Baking soda, aka sodium bicarbonate, is a common household item with a multitude of uses beyond helping your cookies rise in the oven. This inexpensive and super environmentally friendly substance is a powerhouse for home maintenance tasks. This calls for a Costco size bag of baking soda.
Cleaning and Deodorizing
Refrigerator You know this one. Place an open box of baking soda in the refrigerator to neutralize odors. Replace it every three months for optimal freshness.
Microwave Remove stubborn stains and odors by scrubbing the inside with a paste of baking soda and water. Rinse thoroughly.
Oven Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of your oven, spray with water to dampen, and let it sit overnight. In the morning, scrub away grime with ease.
Clogged Drains Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar. Cover the drain and let it sit for 30 minutes. Flush with boiling water to clear the clog.
Deodorizing Drains Periodically pour baking soda down the drain, followed by hot water, to keep odors at bay.
Stain Removal Make a paste of baking soda and water to scrub away stains from countertops and cutting boards. This is especially effective on stubborn coffee or wine stains.
Laundry Room Solutions
Whitening Agent Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your laundry load to boost detergent performance and whiten whites.
Odor Removal Remove odors from gym clothes, socks, and musty towels by adding baking soda before the wash cycle.
Fabric Softener Substitute fabric softener with 1/2 cup of baking soda in the rinse cycle to soften clothes naturally.
Bathroom Cleaning
Tile and Grout Create a thick paste with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Apply to grout and scrub with a toothbrush to remove mold and mildew.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner Sprinkle baking soda into the toilet bowl, scrub with the toilet brush, and flush for a clean and deodorized bowl.
Carpet and Upholstery Care
Stain Removal Blot up any liquid from spills, then sprinkle baking soda on the stain. Let it sit for 15 minutes before vacuuming. For tougher stains, mix baking soda with water to form a paste, apply, let dry, and vacuum.
Deodorizing Sprinkle baking soda liberally on carpets and upholstered furniture, let it sit for at least 15 minutes (or overnight for strong odors), and then vacuum thoroughly.
General Household Uses
Air Freshener Mix baking soda with a few drops of essential oil and place in a small dish or sachet to freshen the air in any room.
Cleaning Silver Line a pan with aluminum foil, add boiling water, a tablespoon of baking soda, and silver items. Let it soak for a few minutes, then rinse and polish dry.
Garage and Driveway Remove oil and grease stains by sprinkling baking soda on the stain, scrubbing with a wet brush, and rinsing with water.
Patio Furniture Clean plastic and resin furniture by scrubbing with a mixture of baking soda and warm water. Rinse thoroughly.
We’ve all been there — from ants to fruit flies to pantry moths — and depending on the season, there’s always some critter and its buddies to ...
Subscription-based protection for when major
appliances and systems break down.