Baking soda as cleaning solution

15 things you can clean with baking soda |

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We're forever promoting cleaning with baking soda. After all, most of us have a box or tub of baking soda in the back of a kitchen cabinet or in the pantry. If you've only ever used baking soda in home baking as a leavening agent in cookies, cakes and muffins, you might be surprised to know that it's really effective when used around the house to keep everything from mugs and ovens to carpets and curtains fresh and clean.

This humble white powder is an important alkaline that can take on the toughest of cleaning tasks and there are so many things you can clean with baking soda. It’s also one of the best eco-friendly ways to keep everything looking good as new. Here’s our pick of the top cleaning tips for things you can clean with baking soda.

Clean with baking soda

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There are so many things you can clean with baking soda really effectively – without the need for store-bought cleaning chemicals. Remember, too, if you have a really tough cleaning job to do, you can use baking soda when cleaning with vinegar or when cleaning with lemon juice as these pairings make a powerful combination. In the meantime, these are our top jobs for cleaning with baking soda, the pantry staple you probably already have at home.

'I keep a large tub of baking soda (I like this one from Amazon ) in my utility room,' says Lucy Searle, Homes & Gardens' Editor in Chief. 'That way, there's always some on hand to tackle a whole raft of household cleaning jobs, as well as weekend baking.'

1. Windows

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If you'd rather not use strong chemicals, using baking soda to clean windows can be a more eco-friendly way to get a streak-free finish. 'Simply apply the baking soda to a damp cloth and smear over the glass; then simply remove and buff it clean,' says Megan Slack, H&G's News Writer and resident cleaning expert. 'Any stubborn marks, perhaps caused by limescale or grease, can be removed by applying the baking soda, then spraying on some white vinegar before wiping off and buffing. '

2. The oven

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No-one likes using harsh chemicals with their toxic odor that doesn’t do our environment any good. Instead, simply use a homemade paste of baking soda and water brushed onto the surfaces will help you to clean an oven really effectively. Spray the paste with white vinegar and let it foam to shift really stubborn grime. Repeat spraying as needed until any baked-on food residue can be easily wiped away.

'I am a big fan of steering away from harsh chemicals in the oven so use a more natural method of baking soda and white wine vinegar,” agrees Lynsey Crombie, the self-styled Queen of Clean . 'Baking soda is really effective and makes the daunting task of oven cleaning a little easier. All you have to do to get a shining oven is spray the whole oven down, including cleaning a glass oven door, with a water bottle so that it is damp. Pour on a thick layer of baking soda, especially on the bottom, until there is about a quarter inch layer of soda paste on the bottom. If any of the baking soda is still dry, I wet it with the water bottle.'

3. Carpets and curtains

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Lynsey Crombie also recommends making your own freshening spray for a carpet, curtains and fabric surfaces, 'Mix up into a spray bottle half boiling water, two teaspoons of baking soda and a capful of your favorite fabric softener. Allow to sit for half an hour so all the products mix together and then spray away. Always keep a distance of approximately 8in (20cm) when spraying and be careful around pets and children.'

Another fan of baking soda for cleaning tasks is Erin of Lemons, Lavender and Laundry . 'Many years ago I decided to start making my own cleaning products,' she says. 'At first, it was simply a way to save money. Then, it became a way to reduce toxic chemicals in our home. I never knew baking soda was such a powerful, effective cleaning agent until I started to explore all the ways it can be used... clean your oven, freshen fabrics and carpets, clean your sink. .. The list goes on.'

4. The shower

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Limescale is the enemy of all showers, especially if you live in a hard water area. To get rid of that scaly build-up quickly and without fuss when you’re cleaning a bathroom, take a wet microfiber cloth and sprinkle a small amount of baking soda and a few drops of dishwasher liquid onto it.

Rub the cloth to make a soapy lather and scrub the shower screen. For the shower tray, sprinkle some baking soda straight onto the floor, adding a squirt of dishwashing liquid then rubbing with a wet brush. Rinse everything with hot water and dry with a dry cloth. Shower curtains can also be cleaned with the same cloth.

5. Mugs and china

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'I drink a lot of tea and coffee while working,' says Lucy Searle, Global Editor in Chief for Homes & Gardens, 'My mugs quickly become stained and are hard to get clean in the dishwasher. One of my favorite cleaning hacks is to sprinkle a small amount of baking soda onto a scouring pad and scrub for about five minutes. It does need some elbow grease but once finished, simply pop in the dishwasher or rinse under the tap and it looks as good as new. It works for other china that's gotten stained, too.'

6. Drains

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Our household drains can quickly turn stinky if they don’t get some TLC every now and then. So once a week, run some hot water down the drain – on sinks, showers and baths – then pour in about half a cup of baking soda. Let it sit there for 15 minutes or so and rinse with hot water. Het presto, any nasty smells will disappear.

7. Le Creuset

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Our cookware can also benefit from baking soda. Marisa Kerkvliet of @lemon.thyme.kitchen uses it for her best Le Creuset buys, 'After a few years of use, my beloved Le Creuset was starting to show some wear with staining and discoloration both on the inside and out. This morning I discovered that simply boiling water and baking soda in the pan for 15 minutes did the trick and left the pan sparkling clean. '

You can also use this trick for pretty much any pan, apart from aluminum.

8. Laundry

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Get rid of odors on dirty clothes and keep whites white at the same time by adding a cup of baking soda to your laundry every time you wash. It also helps keep bright colors bright, too.

9. Tile grout

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Tiles can look dirty and grubby if the grout has those horrible black spots caused by mould and mildew. So to clean grout, mix together two parts baking soda and one part hydrogen peroxide (available at drug stores and health shops). Use an old toothbrush to apply it to the grout. Leave for 20 minutes then rinse with clean water.

10. Sinks

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To keep your sink in tip-top condition when you’re cleaning a kitchen, simply sprinkle some baking soda onto half a lemon and wipe all around the sink before rinsing with water. The acid and alkaline react together to create a frothy substance that helps dissolve dirt.

11. Refrigerator

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When foods start to go off in the refrigerator, it can quickly become a bit smelly inside. So keep a small bowl of baking soda in the refrigerator and this will help to neutralize any odors. As part of your refrigerator cleaning regime, change it every few weeks to keep it working efficiently.

12. Tupperware

Tupperware is so handy for storing leftovers but when you are organizing Tupperware, have a look to find those items that are starting to look a bit stained. Simply soak overnight in washing-up bowl filled with hot water and a dash of baking soda.

13. The microwave

Pop a spot of baking soda onto a damp sponge and use it to clean a microwave. Quick and easy and it helps get rid of odors, too.

14. The trash can

Cleaning with baking soda is a really good way to deodorize smelly items, too. Think: the trash can that has a lingering aroma that you just can't get rid of. The best way to tackle it is to wash out the trash can with hot water and dish soap, empty it of the dirty water then, while it is still wet, sprinkle baking soda into it. Leave for 15 minutes then rinse and allow to dry. If the smell persists, spray the trash can with vinegar then sprinkle on the baking soda. Allow to sit for a few minutes, rinse and dry.

15. The pool

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Using baking soda in your pool is an effective way of increasing the alkalinity and pH level for clear water and curing black algal outbreaks on your pool's walls.

Alicia Johnson, founder of Cleaning Green LLC , says: 'The rule is 1.5 lbs of baking soda per 10,000 gallons of water will raise the ppm by 10.'

Does baking soda kill ants?

Yes, baking soda does kill ants, when mixed with vinegar. Sprinkled liberally over an ants' nest, this will help you get rid of an infestation. However, we would never advocate killing ants if you can get rid of them in more humane ways, or simply by removing what tempts them into your home or yard.

Can baking soda kill bed bugs?

Can baking soda kill bed bugs? The short answer is: no. If you have a bed bug infestation, you need a professional to help you get rid of it.

Is baking soda a good cleaning agent?

Yes, baking soda is a good cleaning agent. Baking soda acts as a cleaning agent because it is a mild alkali and can cause dirt and grease to dissolve easily in water for effective removal. Because baking soda is a pure, natural product that is also a food, it is non-toxic, unlike many other household cleaners.

What can you not clean with baking soda?

Things you should never clean with baking soda include aluminum cookware. While you can give many metal surfaces a scrub with baking soda, use caution if you’re cleaning aluminum cookware. Also, never use it for cleaning silver and gold if it’s antique, gold-plated serving pieces and marble surfaces. Also avoid cleaning marble countertops and ceramic hobs.

Hayley is an interiors journalist, content provider and copywriter with 26 years experience who has contributed to a wide range of consumer magazines, trade titles, newspapers, blogs and online content. Specialising in kitchens and bathrooms, she has twice won the CEDIA Award for Best Technology feature. Hayley writes for H&G about kitchens, bathrooms, cleaning, DIY and organizing.

50 Clever Tricks for Cleaning with Baking Soda

From the kitchen to the bathroom to the garage, discover the surprising ways people are cleaning with baking soda—and they actually work!

We all know that baking soda is an essential ingredient in whipping up fluffy pancakes, quick breads and perfect cakes. But did you know it works wonders cleaning around the house, too? This gentle, non-toxic pantry staple is a powerhouse when it comes to removing oil stains, cleaning your kids’ toys, and even freshening your breath. (Try these other natural home cleaners, too.)

Whether you’re diving deep into spring cleaning or tidying up an everyday mess, a box of baking soda will be your new best friend. Best part? It’s a wholesome, homemade alternative to the expensive stuff you get at the store. Freshen your household inside and out with our 50 must-know ways to clean with baking soda.

Make sure you grab your baking soda, not powder, for these projects. There’s a difference!

Kitchen

Trash Can Deodorizer

Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda into the trash can once a week to help absorb odors.

Stainless Steel Sink Cleaner

Make a paste of baking soda and white vinegar. Soak paper towels in solution and wipe down the sink.

Stovetop Cleaner

Pour baking soda directly onto a grimy surface and let sit for 5 minutes. Wipe with a damp sponge, scrubbing gently. Wipe your stovetop clean with a soft cloth.

Non-Self-Cleaning Oven Cleaner

Mix 1 cup white vinegar and ½ cup lemon juice in a spray bottle. Spray the bottom of the oven. Let sit for 10 minutes, then sprinkle baking soda on top. Let sit for 10 minutes and wipe clean. Out of baking soda? These other homemade oven cleaners work, too.

Fruit and Veggie Wash

Mix water, baking soda, and lemon juice, and wipe fruits and veggies to remove wax.

Silverware Polisher

Make a paste with 3 parts baking soda, 1 part water. Rub paste onto silverware with a clean cloth. Rinse and dry. Here’s how to polish your grandma’s heirloom silver in 5 minutes flat.

No-Wax Floor Cleaner

Mix ½ cup baking soda in a bucket of warm water. Mop the floor and rinse with clean water.

Microwave Cleaner

Help remove stuck-on food by applying baking soda to a damp sponge and scrubbing residue.

Dishwasher Cleaner

Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of your dishwasher and run as usual to help freshen and remove stains. Did you know you can clean all these things in a dishwasher?

Garbage Disposal Refresher

Pour baking soda slowly down the drain while running warm tap water.

Cutting Board Deodorizer

Sprinkle board with baking soda, scrub and rinse. (Use a disinfectant for cleaning.)

Dishrag Deodorizer

Soak smelly dishrags in a bucket of warm water and baking soda.

Sponge Cleaner

Soak smelly sponges in 4 tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in 1 quart of warm water regularly. Then disinfect them like this, because—let’s face it—sponges are filthy.

Bathroom

Soap Scum Remover

Sprinkle a wet rag or sponge with baking soda and rub on sinks and bathtubs to remove stubborn soap scum.

Shower Grout Cleaner

Make a paste of lemon juice and baking soda. Brush paste on grout lines with a toothbrush. Let sit several minutes and wipe off. Alternatively, you can mix ½ cup bleach with ¾ cup baking soda and apply in same manner.

Shower Curtain Cleaner

Are you cleaning your shower curtain enough? It’s easy! Sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge, scrub curtain and rinse off with clean water.

Comb and Brush Cleaner

Soak combs and brushes overnight in a cup of warm water mixed with 1 teaspoon of baking soda.

Bedroom

Closet Freshener

Keep musty smells at bay by placing an open box or small glass jar of baking soda on a closet shelf.

Drawer Freshener

Fill an old sock or small cloth bag with baking soda and place in a drawer to absorb odor.

Mattress Deodorizer

Vacuum mattress first. Sprinkle baking soda over the surface and let it sit 30 minutes. Vacuum thoroughly.

Outdoors

Oil Stain Remover

To remove pesky oil stains from your driveway or garage floor, sprinkle baking soda over the stains and scrub with a stiff-bristle brush.

Lawn Furniture Cleaner

Mix ½ cup baking soda with 1 quart warm water. Wipe down, rinse and allow to dry.

Battery Cleaner

Because of its alkaline properties, baking soda acts as a neutralizer for battery acid corrosion on cars, lawn mowers and outdoor equipment. To clean, first disconnect the battery terminals. Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Apply with a damp cloth and scrub to remove corrosion.

Grill Cleaner

Sprinkle baking soda on the grill grates and scrub with a brush. Rinse and wipe clean. Here’s how to clean your grill without a wire brush.

Chrome Polisher

Make a paste of baking soda and water. Wet clean cloth with paste, rub on chrome and wipe off. Rinse and dry.

Ice Melter

To provide a margin of safety, generously sprinkle baking soda on icy steps and walkways to help melt ice and increase traction.

Bug Repellent

To keep cockroaches and ants at bay, sprinkle a line of baking soda along basement windows and doorways.

Brush Softener

Paint brushes too stiff? Boil them in a mixture of ½ gallon water, ½ cup vinegar and 1 cup baking soda.

Weed Control

Generously sprinkle baking soda onto your driveway and sidewalk cracks to help discourage weeds. All these pantry ingredients help your garden grow.

Pets

Dry Pet Shampoo

To cut down on pet odor, give Fido a dry bath by sprinkling baking soda onto fur and massaging it in with a brush.

Litter Box Deodorizer

Mix a generous amount of baking soda into the kitty litter box to help cut down on odor.

Teeth Cleaner

After you share these people foods with your dog, help Fido stay healthy by brushing his teeth with a paste of baking soda and water.

Pet Bedding Deodorizer

To cut down on musty pet odor, sprinkle bedding liberally with baking soda. Wait at least 15 minutes and vacuum thoroughly.

General Purpose

Drain Cleaner

Pour ½ cup baking soda followed by ½ cup vinegar down the drain. Let fizz. Pour 6 cups of hot water down the drain.

Carpet Stain Remover

Mix 1 cup baking soda, 1 cup salt and 1 cup white vinegar into a paste. Apply to the stain and allow to dry. Vacuum. (Gum on the carpet? Try these tips.)

Rug Deodorizer

Sprinkle the rug with baking soda and let it sit for 15 minutes. Vacuum thoroughly.

Toy Cleaner

To refresh your kids’ toys (which are one of the dirtiest things in your home), dissolve 4 tablespoons of baking soda in 1 quart warm water. Pour mixture into a spray bottle and spray toys. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

Small Hole Repair

No spackle? Make a paste of white toothpaste and baking soda. Fill holes in the wall with mixture, smooth over and allow to dry.

Water Spot Remover

Make a paste with baking soda, water and toothpaste. Apply the paste with a soft cloth to wood and rub away rings and spots.

Vacuum Cleaner Odor Remover

Sprinkle baking soda on the carpet and vacuum up to help remove odors inside your vacuum cleaner.

Marble Cleaner

Dissolve 3 teaspoons of baking soda in a quart of warm water. Wet a clean cloth with mixture and wipe down marble.

Laundry Brightener

Add ½ cup of baking soda to a load of laundry to boost colors and help fight stains.

Air Freshener

Mix water, baking soda and a drop of your favorite essential oil together to make a room spray. Want to add that signature Williams-Sonoma scent? Try this.

Sterling Silver Jewelry Cleaner

To remove tarnish, line the bottom of a dish with aluminum foil shiny side up. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of baking soda in 1 cup of boiling water (the solution may bubble). Place your jewelry piece in the dish, making sure it’s touching the aluminum foil. Pour the solution into the dish. Let it sit for two to 10 minutes. Rinse and dry with a soft cloth. Make sure silver is completely dry before storing.

And on a Personal Note…

Shoe Refresher

Sprinkle baking soda inside shoes after wearing or make sachets with baking soda and tuck them into shoes. (You might want to think twice about wearing shoes in the house.)

Mouth Freshener

To combat bad breath, mix 1 teaspoon baking soda in ½ glass of water. Gargle, swish, spit and rinse.

Exfoliating Scrub

To brighten skin, mix a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part warm water. Gently rub onto face using a circular motion. Rinse. Apply this paste to heels and elbows to smooth skin. (If you need a pampering present, you might want to skip the baking soda and check out these spa gift ideas instead.)

Foot Soak

To soothe tired, achy feet, dissolve 3 teaspoons of baking soda in a warm bath. Soak and gently scrub feet.

Chlorine Remover

Too much time at the pool? Rinse your hair with ½ teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in 1 pint of water to remove dullness caused by too much chlorine.

Toothpaste

A dab of coconut oil with baking soda can clean your teeth just as well as the bright blue stuff you’d get at the store.

Next up: Fresh ways to clean with lemon!

How to use baking soda to clean your home

Modern household chemicals will help not only to cope with difficult dirt, get rid of unpleasant smells in the house and make any surface shine, but can also be harmful to health. Substances that make up chemistry can cause poisoning, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and eyes, allergic reactions, and in some cases, toxins are deadly poisons.

To protect yourself from harmful chemicals, but also save a decent amount, "Nastenka" recommends using products that can be found in any kitchen. Laundry soap, vinegar, salt, citric acid, soda - all these substances will help to polish the house without allergies and other undesirable health consequences.

"Nastenka" will tell you how you can use baking soda to clean your house.

Kitchen Cleaning

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and a mild abrasive cleaner. With baking soda, you can easily clean plastic food containers, as well as other containers used to store food and kitchen utensils. It is enough to add soda to a soft sponge and slightly moisten with water. In this way, you can clean plastic containers from dirt and get rid of an unpleasant odor.

Baking soda can also help get rid of bad smells inside the refrigerator:

- Prepare a baking soda solution. Mix four tablespoons of baking soda in one liter of water.

- Wipe the interior walls and shelves of the refrigerator with the resulting solution. Remove the remaining solution with a damp cloth.

- After cleaning, pour baking soda into a saucer or small container. Do not close the container, leave it in the refrigerator. The baking soda powder will absorb any bad odors.

To get rid of traces of fat on the hob, stove or table, it is necessary to pour baking soda on the contaminated place and leave it for 10-15 minutes. Then remove with a damp cloth, rinse with water.

A dirty grill or baking tray can also be cleaned with baking soda. Cover the surface with soda, leave for 30 minutes. After that, rinse the grill or baking sheet under warm water, after rubbing it with a sponge. The baking soda will absorb the grease and the dirt will be easily cleaned.

Bedroom and bathroom cleaning

Baking soda solution is great for cleaning carpets. To combat stains, take a baking soda solution and spray onto the carpet surface. Leave the solution for 15 minutes. Then clean with a vacuum cleaner or brush.

Pet bedding can also be treated with soda solution. Soda will disinfect products and get rid of unpleasant odors. At the same time, soda is absolutely harmless to animals.

Soda solution will also help in the fight against mold in the bathroom. The affected area must be sprayed with a solution and left for 20-30 minutes. After brushing, rinse with water.

These simple tips will make it easy to achieve the desired result. And you can order professional cleaning of your home or office on our website. It is enough to call the contact numbers or leave a request. Specialists of the cleaning company "Nastenka" will cope with any pollution.

Baking soda. Using Soda

This is a widely used mineral with excellent cleansing properties. Baking soda ( sodium bicarbonate ) is made from soda ash. It is a weak alkali (pH8.1; 7 is neutral).

Baking soda neutralizes the acidic taste of water and absorbs odors from the air.

Baking soda can also be used as a mild, non-abrasive cleaner on kitchen surfaces, sinks, bathtubs, ovens and fiberglass.

It removes the smell of sweat and even neutralizes the chemical smell of detergents when added to the washing machine. It is a useful air freshener and carpet deodorizer.

1. Bath Cleaner Recipe

Take half a cup of baking soda.

While stirring, add liquid soap or detergent to it until a creamy slurry is obtained.

If desired, add 5 drops of an antibacterial oil such as lavender, tea tree oil or rosemary.

Apply gruel to a sponge, clean the surface, rinse.

Note: The difference between soap and detergent (powders, liquid synthetic detergents) is that soap is made from natural ingredients, while detergents are made from synthetic .

Naturally, soaps do not harm you and the environment as much as detergents, which are toxic to wildlife, in particular to fish.

However, the disadvantage of soaps is that minerals dissolved in water react with soap, leaving an insoluble film on the surface.

This may cause the fabric to turn gray when washed with soap and deposits on the surfaces of objects.

Chemical detergents - significantly less reactive with minerals in the water.

So if you are lucky and have soft water, you can safely use natural soaps.

If you have hard water, you will have to use detergents.

However, try to use so-called "bio" products (from the English. biodegradable - biodegradable), which will cause less harm to the environment.

To clean the tub before bathing a child, we recommend using only baking soda.

2. All-purpose cleaner

Do not forget about such a simple and affordable cleaner as warm soapy water . In many homes, remnants that are already inconvenient to use are thrown away.

But if you get a plastic container for them from household chemicals and collect soap residues there, pouring hot water over them, you can get a jelly-like detergent for sinks, baths, and tiles.

Add baking soda and you have a good dishwashing detergent free of abrasives and harmful chemicals.

It also cleans linoleum and plastic well. And adding ammonia to the solution from the remnants of soap gives an excellent tool for washing painted floors, doors, window frames and other surfaces painted with oil paint.

3. Baking soda is great for cleaning stains on washing machines

Even if you find a branded cleaner for enamel and plastic surfaces on sale, do not rush to fork out.

Simply dip a clean dry cloth into baking soda and rub the stain.

4. The ability of baking soda to absorb odors is useful when cleaning carpets

Especially for those who have pets in the apartment.

Sprinkle baking soda generously on the carpet. Leave overnight or longer if it does not cause discomfort.

Sweep most of the baking soda off the carpet and vacuum the rest. Repeat if the smell still remains (you may not have used enough baking soda).

Note: Wet baking soda absorbs odors much more effectively than dry baking soda. However, it gets stuck in the carpet fibers and is more difficult to clean out .

If you live in a humid climate, you can use an aqueous solution of white vinegar in a spray bottle instead of baking soda.