Baking soda has been a trusted cleaning staple for ages, but just how versatile is it in the home? Today, we’re going to explore its many uses!
As an eco-friendly alternative to harsh chemical cleaners, baking soda becomes even more powerful when combined with white vinegar. This makes it an essential household item for cleaning various surfaces and areas. It's not only gentle and effective but also economical.
Let's dive into all the cleaning and deodorizing applications for baking soda in your home.
1. Clean Kitchen Counters
For spills, grease, and dirt buildup, baking soda and water are your best bet. Start by wiping down the counter with a damp cloth, then scrub with a baking soda solution. Use a scrubber for tough spots, and finish by rinsing with a clean damp cloth.
TIP: Dry the counter immediately with a lint-free cloth to prevent water spots.
2. Freshen Up Upholstery
Musty odors in your couch and sofa cushions can develop over time, especially in damp weather. To freshen them up, sprinkle baking soda over the upholstery, let it sit for 20-30 minutes, then vacuum it up with an appropriate attachment. Ensure the couch is clean before deodorizing.
3. Remove Crayon from Painted Walls
To gently remove crayon marks from painted walls without damaging the paint, dampen a sponge with cold water, squeeze out excess water, sprinkle some baking soda on the sponge, and gently wipe away the crayon.
TIP: Use a fresh side of the sponge as you clean to avoid transferring color back onto the wall.
4. Deodorize Pet Beds
Even with regular baths, pet beds can develop funky odors due to constant play and rolling around. Regular cleaning is crucial to remove bacteria and flea/tick larvae, while deodorizing between cleans keeps the bed fresh. First, vacuum the pet bedding, then place it in the sun and sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over it. The sunlight helps kill bacteria, and baking soda neutralizes odors. After 15 minutes, bring the bed back inside and vacuum up the powder.
5. Remove Black Stains from Pots and Pans
Burnt stains on pots and pans are tough to remove with just dish soap. Instead, use baking soda and water. Make a paste of baking soda and water, spread it over the stained areas, and let it sit for 20 minutes. Pour boiling water into the pot/pan to cover the stains, let it cool, then scrub. Rinse with dish soap and water. Repeat if necessary until the stains are gone.
6. Remove Food Stains from Plastic
Food containers often absorb colors from leftovers, resulting in unsightly stains. For new stains, soak the plastic in a mixture of 5 cups warm water and 4 tablespoons baking soda for 20 minutes, then scrub clean with dish soap. For older, stubborn stains, baking soda can help lighten them, if not remove them completely.
7. Clean Stainless Steel Appliances
To clean stainless steel appliances, use a mixture of white vinegar, water, and baking soda. In a basin, combine 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 cup of white vinegar. Once the bubbling stops, add 3 cups of water and stir well. Dip a cloth or non-abrasive scrubber into the solution, squeeze out excess water, and wipe down the exteriors of your stainless steel appliances. This method will clean and leave a beautiful sheen on the steel.
8. Unclog and Freshen Up a Toilet
White vinegar and baking soda are also effective for unclogging toilets. Here's how:
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Remove as much water from the toilet bowl as possible. If the bowl is up to 70% full or less, this method will work well.
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Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the remaining toilet water, followed by 1-2 cups of vinegar. Pour the vinegar slowly to prevent bubbling over.
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After 5 minutes, add another 1-2 cups of vinegar and let it sit for at least an hour.
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Heat 8 cups of water until small bubbles form at the base, then remove from heat (do not boil).
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Pour the hot water into the toilet bowl. The water level should return to normal. If not, repeat the steps.
9. Remove Dullness from Sterling Silver
If your sterling silver is turning black and dull, use a baking soda paste to restore its shine. Coat the piece of jewelry in a paste made from baking soda and water. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then wipe clean with a damp, lint-free cloth. For hardened paste in intricate areas, rinse under running water to remove.
10. Clean Bathroom Surfaces Daily
Maintain a pristine bathroom with just baking soda and water. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of baking soda in 4 cups of water and pour the solution into a spray bottle. Shake well before each use and spray on bathroom sinks, tiles, shower curtains, and other surfaces. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth for daily maintenance.
11. Brighten Up Laundry
Enhance your laundry's brightness and cleanliness with baking soda. Add 1 cup of baking soda to your laundry along with regular detergent and run a normal cycle. This works for colored fabrics too, but you'll notice the most significant results with whites.
12. Deodorize Gym Shoes and Bags
After workouts or runs, sprinkle baking soda in your shoes and tap the tips to distribute it evenly inside. Let it absorb odors until you need to wear them again, then tap out the powder before putting them on. Similarly, freshen up your gym bag by sprinkling baking soda inside.
13. Deodorize Carpets and Rugs
While vacuuming removes dust and dirt, it might not eliminate musty smells from carpets or rugs. Clean your carpets/rugs first, then sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over them. Let it sit for a few hours to absorb odors, then vacuum up the baking soda for a refreshed carpet or rug.
Conclusion
Baking soda, along with white vinegar, remains one of the best natural cleaning ingredients available. Before reaching for chemical-based cleaners, try the solutions above and discover the versatile cleaning power of baking soda for yourself!
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