soft brush, scrub, and rinse.
For delicate tile or colored grout, test an inconspicuous area first.
11. Freshen a Trash Can
Wash and dry the trash container first. Then sprinkle a small amount of baking soda in the bottom to help absorb odors.
Replace the baking soda when the smell returns.
12. Clean a Microwave
For light residue and odors, place a microwave-safe bowl containing water and a small amount of baking soda inside the microwave.
Heat the water according to your appliance’s instructions, allow the steam to loosen residue, then wipe the interior with a suitable cloth.
Never heat baking soda in a sealed container.
13. Deodorize a Mattress
For a dry mattress with lingering odors, sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda across the surface.
Allow it to sit for several hours, then vacuum thoroughly using an appropriate upholstery attachment.
Don’t soak the mattress with water or leave large quantities of powder where they could become airborne.
14. Freshen Drains
A small amount of baking soda followed by water can help with minor odors.
However, baking soda isn’t a substitute for clearing a blocked drain.
Never mix baking soda with commercial drain cleaners or other unknown chemicals. Chemical reactions can create heat, fumes, or dangerous splashing.
15. Clean Some Bathroom Surfaces
A baking-soda paste can be useful for gently scrubbing certain bathroom surfaces such as ceramic sinks and tubs.
Apply gently with a soft sponge and rinse thoroughly.
Avoid using it on surfaces where abrasive cleaners aren’t recommended.
Important Baking Soda Safety Tips
Baking soda is useful, but more isn’t always better.
Avoid using it aggressively on:
- Marble and other acid-sensitive natural stone
- Delicate or easily scratched finishes
- Some nonstick cookware
- Certain polished metals
- Surfaces specifically labeled as unsuitable for abrasive cleaners
Most importantly, never mix baking soda with bleach, ammonia, drain cleaners, or other household chemicals unless the product instructions specifically say the combination is safe.
Final Thoughts
Baking soda is inexpensive, versatile, and useful for many everyday cleaning and deodorizing tasks. Its greatest strengths are its mild abrasiveness and ability to help neutralize certain odors.
Use it gently, test unfamiliar surfaces first, and remember that a simple household ingredient isn’t automatically suitable for every cleaning job.