Think baking soda is just for baking? Think again.
Although sodium bicarbonate does get a rise out of our baking, it also works magic for around-the-house clean ups and more. From the ancient Egyptians (who used it as a form of soap, a wound treatment, a water softener and a tooth and mouth cleaner) to the modern home, baking soda has long been a cornerstone of house cleaning.
Even all-purpose cleaners don’t compete with the versatility, effectiveness and cost of this priceless powder.
Don’t know where to start? We’ve got 20 clever ways that baking soda can help around the house (and a few of them might surprise you!).
Garlic Odour Remover
We all know that putting an open box of baking soda in the fridge will help soak up bad smells, but did you know it had other odour-fighting capabilities? Mix a teaspoon or two in a glass of water and use it to wash your hands after chopping garlic; the mixture should rinse away the pungent smell.
Extending Flower Life
Who knew that baking soda could extend the life of our beloved bouquets? Just add a teaspoon to the water to keep them blooming day after day.
Cleaning Surfaces
Baking soda is arguably the best all-natural surface cleaner around. Mix it with water and spray it on walls, mirrors and countertops for a clean that’s also green. To clean marble surfaces, put three tablespoons into ½ litre of warm water and spray away.
Make Toothpaste
Speaking of cleaning surfaces, a paste made from baking soda and a 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution can be used as an alternative to commercial non-fluoride toothpastes. You can also just dip your toothbrush with toothpaste into baking soda for an extra boost.
Rising Agent
Baking powder is the most common baking leavener but did you know that baking soda is actually four times stronger than baking powder, and should be used in recipes with acidic ingredients like chocolate? It begins working its magic on contact, so be sure to pop that cake batter into the oven pronto!
Silver Polish
Save a trip to the jewellers by polishing up your own precious silver. Make a thick paste out of baking soda and water then slather it on your silverware with a soft rag. Let it dry, then rinse.
Removing Burnt-On Foods
Sometimes soaking dishes just isn’t enough to get off all that burnt-on gunk. Next time, pour in some baking soda and boiling water, and let it soak overnight. By morning the food will be no match for your sturdy dish scrubber.
Extinguishing Stove Fires
Unless you’re a pro at flambéing, no one wants to see flames on the stovetop. Next time your dinner heats up a little too fast, dos out the fire with baking soda — and then order in some Chinese food.
Cleaning the Oven
Forget fancy oven cleaners — all you really need is baking soda and water to get the job done. Blanket the bottom of the oven with a thick layer of baking soda and spray with water until damp. Let it sit overnight, then remove the baking soda in the morning to reveal a sparkling clean oven.
Removing Stains
We’re no strangers to annoying fabric stains: red wine on the carpet, ketchup on the rug and hot sauce on the blouse. No matter where you are, baking soda is the one stain remover everyone seems to have. Simply sprinkle baking soda on the fabric and gently brush it in. Leave it on overnight, then vacuum or wash it off in the morning.
Clearing a Drain
Is your sink backed up and water has overflowed everywhere? Don’t panic. Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain followed by three cups of boiling water to complete this dreaded deed.
Treat Insect Bites & Itchy Skin
Summer’s coming, and along with it are all those bitey insects. For bites, make a paste out of baking soda and water, and apply as a salve onto affected skin. To ease the itch, shake some baking soda into your hand and rub it into damp skin after bath or shower.
Clean the Microwave
Baking soda on a clean damp sponge cleans gently inside and outside the microwave and never leaves a harsh chemical smell. Rinse well with water.
Clean Coffee and Tea Pots
We love coffee, but not the stain it leaves on some of our nice cups and inside the coffee pot. Remove coffee and tea stains and eliminate bitter off-tastes by washing mugs and coffee makers in a solution of 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart of warm water. For stubborn stains, try soaking overnight in the baking soda solution and detergent or scrubbing with baking soda on a clean damp sponge.
Boost Your Liquid Laundry Detergent
Who doesn’t want to give their laundry a boost? Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the laundry to make liquid detergent work harder. A better balance of pH in the wash gets clothes cleaner, fresher and brighter.
Clean Batteries
Baking soda can be used to neutralize battery acid corrosion on cars, mowers, etc. because its a mild alkali. Be sure to disconnect the battery terminals before cleaning. Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water, apply with a damp cloth to scrub corrosion from the battery terminal. After cleaning and re-connecting the terminals, wipe them with petroleum jelly to prevent future corrosion.
Deodorize Drains
To deodorize your sink and tub drains, and keep lingering odors from resurfacing, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain while running warm tap water–it will neutralize both acid and basic odors for a fresh drain. (This a good way to dispose of baking soda that is being retired from your refrigerator.)
Deodorize Lunch Boxes
Those lunch boxes sure can stink, making packing and eating lunches much less enjoyable. Between uses, place a spill-proof box of baking soda in everyone’s lunch box to absorb lingering odors.
Fruit and Vegetable Scrub
Baking soda is the food safe way to clean dirt and residue off fresh fruit and vegetables. Just sprinkle a little on a clean damp sponge, scrub and rinse.
Keep a Clear Windshield
Wipe your car windshield with a solution of baking soda and water to repel rain.
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