Baking soda is a well-known natural and inexpensive way to fix common problems around the house. As someone who has always liked DIYs and smart home hacks, I’ve tried dozens of baking soda hacks in my home. In this 10 Baking Soda Hacks post, I’ll talk about my favorite baking soda hacks that I’ve personally used.
A simple box of baking soda could save the day whether you need to clean or remove smells. Don’t forget to share your favorite hack in the comments below!
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The Baking Soda I Use
This ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda is the only one I use. For years, this product has never failed me when using it for DIYs and hacks. I highly recommend getting the 7 lbs. bag to save more if you use it often in more than one area. Get the 8oz. box if you’re planning to use it for the first time!
10 Baking Soda Hacks You Should Know for a Cleaner, Fresher Home
#1. Remove coffee stains
Using baking soda to remove coffee stains works best on fresh stains. If you’re planning to use it on older stains, it may require cleaning it multiple times.
How I Use Baking Soda:
- Make a paste with baking soda and a little water
- Apply to the stain, sit for 15-20 minutes, then scrub gently
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water
#2. Neutralize refrigerator odors
I often use baking soda as a refrigerator deodorizer. Consider using a shallow, open container instead of the box for better air circulation. You can also use it in the freezer and food storage containers.
#3. Clean stuffed animals
I often used baking soda to clean or refresh stuffed toys! To do this, you must:
- Place toys in a large plastic bag with 1/2 cup of baking soda
- Seal and shake gently for a few minutes
- Let sit for 15-20 minutes before vacuuming
- For machine-washable toys, add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the wash cycle
#4. Unclog drains
Unclogging drains can be tiring, but this simple and easy hack is what I use from time to time.
Do it this way:
- Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 cup vinegar
- Let it fizz for a few minutes, then flush with hot water
Note: While this can help with minor clogs, it’s not always effective for severe blockages.
#5. Polish silverware
Make silverware look brand new with this simple hack!
How To Do It:
- Make a paste with three parts baking soda and one part water
- Apply with a soft cloth and rub gently
- Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean cloth
- For intricate pieces, use a soft toothbrush to apply the paste
#6. Clean grout and tiles
Get your trusty dishwashing liquid for this one! I like cleaning my bathroom with baking soda and dishwashing liquid.
How To Do It:
- Make a cleaning liquid with baking soda, dishwashing liquid, and water
- Apply the paste to the grout lines or rub it on the tiles
- Let sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a brush and rinse
#7. Deodorize carpets
Using baking soda is a common, non-toxic, and effective way to neutralize odors on your carpet.
How To Do It:
- Sprinkle liberally over the carpet
- Let sit for at least 15 minutes, preferably overnight
- Vacuum thoroughly, using multiple passes
- Can be combined with a few drops of your favorite essential oil for a fragrance
#8. Remove oil stains
Did you know that baking soda can absorb excess oil? That’s why it’s perfect to use for removing oil stains from clothing or garage floors.
For your driveway:
- Sprinkle baking soda on the stain
- Let it absorb the oil
- Sweep away and rinse
#9. Freshen smelly shoes
Just like clothes, baking soda is a useful ingredient in keeping your favorite pair smelling fresh.
How To Do It:
- Sprinkle baking soda inside shoes
- Let sit overnight then shake out
You can also add it to the soap when washing your shoes.
#10. Clean oven racks
As someone who bakes often, I use this hack every time. Baking soda can help soften baked-on grime, making it easier to clean.
How To Do It:
- Soak oven racks in a mixture of two parts baking soda and one part warm water.
- Scrub to remove grease and grime.
Important Tips When Using Baking Soda
- Always test on a small area first to ensure no damage or discoloration occurs.
- Avoid using baking soda on aluminum, as it can cause discoloration.
- Don’t mix baking soda with vinegar for cleaning – they neutralize each other, reducing effectiveness.
- Store baking soda in a cool, dry place to maintain its effectiveness.
- Be cautious when using baking soda on the skin, as it can be abrasive and may cause irritation for some people.
- Baking soda is not the same as baking powder – they’re not interchangeable in recipes or cleaning applications.
- When using baking soda for cleaning, wear gloves to protect your hands from drying out.
- For tough cleaning jobs, let baking soda solutions sit for several minutes before scrubbing to increase effectiveness.
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- Shortcuts, DIYs, and Life Hacks to Make Things a Little Easier
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