Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is commonly used in baking. Surprisingly, baking soda has many uses outside the kitchen.
Check out these uses of baking soda as practical household applications for cleaning, washing, deodorizing, and a lot more!
Remove adhesives
Baking soda works great for cleaning all around! Try mixing it with oil and it’s good to go for removing adhesives such as glue on the floor.
1. Remove water rings
Forgot to use a coaster? No worries! With a combination of baking soda and water, you can easily remove water rings. Use a soft cloth and buff in a circular motion.
Keep unwanted weeds under control by sprinkling baking soda in the cracks of the driveway, walkways, and garden beds. Baking soda is biodegradable and non-toxic, making it an eco-friendly alternative to other chemical weed sprays. In just a few short days, the roots of weeds will shrivel away.
A combination of baking soda and vinegar helps to get deep stains out of carpets and upholsteries. Together, the mixture creates a fizzling effect and working hard to get the tough stains out. We all love a good cleaning hack!
Jellyfish stings occur more often than we think. Help treat a jellyfish sting by using baking soda. First, rinse the area with vinegar, then apply hot water and baking soda mix.
Trash cans can get smelly! Help to absorb strong odors and keep kitchens smelling fresh by using baking soda in your trash can. Simply sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the trash can to eliminate unwanted odors.
Build up on your car’s battery can reduce its lifespan. Clean battery grime by mixing baking soda and water, creating a liquid paste. Disconnect the battery and carefully use a toothbrush to clean your battery’s terminals.
Heartburn can be uncomfortable. Baking soda, a natural antacid, helps to neutralize stomach acid and heartburn. Treat heartburn by dissolving a teaspoon of baking soda into a glass of water and drink slowly.
8. Eliminates foot odor
Baking soda’s anti-microbial properties are great for eliminating foot odor. Soak smelly feet in a baking soda and water bath to eliminate unwanted scents. Also, sprinkle baking soda in shoes to absorb excess moisture overnight.
Relieve a bug bite by creating a baking soda and water paste. Apply the paste to the bite, and allow it to dry. Baking soda helps to draw out fluids, as well as alleviate irritating itching.
Outdoor patio furniture can get a lot of wear and tear. Wipe outdoor sets down with baking soda and water to keep them clean during use. Also when storing furniture away during the winter months, place baking soda in the storage bag to keep them fresh.
When tomatoes begin to appear and are about 1 inch in diameter, lightly sprinkle baking soda on the soil around each plant, being careful not to get the baking soda on the plant itself. Then, repeat when the tomatoes are about halfway grown.
Clean stained coffee cups by using baking soda. Simply sprinkle baking soda into the cup and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, grab a cloth and dip it into cold water, scrubbing the inside of the stained cup.
Some pots and pans require a little extra work to clean, especially when they get a bit burnt. This residue can be difficult to remove in a regular wash. Sprinkle baking soda generously in the burnt pan, then add hot water. Use a sponge to scrub away the remaining residue.
Canker sores are small mouth ulcers. Baking soda is a natural remedy for canker sores, helping to neutralize acids in the mouth. Apply baking soda directly to the sore or rinse the mouth with baking soda and water.
Razor burn can be quite irritating to the skin. Help alleviate razor burn by creating a mixture of water and baking soda, using a cotton ball to dab on skin. This will reduce the redness and irritation.
Stuffed animals are sweet, but can collect a lot of dust. Keep stuffed animals sanitary by cleaning them with baking soda. Simply place the toy into a plastic bag with baking soda and close. Then, shake the bag thoroughly, helping the baking soda draw out dirt and dust. Lastly, vacuum the remaining particles from the stuffed animal.
Baking soda is one of the easiest and most economical ways to whiten teeth. It helps to remove plaque build-up and surface stains on teeth. Simply brush your teeth with baking soda, after regular brushing, to keep your teeth bright and white.
For small cooking fires, sparked by oil or grease, quickly reach for the baking soda. Baking soda adds carbon dioxide to the flame, helping to put it out. In fact, baking soda is also found in actual fire extinguishers!
Tired of constantly washing your hair? Opt for baking soda as dry shampoo, pulling excess oils away from the scalp. Make sure to sprinkle the baking soda with a light hand, and rub in thoroughly.
Baking soda is great for your oral health. With its anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties, baking soda is an alternative to conventional mouthwash. Mix half a teaspoon of mouthwash with warm water, and swish.
Washing fruits and vegetables is essential to removing pesticides and other chemicals. Baking soda is one of the most effective ways to thoroughly wash produce. Simply soak fruits and vegetables in water and a spoonful of baking soda for about 15 minutes. Then, rinse and dry.
Forget harsh chemicals, use baking soda as a fast, easy, and non-toxic way to strip paint. Using a combination of hot water and baking soda, apply to the paint’s surface and scrape. Or, for direct application on small hardware, place pieces directly into boiled water and baking soda.
Adding half a cup of baking soda to your laundry load is a great way to brighten colors and whites. Use baking soda in conjunction with your regular liquid laundry detergent. Plus, you’re clothes are sure to be odor-free.
Remove garage grease stains using baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda, with a heavy hand, let it sit on the stain for 15-20 minutes. Then, using a damp cloth or sponge, scrub the affected area. Feel free to repeat the process a couple of times, if necessary.
Baking soda’s anti-inflammatory properties help to calm acne flare-ups and dry out blemishes. Mix baking soda, water, and lemon juice for an incredible at-home face mask. This mask is also a great way to reduce acne scars.
Baking soda also helps to remove splinters, swelling skin, and helping to draw the splinter out. Make water and baking soda paste, and apply it to the splinter. Cover with a bandaid, and by the next day, the splinter should be out and easily removed.
From the kid’s crayon masterpieces to daily hits and dings, our walls definitely take a beating. Use baking soda to remove wall scuffs and “artwork.” Use a damp sponge and clean away wall imperfections.
Sodium bicarbonate is a popular supplement among athletes. Some studies show that baking soda can help you perform at your peak for longer, especially during anaerobic exercises or high-intensity training and sprinting.
Pour boiled water into an aluminum pan, and add a teaspoon or two of baking soda. Then add silverware to the pan, letting utensils sit. Use tongs to remove silverware and allow it to cool, before drying.
Drains are easily clogged by everyday use. Unclog your drain by using baking soda and vinegar. The combination bubbles, so make sure to use a light hand and place a cover over the drain. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then flush with hot water.
Extend the lifespan of a beautiful floral bouquet using baking soda. Simply place a teaspoon of baking soda into the vase with water. Also, add an ice cube for an extra boost.
Sunburns can be painful. Help alleviate the sting of a sunburn by applying baking soda and cold water to the effected area. Apply aloe vera for extra relief.
Sponges are a breeding ground for bacteria, and sometimes they need to be cleaned in between replacements. Soak sponges in baking soda to disinfect then, and extend their use. Happy cleaning!
Leftovers are great, but leftover stains are unsightly. Soak stained leftover containers in a mixture of baking soda and water for 30 minutes. Then, use a sponge or moist cloth to clean the discoloration.
We love our pets, and every once in a while, we need to ensure their beds are clean too. Sprinkle baking soda over your pet’s bed and let it soak in for 15 minutes. Then, vacuum the surface, keeping it fresh and clean.
For washing a compost bin for curbside pickup, you’ll need to get out the hose and some natural cleaners. Instead of soap, which can damage your local ecosystem, use vinegar, lemon, and baking soda to sanitize and de-stink the bin. Some preventative measures will help keep your curbside compost bin cleaner longer. You can line it with newspaper and sprinkle that with baking soda to absorb moisture and odors.
Cookouts are great, but grill grime isn’t. After you’re done flipping patties, easily clean your barbecue grill with baking soda. Ensure the grill is cool, and use to brush to remove all grit.
Baking soda is powerful disinfectant, helping to kill unwanted bacteria. Brush retainers with baking soda and water to keep them sanitary. This technique works great with dentures as well.
Clean those hard to reach areas of the bathroom using baking soda. Create a paste made of water and baking soda to scrub the bathtub, tiles, and sink. Then, rinse with water. If you want to go the extra mile, lightly spray the area with white vinegar to further disinfect.
Remove unpleasant odors in the refrigerator by using baking soda. Baking soda neutralizes fridge smells by interacting with odor particles and eliminating them. Create a small opening in the baking soda box and keep in the refrigerator.
