Baking soda—also known as bicarbonate of soda or bicarb—is a humble but powerful ingredient that deserves way more credit. It’s affordable, non-toxic, and incredibly effective for everything from deep cleaning to natural beauty treatments. Whether you’re trying to deodorize your fridge, scrub your bathroom, or freshen up your carpets, baking soda is your go-to solution.
Here are 10 of the best, tried-and-true ways to use baking soda around your home and in your daily life.
1. Clean Your Bathroom Naturally
Baking soda works wonders as a natural scouring agent. It’s gentle enough to use on delicate surfaces but strong enough to cut through grime and stains. It also deodorizes as it cleans.
How to use it:
- Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda with enough water to form a thick paste.
- Apply the paste to stained areas on sinks, bathtubs, or tiles.
- Use an old toothbrush or soft scrub brush to clean around taps and grout lines.
- Rinse with water and wipe clean for a sparkling, residue-free finish.
2. Unclog and Freshen Drains
Forget the harsh chemicals—baking soda and vinegar create a fizzy reaction that helps break down gunk and neutralize odors in your kitchen or bathroom drains.
Steps:
- Pour ½ cup of baking soda directly into the drain.
- Follow with 1 cup of white vinegar.
- Let the mixture bubble and fizz for 10–15 minutes.
- Finish by flushing the drain with hot water.
3. Deodorize Your Fridge (And Just About Everything Else)
Baking soda neutralizes acids and bases, which means it can eliminate both acidic and basic odors—perfect for a fridge full of strong-smelling leftovers.
Ways to use it:
- Place an open box or small bowl of baking soda in the back of your fridge.
- Replace every 1–2 months for best results.
- Sprinkle in garbage bins, litter boxes, shoes, or gym bags to absorb smells.
4. Remove Laundry Stains
From sweat stains to spilled sauces, baking soda is a gentle but effective stain fighter. When combined with dish soap, it creates a paste that helps lift grime before laundering.
How to treat stains:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of dish soap and 1 tablespoon of water to form a paste.
- Rub directly onto the stain using your fingers or a soft brush.
- Let it sit for 15–30 minutes (or until dry for tough stains).
- Wash as usual in your machine.
5. Deep Clean Your Dishwasher
Over time, dishwashers can develop a build-up of food particles, soap scum, and odors. Baking soda is an easy and safe way to give it a fresh start.
To clean:
- Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda across the bottom of your empty dishwasher.
- Run a short hot-water cycle (without any dishes or detergent).
- Repeat monthly for maintenance.
6. Whiten and Polish Your Teeth
Baking soda’s mild abrasiveness helps remove surface stains from teeth caused by coffee, tea, or smoking. It also helps neutralize acids and freshen breath.
How to use:
- Wet your toothbrush and dip it into a small amount of baking soda.
- Brush gently for about 1 minute.
- Rinse thoroughly and avoid overusing (2–3 times per week max to protect enamel).
7. Freshen Carpets and Upholstery
Sprinkling baking soda on fabrics helps pull out odors and even some light moisture. It’s a great way to freshen up your home without using artificial fragrances.
Steps:
- Lightly sprinkle baking soda across carpets, rugs, or fabric-covered furniture.
- Let sit for 15–30 minutes (longer for stronger smells).
- Vacuum thoroughly to remove the powder along with trapped odors.
8. Make a Natural Air Freshener
Skip store-bought air fresheners packed with chemicals and try this DIY version using essential oils and baking soda.
DIY Air Freshener Jar:
- Fill a small jar halfway with baking soda.
- Add 5–10 drops of your favorite essential oil (like lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus).
- Cover the jar with breathable fabric (like muslin or cheesecloth) and secure it with a rubber band or lid with holes.
- Place in bathrooms, closets, or even your car.
9. Soothe Bug Bites and Skin Irritations
Baking soda can help calm itching and irritation from bug bites, rashes, or even mild sunburn due to its anti-inflammatory and pH-balancing properties.
To make a skin paste:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of water until you get a paste.
- Apply directly to the affected area.
- Let sit for 10–15 minutes, then rinse off gently.
10. Clean Burnt Pots and Pans
Burned food on cookware can be frustrating. Baking soda helps loosen that stuck-on residue with minimal scrubbing.
Steps to clean:
- Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the burned area.
- Add just enough hot water to cover the bottom of the pan.
- Let soak for 1–2 hours, then scrub with a sponge or brush.
- For tougher residue, bring the baking soda and water to a gentle boil, then cool and scrub.
Final Thoughts
Baking soda is one of the most underrated products sitting in your kitchen right now. It’s cheap, eco-friendly, multi-purpose, and incredibly effective in both cleaning and personal care. With just one box, you can solve a surprising number of everyday problems.