17 Surprising Uses for Baking Soda That Go Beyond Baking

Baking soda is a staple in most kitchens, but its uses extend far beyond baking. From household cleaning to personal care, this versatile ingredient can do it all. Here’s a list of 17 ways to put baking soda to work in your home.

Baking Perfection

Let’s start with the classic use—baking! Baking soda is a leavening agent that helps baked goods rise. It’s essential in recipes for cookies, cakes, muffins, and bread, giving them that light, fluffy texture we all love.

Natural Deodorizer

Do you have a smelly fridge or closet? Baking soda works wonders as a natural deodorizer. Simply place an open box or a small bowl of baking soda in the affected area, and it will absorb odors, leaving your space smelling fresh.

Effective Stain Remover

Mix baking soda with water to form a paste and apply it to stains on clothing or upholstery. Let it sit for a few minutes before washing or scrubbing. It’s particularly effective on grease stains and can even help with wine or coffee spills.

Gentle Exfoliant

Looking for a natural way to exfoliate your skin? Baking soda can help. Combine it with water to create a gentle scrub that can slough away dead skin cells, leaving your skin soft and smooth. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly.

Teeth Whitener

Brighten your smile with a DIY teeth-whitening solution. Mix baking soda with water to create a paste, then brush your teeth as usual. This can help remove surface stains and give you a brighter smile over time.

Oven Cleaner

Baking soda is a powerful oven-cleaning agent. Make a paste with water and baking soda, apply it to the oven interior, and let it sit for a few hours before scrubbing. This method can help loosen stubborn grease and baked-on food.

Clean Your Pots and Pans

Stubborn burnt-on food can be tough to remove, but baking soda can help. Sprinkle some baking soda onto the burnt area, add a bit of water to form a paste, and let it sit for a few hours. Then, scrub with a sponge or brush, and the residue should come off easily.

Freshen Up Carpets

If your carpets are starting to smell a bit musty, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the surface. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then vacuum it up. The baking soda will help absorb odors and leave your carpets smelling fresh.

Unclog Drains

Mix baking soda with vinegar to create a powerful, natural drain cleaner. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. The mixture will fizz and bubble, breaking down clogs. After about 15 minutes, flush the drain with hot water.

Deodorant Alternative

Baking soda can be used as a natural deodorant base. Combine it with coconut oil and essential oils to create a homemade deodorant that effectively neutralizes odor-causing bacteria.

Boost Laundry Detergent

Add half a cup of baking soda to your laundry to boost the cleaning power of your detergent. Baking soda helps balance the pH levels in the water, resulting in cleaner, fresher clothes.

Polish Silverware

Restore the shine to your silverware with baking soda. Make a paste using baking soda and water, apply it to the silver items, and rub gently with a soft cloth. Rinse thoroughly and dry to reveal gleaming silver.

Neutralize Garbage Odors

Sprinkle baking soda at the bottom of your trash cans to neutralize odors. This simple trick can keep your kitchen smelling fresh, even when the trash can is full.

Extend the Life of Cut Flowers

Add a teaspoon of baking soda to the water in your vase to keep your flowers fresher for longer. Baking soda helps balance the pH level, which can extend the life of your blooms.

Remove Crayon Marks from Walls

If the kids get a little too creative on your walls, baking soda can save the day. Make a paste with baking soda and water, and gently scrub the crayon marks with a soft cloth until they disappear.

Deodorize Pet Bedding

Keep your pet’s bed fresh by sprinkling baking soda on the fabric. Let it sit for about 15 minutes before vacuuming it up. This will help eliminate any lingering pet odors, keeping the area smelling clean.

Refresh Musty Books

If you have old books that smell musty, baking soda can help. Place the books in a box with a cup of baking soda, seal the box, and let it sit for a few days. The baking soda will absorb the musty odors, leaving your books smelling fresh.