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Have you ever opened your refrigerator and noticed a little half-open box in the back, leading you to ask, “What is baking soda used for besides trapping odors and baking?” We’re here to answer that question. Here are the best ways to utilize baking soda for cleaning your home, eliminating odors, and more. Cleaning with baking soda is simple; this all-natural household cleaner is effective for various tasks, from unclogging sinks to rejuvenating upholstery.
Why Baking Soda is a Powerful Cleaning Agent
The technical term for baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, a type of salt. Baking soda is a neutral compound formed from a positively charged ion and a negatively charged ion. While it’s neutral, it has a pH level that is higher than neutral, making it an ideal cleaning agent.
Baking soda absorbs odors rather than masking them like traditional air fresheners, making it perfect for safe deodorizing throughout your home. Most odors are acidic, meaning that baking soda can effectively neutralize them. Additionally, its slight abrasiveness allows it to cut through buildup, grime, and stains more easily than soap.
Cleaning With Baking Soda in The Kitchen
Deodorize and Clean a Refrigerator
A common kitchen application is placing an open box of baking soda in your refrigerator to absorb odors. In addition to its natural odor-absorbing qualities, baking soda serves as a safe cleaner for nearly any surface. A simple way to clean your fridge with baking soda is by creating a paste with water. Use this to scrub the walls, shelves, and drawers. Baking soda is also effective in removing stains and whitening surfaces inside the fridge.
Unblock Your Drains
To tackle stubborn clogs in your kitchen sink, use baking soda to break through buildup in drains and garbage disposals. Just mix ½ cup of baking soda with two cups of vinegar and pour the mixture down the drain. Wait five minutes, then follow it with a pot of boiling water. This will not only clear your drain but also provide a deodorizing effect.
Put the Shine Back into Tarnished Silver
Tarnished silver can be a source of embarrassment when hosting guests, but cleaning it doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Line a baking pan with aluminum foil, add a tablespoon of baking soda, ½ cup of white vinegar, and boiling water. Place your tarnished silver in this cleaning solution, and watch the tarnish transfer to the foil. Finally, dry and polish your silver for a sparkling finish.
Degrease Your Oven
Prevent kitchen fires by keeping your oven grease-free. Create a paste using ½ cup of baking soda and a few tablespoons of water, then wear gloves to apply it to the oven’s interior. Let it sit overnight while you relax, and then simply wipe off the grime and cleaning residue with a damp rag.
Kill Dishwasher Mold and Mildew
Due to the moisture and dark conditions, mold and mildew thrive in dirty dishwashers. To combat this, dissolve a few tablespoons of baking soda in a cup of water, pour it into the bottom of the dishwasher, and run a regular cycle. To prevent future mold and mildew issues, clean your dishwasher once a month.
How to Use Baking Soda for Cleaning a Bathroom
Clean Your Shower Curtain
Baking soda is excellent for removing mold and dirt from shower curtains. Create a paste of baking soda and water, and use it with a nylon scrub brush to eliminate mold, soap scum, and dirt. For shower doors, consult our shower door cleaning guide to regain their sparkle.
Clean Dirty Grout
If you’re uncertain about the true color of your tile grout, you will find out once you learn how to clean it with baking soda. Create a paste using baking soda and lemon juice, then use a toothbrush to scrub the grout. Wait five minutes and rinse it with warm water.
Clean Your Sink, Tub, and Vanity
While baking soda is abrasive, caution is advised around sink and tub fixtures. However, for most vanity tops and bathtubs, cleaning with baking soda eliminates buildup and tough stains safely. Just sprinkle baking soda onto a damp sink or tub, scrub away the grime, and restore the sparkle.
How to Clean With Baking Soda in a Living Room
Refresh Your Carpet
If your rugs or carpets begin to smell less than fresh, use baking soda to deodorize them. For stubborn stains, you may need to consult a professional cleaner. Sprinkle baking soda generously over the carpet, let it sit for 10 minutes, and then vacuum to remove both the baking soda and the odor-causing dirt.
Freshen Up Upholstery
This baking soda trick can quickly and easily clean your upholstery. Remove cushions and pillows, then sprinkle baking soda on the furniture and upholstery. Wait 10 minutes and vacuum to lift away the baking soda and any odors.
Bonus Baking Soda Cleaning Tip: Use baking soda for refreshing and cleaning mattresses. Sprinkle baking soda over your mattress and let it sit for an hour to absorb moisture and odors before vacuuming it up and putting on fresh linens.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can baking soda be used for cleaning all surfaces?
While baking soda is versatile, it’s best to test it on a small area first, especially on sensitive surfaces like natural stone.
2. How often should I use baking soda to clean my dishwasher?
It is recommended to clean your dishwasher with baking soda at least once a month to prevent mold and buildup.
3. Is baking soda safe to use around pets?
Yes, baking soda is non-toxic and safe for use around pets, making it a great choice for household cleaning.
4. Can baking soda remove tough stains from carpets?
While baking soda can help lift some stains, it may not be effective for all types. For tough stains, professional cleaning may be required.
5. Does baking soda really neutralize odors?
Yes, baking soda effectively absorbs and neutralizes odors rather than just masking them, making it an excellent choice for deodorizing various areas in your home.
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