Baking soda does two things well. It’s a very fine, soft abrasive, so it scrubs without scratching most surfaces. And it neutralizes acidic smells instead of covering them. One box goes a long way.
1. Stovetop Spills
Sprinkle it on, add a few drops of water to make a paste, wait 15 minutes and wipe.
2. The Fridge
An open box on a shelf absorbs odors. Replace it every three months. For shelves, wipe with 2 tablespoons in a quart of warm water.
3. Grout
Rub a thick paste into the lines with an old toothbrush. Rinse.
4. The Kitchen Sink
Sprinkle, scrub with a damp sponge and rinse. It shines stainless steel and porcelain.
5. Smelly Trash Cans
A layer in the bottom of the can, under the bag, soaks up odor.
6. Carpets and Rugs
Sprinkle, leave it 30 minutes or overnight, and vacuum.
7. Laundry
Half a cup in the wash softens water and helps detergent work.
8. Burnt Pots
Cover the bottom with baking soda and water, simmer 15 minutes, cool and scrub.
9. Mattresses and Shoes
Sprinkle, wait a few hours, vacuum. For shoes, pour a spoonful inside overnight and shake it out.
What Not to Use It On
- Aluminum pans. It can darken them.
- Marble, quartz and wood finishes. It can dull the surface over time.
A Note on Vinegar
The fizz when you mix baking soda and vinegar looks powerful, but the two cancel each other out. Use them one after the other, not together: baking soda to scrub, then vinegar to rinse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is baking soda the same as baking powder?
No. Baking powder has added acid and starch. Use baking soda for cleaning.
Does old baking soda still clean?
Yes. Even a box past its date works fine for cleaning.
Is it safe around kids and pets?
Yes, in normal cleaning amounts.
