20 Genius Baking Soda Hacks for a Sparkling Home (Guide)

Ready to revolutionize your cleaning routine without spending a fortune? Let’s dive into the world of baking soda – the unsung hero in our homes. This humble kitchen staple will become your go-to for a cleaner, fresher home.

Some truly game-changing ways to use baking soda around the house I’ll cover:

🍏 Eliminate Pesticides Produce
🧹 Clean Combs and Hairbrushes
🥄 Restore Silver
🦷 Clean Oral Appliances
🍲 Clean Food Residue
🚰 Unclog Kitchen Sink
🌊 Clean the Microwave Oven
➕ And many more…

So, let’s dive in and explore these clever baking soda tricks that are sure to transform your cleaning routine

1. Eliminate Pesticides Produce

As a professional cleaner, I know how important it is to keep our homes clean and free from harmful chemicals. But did you know that even the produce we buy from the store can be contaminated with pesticides? Luckily, there is a simple solution to this problem: baking soda!

To eliminate pesticides from produce:

• Step 1: Mix two teaspoons of baking soda per quart of water.
• Step 2: Soak your produce for 30 seconds.

This will remove harmful chemicals and leave your produce clean and safe to eat.

If you’re dealing with tougher produce like potatoes or carrots, you may need to scrub them with a brush to remove dirt and pesticides. But for softer produce like berries or grapes, soaking them in baking soda should be enough.

2. Clean Combs and Hairbrushes

I don’t know about you, but I always forget to clean my hairbrushes and combs. It’s one of those things that slips my mind. But did you know a dirty hairbrush can make your hair look dull and lifeless?

It can also be a breeding ground for bacteria and other nasties. That’s why it’s important to clean your combs and hairbrushes regularly.

Baking soda is one of my favorite ways to clean combs and hairbrushes.

• Step 1: Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with a cup of warm water and dish soap.
• Step 2: Use a toothbrush to apply the mixture to the base and bristles of the brush.
• Step 3: Rinse thoroughly and let it dry. Voila! Your brush is now clean and ready to use.

No matter which method you choose, it’s important to clean your combs and hairbrushes regularly. Not only will it help keep your hair looking its best, but it will also help prevent the buildup of bacteria and other nasties. So go ahead and give your brushes a good cleaning – your hair (and scalp) will thank you!

3. Restore Silverware

If you’re tired of your dull and tarnished silverware, baking soda is the solution you’ve been looking for. Not only is baking soda non-toxic and environmentally friendly, but it’s also a gentle abrasive that won’t damage your silverware.

• Step 1: Start by lining a baking dish with aluminum foil to restore your silverware’s shine.
• Step 2: Fill the dish with hot water and add a tablespoon of baking soda per quart. Stir the mixture until the baking soda dissolves, and submerge your silverware.
• Step 3: Let it sit for a few minutes, remove it from the water, and rinse it thoroughly. Dry with a soft cloth, and voila! Your silverware will look as good as new.

For tougher tarnish, apply a paste of baking soda and water to the affected areas with a soft cloth. Rub gently, then rinse with water and dry with a soft cloth. This method is especially effective for intricate silver pieces that are hard to reach with the soaking method.

4. Clean Oral Appliances

As someone who wears oral appliances like retainers or mouthguards, I know how important it is to keep them clean and fresh. Luckily, baking soda can help with that, too!

To clean your oral appliances:

• Step 1: Brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and water to remove loose debris.
• Step 2: Then, make a paste of baking soda and water. The paste should be thick enough to stick to your appliance but not too thick that it won’t spread evenly.
• Step 3: Apply the paste to your appliance and let it sit for about 15 minutes.
• Step 4: Then rinse it with water and dry it with a clean towel. The baking soda will help remove any lingering odors and leave your appliance fresh and clean.

5. Clean Food Residue

When cleaning up food residue, baking soda is a lifesaver! I always keep a box of baking soda in my pantry for this very reason. It’s a natural cleaning agent that’s gentle yet effective and won’t scratch surfaces.

To clean food residue from dishes and pots:

• Step 1: Sprinkle baking soda on the affected area.
• Step 2: Add a drop of dish soap and scrub with a sponge. The baking soda is a gentle abrasive that helps lift off the debris, while the dish soap cuts through the grease.

For stubborn food residue on pots and pans, I make a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the affected area, and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing. The paste helps to loosen the debris and makes it easier to scrub away.

If you have a dishwasher, you can also use baking soda to clean food residue from the interior. I sprinkle a cup of baking soda in the bottom of the dishwasher and run it on the hottest cycle. The baking soda helps to loosen the debris and leaves the dishwasher smelling fresh and clean.

6. Unclog Kitchen Sink

I know how frustrating it can be when your kitchen sink gets clogged. But don’t worry, I’ve got a baking soda hack that will leave your sink sparkling clean and unclogged in no time!

• Step 1: Remove any standing water from the sink.
• Step 2: Pour about a cup of baking soda down the drain. Ensure it goes down the drain and not just on the sides of the sink.
• Step 3: Pour a cup of vinegar down the drain. The baking soda and vinegar will react and create a fizzing action that will help break down any clogs in the drain.
• Step 4: Let the mixture sit in the drain for 10-15 minutes. During this time, boil some water in a kettle or pot.
• Step 5: After 10-15 minutes, pour the boiling water down the drain. The hot water will help flush out any remaining debris causing the clog.

Repeat this process as needed until the sink is completely unclogged. This baking soda hack is not only effective, but it’s also a natural and safe way to unclog your kitchen sink without using harsh chemicals.

7. Clean the Microwave Oven

Microwave ovens are one of the most used kitchen appliances in our homes. They are convenient and save us a lot of time. However, they can get dirty and greasy quickly. Cleaning them can be a hassle, but with baking soda, it can be a breeze.

To clean a microwave oven with baking soda:

• Step 1: Fill a microwave-safe bowl halfway with water and add ¼ cup of baking soda.
• Step 2: Mix the water and baking soda together until the baking soda has fully dissolved.
• Step 3: Place the bowl into the dirty microwave and let it run for five minutes on high power.
• Step 4: When the microwave is done, I carefully remove the hot bowl and wipe down the microwave interior with a damp cloth. The steam from the water and baking soda mixture helps to loosen and soften any food splatters or stains, making it easier to wipe away.

If there are any stubborn stains or grime, I make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the affected areas. I let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth.

8. Get Rid of Oil and Grease Naturally

I hate oil stains on my clothes. They are stubborn and refuse to go away. But, I have found a natural solution to this problem that works like magic. Baking soda is the key ingredient that helps to get rid of oil and grease stains naturally.

To remove oil stains from clothes

• Step 1: Mix a small amount of baking soda with dishwashing liquid and apply it to the stain.
• Step 2: Leave it for 15 minutes and wash the clothes as usual. Voila! The oil stains disappear like magic.

Baking soda is not only great for removing oil stains from clothes, but it is also an excellent cleaner for greasy surfaces.

9. Baking Soda Floor Cleaner

I love using baking soda as a cleaning agent! It’s a mild abrasive that can be used on various surfaces, including floors. Here’s how I make my own baking soda floor cleaner:

• Step 1: Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1/4 cup of water in a bowl.
• Step 2: Stir it until it forms a paste. Then, I add 2 cups of warm water to the bowl and stir until it’s well mixed.
• Step 3: Dip a mop into the mixture and wring it out well. Then, I mop my floors as usual. The baking soda is a gentle scrubber, removing dirt and grime from the floor’s surface.

One of my favorite things about using baking soda as a floor cleaner is that it’s safe for most types of flooring, including tile, laminate, and hardwood. Plus, it’s a natural and affordable alternative to harsh chemical cleaners.

10. Remove Crayon Marks from Walls

If you have kids, you know how frustrating it can be to find crayon marks on your walls. But don’t worry; you can easily remove those pesky marks with a little bit of baking soda and water. Here’s what I do:

• Step 1: Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to make a paste.
• Step 2: Apply the paste to the crayon marks and let it sit for a few minutes.
• Step 3: Scrub the marks with a microfiber cloth and rinse the wall with water.

Take your time and be patient. With some elbow grease and the right cleaning solution, your walls will look brand new in no time!

11. The Best Way to Clean a Car Seat

There are many options for cleaning car seats, but baking soda is the best way to get them looking like new.

To clean your car seats with baking soda:

• Step 1: Start by vacuuming the seats to remove any loose dirt and debris.
• Step 2: Mix baking soda with water to create a paste and apply it to any stains on the seats.
• Step 3: Let the paste sit briefly before scrubbing it with a soft-bristled brush.
• Step 4: Use a damp cloth to remove the paste and any remaining dirt or stains after scrubbing.

Not only is baking soda great for cleaning car seats but it can also be used to deodorize them. The baking soda will absorb any odors and leave your car smelling fresh and clean.

12. Remove Permanent Marker

If you’re like me, you’ve probably accidentally marked up something important with a permanent marker. But don’t worry; you can eliminate those pesky marks quickly with a little baking soda and elbow grease.

A baking soda paste is one of my favorite ways to remove permanent markers.

• Step 1: Mix baking soda with water until you have a thick paste.
• Step 2: Apply the paste to the marker stain and use a microfiber cloth to scrub it away. The baking soda will help break down the marker, while the microfiber cloth will help lift it away.

Remember, it’s important to be patient and persistent when removing permanent markers,

13. Clean Plastic Toys

If you have kids, you know how quickly their toys can get dirty. Fortunately, cleaning plastic toys with baking soda is a breeze and can leave them looking new.

• Step 1: Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1 gallon of warm water in a large bowl.
• Step 2: Submerge the toys in the mixture and let them soak for 15-20 minutes.
• Step 3: Use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to scrub away dirt or grime after soaking. Rinse the toys thoroughly with water and let them air dry.

If you have particularly stubborn stains or odors, add a few drops of essential oil to the mixture for a fresh scent.

14. Make Your Chalkboard Look Brand New

I love using chalkboards to jot down reminders, grocery lists, and inspirational quotes. But over time, those chalk marks can build up and make the board look dull and dirty.

Luckily, I have a baking soda hack to make your chalkboard look brand new!

• Step 1: Grab a microfiber cloth and wipe down the chalkboard to remove any loose dust or debris.
• Step 2: Mix together equal parts baking soda and water to create a paste.
• Step 3: Using a scrub brush or sponge, apply the paste to the chalkboard and scrub in a circular motion.
• Step 4: Once you’ve scrubbed the entire board, use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe away the paste.

This simple baking soda hack lets you keep your chalkboard fresh and clean for all your daily notes and doodles.

15. De-stink Pet Beds

As a pet owner, I know how challenging it can be to keep my furry friend’s bed smelling fresh. Thankfully, baking soda is here to save the day! Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can help neutralize unpleasant odors in your pet’s bed.

• Step 1: Remove any loose fur and debris from the bed using a vacuum.
• Step 2: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda onto the bed and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. The longer you let it sit, the better it will work to absorb any odors.
• Step 3: After the baking soda has had time to work its magic, use a vacuum to remove the baking soda from the bed. For any stubborn odors, repeat the process until the smell is completely gone.

If your pet’s bed has a removable cover, add a cup of baking soda to the washing machine to help deodorize it when washing the cover.

16. De-clog a Drain

If you’re like me, you’ve probably dealt with a clogged sink or drain at some point. It’s frustrating, but don’t worry; I have a solution to have your drain flowing smoothly in no time!

All you need is some baking soda, vinegar, and hot water.

• Step 1: Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar.
• Step 2: The mixture will fizz and bubble! Let it sit for about 10 minutes, allowing the combination of baking soda and vinegar to break down any buildup.
• Step 3: Pour hot water down the drain to remove debris. This simple hack is effective, natural, and inexpensive to unclog your drains.

Just remember, this method is most effective for minor clogs. You may need to call a professional plumber if you have a more severe blockage.

17. Scrub a Messy Grill

If you’re like me, you love firing up the grill and cooking some delicious meals. But after a while, your grill can get pretty messy. That’s where baking soda comes in handy.

• Step 1: Mix baking soda with water to form a paste.
• Step 2: Apply the paste to the grill grates and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. The baking soda helps to break down the grease and grime, making it easier to scrub away.
• Step 3: Grab a scrub brush and start at the grates. The baking soda paste acts as a natural abrasive, helping to remove any stuck-on food or debris.
• Step 4: Rinse the grates with water and repeat the process until they are sparkling clean.

If your grill is dirty, you can also try soaking the grates in a mixture of baking soda and water overnight. This can help loosen any stubborn grime, making it easier to clean in the morning.

18. Wipe Down Dirty Patio Furniture

If you’re like me, you love spending time outdoors on your patio. But your patio furniture can start to look dirty and dingy after a while. Luckily, baking soda is a great solution for cleaning outdoor furniture.

Step 1: Mix a 1/2 cup of baking soda with a squirt of dishwashing soap in 1 gallon of warm water. Use warm water, as it helps loosen caked grime and dirt. Then, use a drop or two of soap and no more than that. Adding too much soap can leave behind a sticky residue.

Step 2: Dip a microfiber cloth into the solution and scrub your patio furniture. Pay special attention to any areas that are particularly dirty or stained. If you have a lot of furniture to clean, you may need to change the solution a few times.

Step 3: Once scrubbing, rinse your furniture with a hose or a bucket of clean water. Then, let it dry in the sun.

By using baking soda to clean your patio furniture, you can keep it looking new all season long. Plus, it’s a natural and affordable way to do the job.

19. Fight Linen Closet Smells

I love the smell of fresh laundry, but sometimes, that smell can be ruined by a musty linen closet. Luckily, baking soda is a simple and natural solution to this problem!

Baking soda is a powerful deodorizer that can neutralize odors in your linen closet. Here are a few ways to use baking soda to freshen up your linens:

• Sprinkle baking soda on your linens: Before storing them in the closet, sprinkle some baking soda on them. This will help absorb any odors that might be lingering on your linens.
• Make a baking soda sachet: Fill a small cloth bag or a piece of cheesecloth with baking soda and tie it closed. Then, place the sachet in your linen closet. This will help keep your linens smelling fresh.
• Use baking soda to clean your closet: Mix baking soda with water to make a paste, then use it to clean the shelves and walls of your linen closet. This will help remove any musty odors lingering in the closet.

20. Buff Out White Water Rings

As a homeowner, I know how frustrating it can be to find white water rings on your wooden furniture. But don’t worry, I’ve got a baking soda hack that will save the day.

Step 1: Mix equal parts of non-gel toothpaste and baking soda in a bowl. Then, using a microfiber cloth, gently rub the mixture onto the affected area in a circular motion. Be sure to follow the grain of the wood to avoid damaging it.

Step 2: After scrubbing for a few minutes, wipe away the mixture with a damp cloth. If the stain is still visible, repeat the process until it disappears.

Remember, prevention is key when it comes to water stains. Always use coasters or placemats to protect your furniture from water damage.

With this simple baking soda hack, you can say goodbye to those unsightly white water rings and hello to a sparkling home.

Safety Tips When Using Baking Soda for Cleaning

When diving into the world of DIY cleaning with baking soda, it’s crucial to keep safety in mind. Baking soda is generally safe, but here are some key pointers to ensure your cleaning sessions are not only effective but also safe:

• Avoid Mixing with Vinegar for Storage: Mixing baking soda with vinegar is a popular cleaning hack due to the fizzing action it creates. However, this should be done during cleaning and not stored as a mixture. The reaction releases carbon dioxide gas, which can build up in a closed container and potentially cause it to burst.
• Use in Well-Ventilated Areas: When using baking soda, especially in larger quantities or when mixed with other substances, ensure the area is well-ventilated. Good air circulation helps to dissipate any gases or odors that may be produced.
• Be Cautious with Sensitive Surfaces: While baking soda is a mild abrasive, it can still scratch certain surfaces. Always do a spot test on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the finish, particularly on delicate materials like marble or soft plastics.
• Protect Your Skin and Eyes: If you have sensitive skin, consider wearing gloves when handling baking soda, especially with other cleaning agents. Additionally, if you’re sprinkling or pouring baking soda, avoid direct contact with your eyes.
• Store Safely: Keep your baking soda in a clearly labeled container and store it out of reach of children and pets. While it’s a common household item, it’s still a cleaning agent and should be treated carefully.
• Disposal Considerations: Baking soda can be safely washed down the drain. However, if you’re using it in large quantities or with other cleaning substances, check your local disposal guidelines to ensure you’re not harming the environment.

Remember, safe cleaning is smart cleaning. By following these simple safety tips, you can harness the power of baking soda to make your home sparkle while keeping yourself and your family safe.

References

Organizations:

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). https://www.epa.gov/
• Green Seal. https://greenseal.org/

Books:

• “The Naturally Clean Home” by Karyn Siegel-Maier. https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Naturally_Clean_Home.html?id=lq8RNAEACAAJ
• “Clean House, Clean Planet” by Karen Logan. https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/clean-house-clean-planet_karen-logan/1635051/

Website Resources:

• The Spruce. https://www.thespruce.com/
• Martha Stewart’s Official Website. https://www.marthastewart.com/

Video References:

Andrea Jean Cleaning