You know how versatile baking soda is in the kitchen. But did you know it can also be used for cleaning around the house? In this article, we'll share 10 different ways to use baking soda for household cleaning.
Baking soda is a natural and gentle cleaner that can be used on a variety of surfaces, such as floors, counters, appliances, and more. Plus, it's affordable and easy to use. Read on to learn more about how to use baking soda for household cleaning.
The Basics: Baking Soda and Water
You can use baking soda to clean your entire house without any harsh chemicals.
Here are 10 ways to do it:
1. Mix baking soda with water to make a paste. This is great for cleaning countertops, appliances, and other surfaces.
2. Add a little baking soda to your dishwasher detergent to make it more effective.
3. Sprinkle baking soda on your carpet before vacuuming to remove dirt and odors.
4. Add a cup of baking soda to your washing machine to boost the cleaning power of your laundry detergent.
5. Mix baking soda with vinegar to create a natural cleaner that's great for windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces.
6. Use baking soda as a deodorizer by sprinkling it on carpets, furniture, or bedding.
7. Put a little baking soda in your sink or bathtub to help scrub away dirt and grime.
8. Mix baking soda with water to make a paste and use it as an abrasive scrub for tougher cleaning jobs.
9. Store baking soda in a container in your fridge or freezer to absorb odors and keep your food smelling fresh.
10. Use baking soda as a toothpaste substitute for a healthy, eco-friendly way to clean your teeth.
Unclogging Drains With Baking Soda
Baking soda is a powerful, yet gentle, cleaner that can be used for a variety of purposes. For example, it can be used to unclog drains.
To do this, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain. Follow up with 1 cup of vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, then pour hot water down the drain. The clog should be gone by now!
Refresh a Smelly Refrigerator With Baking Soda
Open the refrigerator and sprinkle some baking soda on the shelves and on the floor. Wipe with a wet cloth. The strong odor will be gone in minutes.
Keep Your Kitchen Counters Sparkly Clean
Keeping your kitchen counters sparkly clean has never been easier with baking soda! All it takes is a simple scrubbing solution made of one part water and two parts baking soda. Apply it to the counters, let it sit for a few minutes, and then go in with a scrubby sponge to give them some extra lovin'.
The baking soda will act as a natural abrasive and get rid of any tough stains or spills that have been hanging around. After that, rinse off with some warm water, and voila—your counters will be shining like new!
You can even apply this same solution to hard-to-reach places like the crevices in your kitchen sink or the grout lines between your floor tiles. And don't forget: baking soda is also great for getting rid of odors around the house too!
Get Rid of Stubborn Stains With Baking Soda
Do you have some nasty stains that won't go away no matter what you try? Don’t despair! Baking soda is here to save the day.
Simply make a paste out of baking soda and a little bit of water and use it to scrub away at those pesky spots. You can also mix some baking soda with white vinegar to create an even more potent cleaning agent. Try it on coffee stains, mud, ink, grass, and other tough-to-remove messes, and watch the results!
You can also sprinkle baking soda directly on tough spots on your carpets and rugs. Let it sit for about an hour, then vacuum it up for an effective deep cleanse that will leave your carpets feeling soft and looking good as new.
Cleaning Carpets With Baking Soda
One overlooked area that you can use baking soda for is carpet cleaning. To freshen up your carpets or rugs, simply sprinkle baking soda over the affected area, let sit for 30 minutes, and then vacuum it up. The baking soda works to eliminate odors trapped in the fibers as well as deep-down dirt and grime. If you find that your carpets are still a bit smelly after a deep clean, you can try this trick!
If there’s a particularly stubborn stain on your carpet or rug, mix 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda with some warm water until it forms a thick paste. Apply the paste onto the stain and let it sit for an hour before using an old rag to scrub it off. Finish off with a damp cloth to remove any excess residue and vacuum up any remaining powder from the carpet.
Enjoy clean carpets in no time at all!
Soothing a Stinky Laundry Room With Baking Soda
Got a stinky laundry room? Baking soda to the rescue! Sprinkle some liberally on the floors, in between the washer and dryer, and under the sink for an odor-fighting boost.
For those really stubborn smells, try this trick: line the walls and shelves of your laundry room with a few open boxes of baking soda. The baking soda will help absorb odors from the air, leaving your laundry room smelling fresh—and with minimal effort on your part.
You can also add a small amount of baking soda to your laundry load during each wash—either directly into the drum or into the detergent dispenser. This will help deodorize your clothes and leave them smelling fresh. Just be sure to use cold water when washing items with baking soda—hot water can cause it to dissolve quickly before it has had time to work its magic.
Scrubbing the Oven With Baking Soda
If you need to get your oven looking sparkling clean, baking soda is a great natural solution. Just mix three parts baking soda with one part water in a bowl until you make a paste. Then, spread the paste on the interior surfaces of your oven, making sure to get all the nooks and crannies.
Let it sit for about 15 minutes for the best results. Once it’s had time to work its magic, take a damp cloth and wipe away the mixture, then use another damp cloth to remove any excess paste. You can also use a soft-bristled brush for more stubborn spots if needed, but be sure not to use too much pressure so you don’t damage your appliance. And voila: your oven is looking good as new!
Removing Rust Stains With Baking Soda
Removing rust stains is a common cleaning task, and baking soda can make it easier. Just mix a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the rust stain, and let it sit for several hours. Then use an old toothbrush or soft brush to scrub the paste off—you should see the stains start to disappear.
If the rust stains are particularly stubborn, you can add a few drops of lemon juice or white vinegar to the paste before applying it. This will help break down the rust more quickly. Once all the rust is gone, rinse off the surface with warm water and wipe dry with a soft cloth.
Keep in mind that this method may not work on stainless steel surfaces, as baking soda may scratch these delicate materials. So be sure to test in an inconspicuous area first before using this method on any stainless steel surfaces.
Shine Your Silverware With Baking Soda
We all have that one set of silverware that is just not sparkling like it used to. But did you know you can bring the shine back with baking soda?
Simply add a few spoonfuls of baking soda to a bowl of warm water, then drop in your silverware. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then use a cloth to rub away tarnish and buff the pieces until they’re shining again. You can also make a paste with baking soda and water and use it to scrub away tough spots on any silver item you may have around your home.
It’s incredible how much time and money we can save if we know how to utilize common household items like baking soda!
Conclusion
So there you have it—ten different ways you can use baking soda to clean your home. Whether you’re looking for a natural way to clean your oven, deodorize your carpets, or get rid of a stain on your mattress, baking soda is a versatile and affordable solution that is sure to suit your needs.
Remember, when it comes to cleaning, safety should always be your number one priority. Be sure to read the labels of all of the cleaning products you use, and take precautions such as wearing gloves and goggles when necessary. With a little caution and common sense, you can easily and safely clean your home with baking soda.
Further Reading:
How to Create a Luxurious Laundry Room on a Budget
Conquer Clutter: Expert Advice on How to Free Up Space in Your Home