Baking soda isn’t just for baking. It’s actually a very effective cleaner as well. Baking soda is a natural substance that neutralizes both acids and bases. In non-chemistry words, it actually eliminates (or absorbs) odors rather than covering them up with perfumes. It’s also really great at breaking down grease. Add to this the fact that it’s a pure, natural and non-toxic, makes it a great choice for cleaning your home.
Here are 11 things you can clean with baking soda.
Keep your fridge fresh.
Forgotten leftovers, fish or other strong smells in your fridge can zap even the strongest appetite. Not to mention it may affect the taste of other foods in your fridge – yuck! Simply mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with a quart of hot water then wipe the interior of your fridge with the solution. Rinse with a damp cloth and voila! Your fridge is clean and smells fresh!
Clean fruits and vegetables.
By adding a bit of baking soda to water you can increase the cleaning power naturally. A baking soda and water mixture will not only effectively remove dirt, it will also remove that waxy coating on some produce.
Remove grease and grime.
Whether it’s on a pan or the stovetop, baking soda is incredibly effective at removing grease and grime. Leave baking soda directly on a grimy surface for 5 minutes than wipe clean. For pans with baked-on food, add baking soda to hot soapy water and give it a good scrub.
Freshen upholstery.
You can’t put your sofa in the washing machine but you can get rid of odors to freshen them up! Sprinkle baking soda on the soft, cushy places around your house. Let sit for 15 minutes and then vacuum up.
Unclog slow drains.
Slow draining sink or tub? Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain followed by a cup of hot vinegar. Let sit for 10 minutes then follow with a pot of boiling water. This should get things moving.
*Note: this is only for slow drains and is not a solution for a fully clogged drain.
Shine stainless steel appliances.
You don’t want to use harsh cleaners on stainless steel as it can scratch the surface. Instead, sprinkle baking soda onto a soft cloth to buff your sink or fridge. Rinse well and enjoy the shine.
Deodorize a front-load washing machine.
While front-load washing machines are more efficient and use less detergent, they also tend to build up odors. To remove funky smells, pour half a cup of baking soda into the detergent cup then run a wash cycle on hot. This will deodorize your machine and make sure your laundry smells fresh, not moldy.
Clean outdoor furniture.
To avoid striping the paint of that beautiful adirondack chair, use baking soda to clean stains. The gentle abrasiveness of baking soda will remove stains off painted outdoor furniture without the risk of removing the paint.
Oral Hygiene
Because it’s natural and non-toxic, baking soda is a great choice for many oral hygiene needs. Use baking soda to clean mouth guards, retainers or dentures. Baking soda allows you to remove food and odor without the use of chemicals.
Remove Coffee Stains
Coffee stains tend to build up on carafes and mugs. No matter how much you scrub with dish detergent those stubborn stains just won’t budge. Instead of another cycle in the dishwasher, sprinkle baking soda into the carafe or mug then add hot water. Give it a good scrub and say goodbye to coffee stains.
Remove Stains from Plastic Containers
While plastic containers are convenient for storing leftovers, they’re also notorious for staining. Spaghetti night, anyone? To remove tough stains from plastic containers, clean with a paste of equal parts baking soda and water. Let sit for a few hours then wash.
