Baking soda is one of the most versatile and effective natural cleaning agents you can find in your home. Known for its mild abrasiveness and powerful deodorizing properties, it can tackle dirt, stains, and odors without the need for harsh chemicals. Whether you’re scrubbing a stubborn stain, freshening up fabrics, or deodorizing household surfaces, baking soda offers a safe and eco-friendly alternative to conventional cleaners.
One of the reasons baking soda is so effective is its ability to act as a gentle abrasive. It helps lift dirt and grime without scratching delicate surfaces, making it perfect for cleaning everything from kitchen countertops to stainless steel appliances. In addition, baking soda neutralizes odors rather than masking them, making it ideal for deodorizing carpets, refrigerators, and even trash cans.
For deeper cleaning, baking soda can be combined with vinegar to create a powerful bubbling reaction. This fizzy combination works wonders by breaking down stubborn residue, unclogging drains, and dissolving grime. The chemical reaction between these two household staples produces carbon dioxide, which helps lift dirt and loosen debris, making scrubbing easier.
With its affordability, safety, and natural effectiveness, baking soda is a must-have for every cleaning routine. From freshening up fabrics to tackling tough stains, it can help keep your entire home spotless. Let’s explore the many ways you can use baking soda to clean almost everything in your home.
General Household Cleaning with Baking Soda
Baking soda is a powerhouse when it comes to general household cleaning. Its ability to lift dirt, absorb odors, and gently scrub surfaces makes it an essential ingredient for maintaining a fresh and spotless home. Whether you’re refreshing your mattress, restoring baking sheets, or whitening grout lines, baking soda provides an easy and natural solution.
Cleaning and Deodorizing a Mattress
Over time, mattresses collect dust, sweat, and odors, making regular cleaning essential for a healthier sleeping environment. Baking soda acts as a natural deodorizer and moisture absorber, helping to freshen up your mattress effortlessly.
To clean your mattress, sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda evenly across the surface. Let it sit for at least 10–15 minutes to absorb odors and break down any moisture. For deeper deodorization, you can leave it on for an hour or more. Then, using the upholstery attachment of your vacuum cleaner, thoroughly vacuum up the baking soda, ensuring you remove all the fine particles. If needed, repeat the process every few months to keep your mattress smelling fresh and clean.
Removing Grime from Baking Sheets
Baking sheets tend to develop layers of baked-on grease and stains over time, making them look dull and dirty. Luckily, baking soda, combined with hydrogen peroxide, can restore them to their original shine.
Start by sprinkling an even layer of baking soda over the surface of the baking sheet. Next, lightly spray hydrogen peroxide on top, ensuring the entire surface is covered. Add another layer of baking soda, creating a thick paste. Let this sit for at least four hours, or overnight for tougher stains. Once the solution has hardened, use a scrubby sponge or brush to work away the grime. Rinse thoroughly with warm water, and your baking sheet will look significantly cleaner.
Whitening Grout Lines
Grout lines, especially in high-traffic areas like the bathroom and kitchen, can easily become discolored due to dirt, soap scum, and mildew buildup. Baking soda’s natural abrasive properties make it perfect for restoring the bright white look of grout without using harsh chemicals.
To create a powerful grout cleaner, mix two parts baking soda with one part hydrogen peroxide to form a thick paste. Apply the paste to the grout lines, ensuring full coverage. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes to break down stains and loosen grime. Then, use an old toothbrush or a grout brush to scrub the area, focusing on the dirtiest spots. Once you’ve finished scrubbing, rinse the grout with warm water and wipe away any residue with a clean cloth.
By incorporating baking soda into your household cleaning routine, you can achieve a fresher, cleaner home without relying on chemical-laden cleaners. From deodorizing mattresses to restoring stained baking sheets and brightening grout, this simple yet powerful ingredient can handle it all.
Odor Control and Deodorizing Solutions
Baking soda is one of the most effective natural deodorizers, capable of neutralizing odors instead of just masking them. Whether it’s tackling pet accidents, eliminating trash can smells, or freshening up sink drains, baking soda provides a safe, non-toxic solution to keep your home smelling fresh.
Neutralizing Urine Odors from Carpets and Upholstery
Accidents happen, whether from pets or young children, and urine odors can be tough to remove from carpets and upholstery. Baking soda effectively absorbs moisture and neutralizes the ammonia-like smell.
To treat the area, start by blotting up as much liquid as possible with a clean cloth or paper towel. Then, generously sprinkle baking soda over the affected area, ensuring full coverage. Let it sit for several hours—ideally overnight—to absorb the odor completely. Vacuum up the baking soda, and if any lingering smell remains, you can repeat the process or use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar for a deeper clean.
Eliminating Trash Can Odors
Trash cans often develop unpleasant odors, even after emptying them. To keep your trash can fresh, sprinkle a layer of baking soda at the bottom before placing a new bag inside. The baking soda will absorb any lingering smells and help control moisture.
For a deeper clean, wash the trash can with warm water and dish soap, then sprinkle baking soda inside and let it sit for a few hours before rinsing. You can also keep an open box of baking soda nearby to continuously absorb odors.
Freshening Up Sink Drains
Food particles and grease buildup can cause sink drains to develop foul odors. Baking soda not only deodorizes drains but also helps break down minor clogs.
Pour about ½ cup of baking soda directly into the drain, followed by 1 cup of vinegar. The mixture will fizz and bubble, breaking down grease and residue while neutralizing odors. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then flush the drain with hot water. This simple trick keeps your sink fresh and prevents buildup.
Bathroom Cleaning Hacks
Baking soda is an excellent alternative to harsh bathroom cleaners. Its mild abrasiveness removes stains and buildup while keeping surfaces fresh and odor-free.
Scrubbing and Freshening a Toilet Bowl
Instead of using chemical-heavy toilet cleaners, baking soda can naturally clean and deodorize the toilet bowl. Simply sprinkle about ½ cup of baking soda into the bowl and let it sit for 10–15 minutes. Scrub with a toilet brush, then flush. For extra cleaning power, add a splash of vinegar before scrubbing—the fizzy reaction helps break down tough stains and mineral buildup.
Cleaning Porcelain and Ceramic Dishware
Porcelain and ceramic dishware can develop stains from coffee, tea, or food residue. Baking soda gently removes these stains without scratching delicate surfaces.
To clean stained dishware, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda onto a damp sponge or directly onto the dish. Gently scrub in circular motions, then rinse thoroughly. For stubborn stains, create a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the stained area, and let it sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing.
Removing Sweat Stains from White Shirts
Sweat stains on white shirts can be frustrating, but baking soda can help lift them and restore brightness.
Mix baking soda with enough water to create a thick paste and apply it directly to the stains. Let it sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing gently with a soft brush. Then, launder the shirt as usual. For tough stains, add a little hydrogen peroxide to the paste before applying it.
Kitchen Cleaning Solutions
The kitchen is one of the most important areas in the home, and keeping it clean can be a challenge, especially when dealing with stubborn stains, odors, and grease buildup. Baking soda is a powerful yet gentle cleaner that can help with everything from scrubbing cookware to deodorizing food storage containers.
Fixing a Scorched Dutch Oven
A scorched Dutch oven with burnt-on residue may seem impossible to clean, but baking soda can help lift the stubborn char without damaging the surface.
Start by filling the Dutch oven with water, covering the burnt area completely. Add about 2 tablespoons of baking soda and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it simmer for 10–15 minutes before turning off the heat. Use a wooden or silicone spatula to gently scrape off any loosened residue. For tough stains, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the scorched area, and let it sit for an hour before scrubbing with a non-abrasive sponge.
Cleaning and Polishing Stainless Steel Sinks and Cookware
Stainless steel sinks and cookware can lose their shine due to hard water spots, fingerprints, and grease buildup. Baking soda helps remove these blemishes and restores a streak-free shine.
To clean a stainless steel sink, sprinkle baking soda all over the surface and scrub with a damp sponge or brush in circular motions. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.
For cookware, make a paste using baking soda and water, apply it to the surface, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Use a soft sponge to scrub, then rinse and dry. If dealing with discoloration or stubborn stains, add a few drops of vinegar to the baking soda paste for extra cleaning power.
Refreshing Plastic Food Storage Containers
Plastic containers tend to absorb food odors, especially when storing items like tomato sauce or curry. Baking soda can help remove stains and lingering smells, making your containers look and smell fresh.
To deodorize, fill the container with warm water and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Let it sit for at least an hour before rinsing. For stubborn stains, create a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the stained area, and scrub with a soft brush before washing as usual.
Washing the Inside of a Refrigerator
Refrigerators can develop spills, odors, and food residue over time. Instead of using chemical cleaners, baking soda provides a safe and food-friendly way to clean and freshen up the fridge.
Mix ¼ cup of baking soda with a quart of warm water and use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe down shelves, drawers, and walls. For tough stains, sprinkle baking soda directly onto a damp sponge and scrub gently. To keep your fridge smelling fresh, place an open box of baking soda inside to absorb unwanted odors.
Cleaning Wood Cutting Boards
Wood cutting boards can trap food particles and bacteria, making them difficult to clean with just soap and water. Baking soda helps remove stains, neutralize odors, and keep your cutting board in top condition.
Sprinkle baking soda over the surface of the board and scrub with a damp sponge or brush. For deep cleaning, make a paste with baking soda and lemon juice, apply it to the board, and let it sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing thoroughly. Allow the board to dry completely before storing it.
Laundry and Fabric Care
Baking soda is a powerful yet gentle cleaning agent for fabrics, helping to brighten whites, remove stains, and neutralize odors. Unlike harsh chemicals, it’s safe for most materials, making it an excellent choice for everything from clothing to upholstery.
Brightening White Sneakers
White sneakers tend to collect dirt and stains, making them look worn out. Baking soda helps restore their brightness without damaging the fabric or rubber soles.
To clean your sneakers, make a paste using 1 tablespoon of baking soda, ½ tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide, and ½ tablespoon of water. Apply the paste to the fabric areas using a soft brush or an old toothbrush, scrubbing gently in circular motions. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then wipe off the excess and rinse with water. Air-dry the sneakers in a well-ventilated area.
Lifting Sweat Stains from Clothing
Sweat stains on white shirts and other fabrics can be tough to remove, but baking soda’s natural stain-lifting power helps break down the discoloration.
Make a paste with 4 tablespoons of baking soda and ¼ cup of warm water. Apply it directly to the stained areas, let it sit for 30 minutes, then wash the clothing as usual. For extra stubborn stains, add a splash of white vinegar before scrubbing.
Removing Grease from Upholstery
Grease stains on couches, chairs, or car seats can be challenging to clean. Baking soda absorbs excess oil and helps lift the stain without damaging fabric.
Sprinkle baking soda generously over the grease stain and let it sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb the oil. Then, use a soft brush or vacuum to remove the powder. If the stain persists, mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste, apply it to the stain, and gently scrub with a soft cloth. Blot with a dry towel and allow the area to air dry.
Appliance Maintenance
Kitchen appliances can develop buildup, odors, and grime over time. Baking soda’s gentle abrasiveness and deodorizing properties make it ideal for keeping them clean and fresh.
Cleaning a Dishwasher
Dishwashers can accumulate food residue and develop musty smells if not cleaned regularly. Baking soda helps break down buildup while neutralizing odors.
To clean your dishwasher, sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda across the bottom of the empty machine and run a short, hot cycle. For deep cleaning, combine baking soda with white vinegar by placing a cup of vinegar on the top rack and running a hot cycle, followed by a baking soda rinse.
Deodorizing and Washing a Refrigerator Interior
Over time, refrigerators can develop lingering odors from food spills and expired items. Baking soda effectively absorbs smells and removes residue from shelves and drawers.
Mix ¼ cup of baking soda with a quart of warm water and use a sponge or cloth to wipe down the interior surfaces. For stubborn stains, sprinkle baking soda directly onto a damp sponge and scrub gently. To keep the fridge odor-free, place an open box of baking soda on a shelf and replace it every 30 days.
Scrubbing a Stovetop Without Scratching
Baking soda’s mild abrasiveness makes it perfect for cleaning stovetops without causing damage. It effectively removes grease, burnt-on food, and stains.
Sprinkle baking soda over the stovetop, then spray or drizzle a small amount of water to create a paste. Let it sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing with a sponge or soft brush. Wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry with a microfiber towel for a streak-free shine.
Polishing and Restoring Surfaces
Baking soda is not just a cleaner—it’s also a natural polish that can restore the shine to various household surfaces. Its mild abrasiveness helps remove tarnish, water spots, and built-up grime without scratching delicate finishes.
Reviving Splotchy Stainless Steel
Stainless steel appliances and cookware can develop fingerprints, water spots, and dull patches over time. Baking soda is a safe and effective way to bring back their original luster.
To restore stainless steel surfaces, make a paste using baking soda and a few drops of water. Apply it with a soft cloth, rubbing in the direction of the grain to avoid streaks. Wipe off the residue with a damp cloth, then buff dry with a microfiber towel. For extra shine, finish with a few drops of olive oil or white vinegar.
Shining Silverware Naturally
Silverware, jewelry, and decorative items can tarnish due to oxidation. Baking soda can safely lift tarnish and restore the original shine without using harsh chemicals.
To clean silverware, line a bowl with aluminum foil, shiny side up. Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of salt to the bowl, then pour in 2 cups of hot water. Submerge the silverware in the mixture, ensuring each piece touches the foil. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before rinsing and drying thoroughly with a soft cloth.
Read more: Why Cleaning Your Microwave Matters More Than You Think
Conclusion
Baking soda is an incredibly versatile and eco-friendly cleaning solution that can tackle almost every surface in your home. From removing stubborn stains and deodorizing fabrics to polishing metal surfaces and maintaining appliances, this common pantry staple is a powerful yet gentle alternative to chemical-laden cleaners. Whether you’re freshening up your laundry, scrubbing kitchen surfaces, or eliminating odors, baking soda offers a simple, affordable, and effective way to keep your home spotless.