Bicarbonate of soda is an everyday household product which most people know as “Baking Soda” and is quite useful in baking. In case you didn’t know, this product is not just limited to cooking. Aside from being a versatile ingredient in different household products, baking soda also comes with many health benefits. Keep reading to find out how else you can use that box of baking soda you have in your pantry.
25+ Baking Soda Hacks You’ve Never Heard Of
Clean Your Produce
Get rid of the filthy pesticides from your vegetables and fruits with the use of baking soda. Just add 1 teaspoon of baking soda into 2 cups of water in a bowl and soak your produce. Scrubbing the produce with a damp sponge also works fine!
Clean Your Produce
Clean Rugs And Carpets
Do you want to freshen up your rugs or get rid of stains on your carpet? Then, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the rug before pouring hot water on top. Let the mixture sink in overnight and vacuum over to get the best results. For tricky stains, reapply the mixture two or three more times. Your wallet doesn’t have to suffer for your carpet to look new!
Clean Rugs And Carpets
Mouthwash
If you feel like you have tried everything but still haven’t had success in getting rid of bad breath, then you will thank us for this. Baking soda is perfect for freshening your breath as it offers antimicrobial and antibacterial benefits. The recipe is super simple – one-half teaspoon of baking soda mixed in warm water, mix. Use like you would a regular mouthwash. The baking soda solution is perfect for reaching the parts of your mouth that you can’t access with a toothbrush.
Mouthwash
Deodorant
Did you know that you don’t have to expose your body to chemicals to get rid of odors? It is so easy. You just need some water and a bit of baking soda. Rub the mixture on your underarms and you will smell as good as new.
Deodorant
Air Freshener
Many air fresheners available on the market just cover up bad smells when they should be eliminating bad odors. We don’t even know what chemicals go inside these bottles. Your safer alternative is baking soda. It interacts with odors and doesn’t only mask them.
Air Freshener
Whiter And Brighter Clothing
The next time you do your laundry, add a cup of baking soda together with your detergent, and you will get cleaner and brighter clothes. An alkali, baking soda is a soluble salt which helps remove stains. It interacts with acids that are in the stains and helps remove them.
Whiter And Brighter Clothing
Bathroom Cleaner
Cleaning bathrooms can be hard to do. Those bathtub marks which just won’t budge make us want to pull our hair out. There are various products available, but not many people know that a cost-effective cleaning opportunity is just in their pantries. Baking soda whitens bathroom surfaces and also disinfects them, so you can use it for bathroom tiles, toilets, and many other things! Mix some baking soda with water, rub the mixture all over the intended area/s, leave it for 20 minutes, and then wipe it away.
Bathroom Cleaner
Polishing Silverware
Perhaps you get annoyed by silverware tarnishing over time yet you cannot stop yourself from buying them as they look great shiny and clean! You will be glad to know that baking soda is useful here. It starts a chemical reaction that targets those unsightly tarnish marks. Just pour hot water with baking soda on the silverware and you will see a chemical reaction that causes a pleasantly surprising result!
Polishing Silverware
Spa Treatment
We all have had that really long week which made us all want to go on a relaxing getaway but let’s face it, not everyone can just up and go and give themselves a treat. You need funds for that. However, you can actually bring the spa experience to your own home. Sprinkle one ounce of baking soda in a hot bath and enjoy soaking yourself. You’ll thank us for this.
Spa Treatment
Disinfect Toothbrush
Many people probably don’t give too much thought about cleaning their toothbrush but with the cold and flu season, this is very important. You put your toothbrush in your mouth every day, so you probably want it clean! Soak your toothbrush in a solution of baking soda, water and vinegar for 30 minutes to get rid of the bacteria. It’s so easy yet super effective.
Disinfect Toothbrush
Treating Bug Bites
Applying baking soda to your skin every day isn’t exactly safe but it can help in soothing the stinging, itching, and redness of an insect bite. Most of the creams that are suggested contain baking soda, so just create your own mix. Simply add baking soda to water.
Treating Bug Bites
Burnt Pot
You’ve accidentally scorched your favorite pot’s bottom when cooking and you think you’ve tried everything. Don’t throw away that pot just yet because although this kind of mishap can be hard to clean, it is not impossible to do so. In fact, it’s pretty easy to solve thanks to the handy household product. All you need to do is boil some water with baking soda mixed in and pour on the burnt areas.
Burnt Pot
Cleaning Shoes
If you’re constantly embarrassed by having stinky shoes, then you should have baking soda as your go-to remedy. Put a couple of tablespoons of baking soda in a pair of socks, secure the garments, and leave them inside the shoes. Stinky shoes will become a thing of the past.
Cleaning Shoes
Heartburn
Also known as acid reflux, heartburn is a burning feeling from your throat down your esophagus to your stomach. Some possible causes include stress, overeating, and the consumption of spicy foods and specific fruits. It can get very painful but baking soda can prevent this issue since it neutralizes stomach acid. Put one teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water. Drink the solution and you should soon feel like you’re back to normal!
Heartburn
Fluffy Omelet
For those who are not fans of eggs, they may feel like omelets cannot really sustain them throughout the day or until the next meal. If you add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to three eggs, carbon dioxide bubbles are produced. They lighten the omelet, making the eggs appear fuller and tastier as well!
Fluffy Omelet
Cleaning Drains
Whether it’s the kitchen or bathroom, drains that get backed up are the absolute worst! You don’t have to worry about them because all you need is some baking soda, vinegar and boiling water. Within 5-10 minutes, the drain will be completely cleared out!
Cleaning Drains
Garbage Disposal Odors
Once in a while, the garbage disposal racks up an awful smell. A baking soda-vinegar solution can help remedy the situation. Run hot water through the garbage disposal for about a minute and then, put 1/4 cup of baking soda in the drain. Next, turn on the disposal for two seconds and leave it for 10 minutes. Then, pour one cup of vinegar into the drain and you will see bubbles starting to develop. Lastly, run water through it and your kitchen will definitely smell fresh and new.
Garbage Disposals
Whiten Your Teeth
Many coffee and tea addicts are aware that these guilty pleasures have consequential effects, such as teeth changing colors. However, some would rather spend half of their salary on teeth cleaning and dental products than give up their favorite hot drinks. You will be glad to know that there is a cheaper way to keep your pearly whites healthy and clean. Just mix ¼ teaspoon of baking soda with water and apply the mixture to your teeth using your toothbrush.
Whiten Your Teeth
Sore Throat
If you suffer from frequent sore throats or strep throat, you know how awful this sickness can make you feel. However, it can be harmful to the body if you take too many antibiotics. For healthier and fast relief, gargle three times a day using a baking soda-water solution.
Sore Throat
Whiten Yellow Nails
Sometimes, people leave their nail polish on for too long, which turns their nails yellow. These stains can easily be removed just by adding baking soda to a bit of peroxide and scrubbing the mixture on your nails. Before you know it, your nails are back to normal and you will be saying goodbye to unsightly, yellow nails.
Yellow White Nails
Lighten Dark Underarms
Having dark underarms can be humiliating and it can be a problem if summer is fast approaching. How can you lighten your underarms at the last minute so that you can show off your adorable new sundress? All you need is some baking soda and water. Create a paste by mixing them and massage it on the area for a minute. Leave it on for a maximum of 30 minutes before washing with warm water. For best results, do this process twice or thrice a week.
Lighten Dark Underarms
Exercise Performace
Athletes can also benefit from using baking soda! If they use the product, they can perform at their peak longer specifically when they do high-intensity workouts. Baking soda delays the fatigue that you may experience when your workout increases. That’s something that we never expected!
Exercise Performance
Chronic Kidney Disease
If someone has chronic kidney disease, they experience a gradual loss in their kidney function. It is really important that we have functioning kidneys because they eliminate waste and remove excess water from our blood. Supplements that contain baking soda can be taken to help slow the progression of chronic kidney disease.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Kill Weeds
Sometimes, pesky and ugly weeds grow in your driveway and sidewalk. Sprinkle baking soda in the cracks to get rid of those weeds. Repeat when needed. You’ll notice that you won’t have to pull weeds out anymore!
Kill Weeds
Clean The Microwave
Get a clean sponge, dampen it, sprinkle a little baking soda on it, and rub it gently on the outside and inside surfaces of your microwave. Use warm water to rinse it well. You will have your microwave looking and smelling new without leaving behind harsh chemical residue.
Clean The Microwave
Melt Ice On Driveway
For those who live somewhere that has harsh winters, a sheet of ice covering the driveway comes with both emotional and possibly physical pains. If you find your driveway in this state and have run out of road salt, sprinkle some baking soda on your driveway instead. While baking soda isn’t as strong as road salt, it will still serve its purpose!
Melt Ice On Driveway
Cure Dandruff
Have you tried everything that you could think of to cure your dandruff? Well, have you tried using baking soda? For a few weeks, do not use shampoo and instead just massage baking soda on your wet scalp in the shower. Make sure to rinse the stuff out really well and say goodbye to dandruff.
Cure Dandruff
Clean Your Hairbrush
Your hairbrush or comb will look new again if you soak them in some warm water with 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Rinse them off well and dry them completely before using them.
Clean Your Hairbrush
Make Your Grill Sparkle
Summer and warm weather mean different outdoor activities. During this time, many families go into their backyard for a barbecue. Your grill has probably been unused all winter, so you will need to give it a nice deep clean in order to get it back into shape. Using a damp brush with some baking soda on it, scrub the grate and then rinse.
Make Your Grill Sparkle
Make Your Floors Shine
The shine of wood or tile floors can fade away, and fixing it comes with a hefty price tag. You can brighten the dull floor finish you have at home by adding 100g of baking soda to a bucket of warm water and mopping your floor with the solution. Rinse off and you will see your floors shine.
Make Your Floors Shine
Appliances Like New
After using them a lot, appliances like your coffeemaker or dishwasher can get dirty and not so fresh anymore. To solve this problem, clean these appliances by putting one scoop of baking soda inside before running an empty cycle.
Appliances Like New
Litter Box
This one is for the cat lovers out there. Who wants the litter box of their cat to give off a bad smell throughout the house? However, it sometimes seems impossible to solve this. You should pour some baking soda into the litter box before you put the litter on top. This helps minimize pet smells.
Litter Box
Exfoliate
A good spa night is something we love, but mixing things up a bit every now and then is always welcome. Try exfoliating your skin by using a paste of baking soda and water (the ratio should be 3:1). With your fingertips, rub the paste in gently in a circular motion, and then rinse it off with warm water.
Exfoliate
Hair Treatment
We don’t know about you but we love healthy and strong hair. You can do achieve this at home by adding a bit of baking soda to your conditioner and then lathering it in your hair. You will surely have healthy hair that is resistant to pesky split ends.
Hair Treatment
Trash Bin Miracle
No one wants to be slapped with a terrible smell coming from deep inside when they open up their trash can. This awful problem can be fixed by sprinkling some baking soda in the bin before throwing anything in it or pouring some of the household product into the trash bag before using it. This helps eliminate gross smells.
Trash Bin Miracle
Rain Repellent
Not-so-great windshield wipers can make driving in the rain impossible and pretty dangerous. However, wiping a damp cloth with baking of soda on it helps repel rain from the windshield. The next time that you drive in the rain you’ll see the difference.
Rain Repellent
Chicken Pox Cure
You’re lucky if you haven’t had the chickenpox, but for the rest of us that have had it, we know full well about the pain and suffering which come with the disease. Not many people know that baking soda can give some relief for the itchiness. Just add half a tablespoon of baking soda to a glass of water and apply this to the affected body parts using a soft washcloth. Let it dry completely.
Chicken Pox Cure
Clean Food Containers
Food containers tend to get stained and yucky rather quickly. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, though, since they contain your packed lunches, soups, and pasta sauces. To bring back the shine of your containers, sprinkle baking soda on a clean sponge and scrub your containers well. Rinse afterwards.
Clean Food Containers
Clean Your Sponges
If the sponge you’re using is filthy, there is no point in washing your dishes. You should always use a sponge that is in great shape. For sponges that have seen better days, soaking them in warm water with some baking soda overnight is the way to go. Make sure you rinse them thoroughly in the morning.
Clean Your Sponges
Pet Bed Odors
Who doesn’t love their pets? However, most people wish that their pets didn’t come with odors that are hard to live with. If your cat or dog bed is becoming a little smelly, sprinkle baking soda on it and let the product sit for 15 minutes. Vacuum it up afterwards. Your pet’s bed will surely smell like new.
Pet Bed Odors
Canker Sores
They may be super common, but canker sores are also super painful, so what can you do to ease the pain? Rinse your mouth using a baking soda mouthwash. Do this two times a day until the sore goes away. Pretty simple yet super effective.
Canker Sores
Calluses
Although calluses aren’t serious, they can cause discomfort or pain when pressure is applied, such as when you walk. According to recent studies, a baking soda bath can help soften your calluses if you soak them in it. Scabbing will also be removed and discomfort reduced.
Calluses
Oil Or Grease Fire
Not a lot of people know that baking soda is used in some fire extinguishers. The reaction between the baking soda and the heat produces carbon dioxide, which smothers the fire. Therefore, the fire is extinguished. Sometimes, you can use baking soda to extinguish small grease and oil fires, but don’t expect it to put out large fires since bigger fires use up more oxygen, which can counter the baking soda’s effects. Call for help when you aren’t sure.
Oil Or Grease Fire
Diaper Rash
Even though no parent wants their child to feel any kind of discomfort or pain, unfortunately, diaper is inevitable at times. There are cures and creams available on the market but they can be pricey. Here’s something that is much cheaper yet just as effective: sprinkle baking soda in your baby’s bathwater. Let your little one soak in it, and they’ll immediately feel relief.
Diaper Rash
Clean Walls
Children’s imaginations can be pretty wild, and they sometimes think your house is one massive canvas. If discover your baby Picasso has drawn all over your walls with their crayons, there is no need to panic. Put some baking soda on a slightly wet cloth. Rub it in lightly and wipe off using a clean and dry cloth. Your walls will surely look clean again.
Clean Walls
Cloth Diapers
If you use cloth diapers on your baby, chances are you know how much effort it takes to clean them and make sure that they’re sanitary for re-use. This tip will surely help you. Before putting the diapers through the wash, soak them thoroughly in two quarts of warm water with half a cup of baking soda. This will ensure the diapers will stay in perfect shape.
Cloth Diapers
Coat Closet Cleanliness
Sometimes, when we open our coat closets in October, we notice that our jackets don’t smell as fresh as when we place them there in February. To keep odors at bay and freshen the air, place one open box of baking soda in your closet. Your jackets will surely stay fresh even after several months of being in your closet.
Coat Closet Cleanliness
Keep Flowers Fresh
Your loved one giving you a bouquet is really heartwarming, but when the flowers die quickly, it’s upsetting. To keep the flowers fresh a little longer, put a teaspoon of baking soda in the water in your vase. This will add some life to your flowers!
Keep Flowers Fresh
Shower Curtain
Even though you can buy shower curtains for cheap, don’t buy a new one whenever yours gets dirty. Since they’re normally made of a really harmful material called PVC, a new one may give off fumes which can damage your health. A steaming hot shower could also increase your chances of breathing them in. You might think cleaning shower curtains is hard but it’s actually quite easy and you just need a cup of baking soda, laundry detergent, tea tree oil (10 drops should be enough to kill mold) and light-colored towels. In the washing machine, place the curtain together with the towels and the mixture. After a 40-60 laundry cycle, everything will come out much cleaner.
Shower Curtain
Oil Spills
If there is an oil stain that you would like to remove, whether it is on a shirt, carpet, or other things in the house, you should use baking soda. The household product can absorb oil and grease on cloth, but you will have to scrape off the excess grease before sprinkling the baking soda and letting it sit for around 10-15 minutes. The oil will be absorbed by the baking soda, so vacuum off the excess. A cold cycle should be used to wash the stained fabric.
Oil Spills
Cloth Furniture
Over time, cloth furniture can absorb odors and some weird scents. Sprinkle some baking soda on your couches and chairs and leave it overnight. Use a vacuum to remove the residue the next day. This will keep your furniture smelling fresh.
Cloth Furniture
Vacuum Cleaners
Baking soda comes with deodorizing properties, so it is useful for vacuum cleaners as well. Put some baking soda in water and use the mixture to wash off different parts of the machine, such as the filter, the hose, and the canister. Rinse and dry them prior to using the vacuum.
Vacuum Cleaners
Diamond Rings
Over time, diamonds may become less shiny because of the acidity from natural body oils and sweat. Instead of buying some toxic jewelry cleaner, soak your earrings, rings, and other jewelry in a mixture of hot water and 2 teaspoons of baking soda. Your jewelry’s original shine will be restored!
Diamond Rings
Dry Shampoo
Not many people know that baking soda is the main ingredient of many dry shampoos. Save your money and create your own dry shampoo instead! Sprinkle a little baking soda on a hairbrush and then, brush through your hair. Wait for five minute before shaking your fingers through your hair to remove any residue. The baking soda does not only remove hair oils but also add some volume to your hair!
Dry Shampoo
Fabric Softener
Many fabric softeners contain chemicals that aren’t good for you. Unsurprisingly, this household item can be replaced by baking soda. Just put 1/2 cup of baking soda in the rinse cycle to get softer clothes. It’s actually that simple!
Fabric Softener
Clean Fridge
Refrigerators tend to accumulate bad smells as time passes by. To clean it out completely, pour baking soda in a small open pot. Leave this in your fridge to absorb strong food odors. Stir the baking soda occasionally so that it remains effective. Every few weeks, replace the batch. To be more thorough, use a damp cloth that is dipped in baking soda to wipe the walls and shelves of your refrigetor and then, wipe it all down using a cloth that has been rinsed in warm water.
Clean Fridge
Remove Mold And Mildew
Are struggling with some stubborn mildew stains on your shower curtains and the bathroom tiles? An easy fix is scrubbing the mold off with a damp sponge and baking soda!
Remove Mold And Mildew
Tile Grout
This is another common problem but it can be really annoying to look at. To clean the tile grout, create a paste that’s equal parts water and baking soda. Put it along the tile grout and let it soak for around 10 minutes. Use a toothbrush to scrub the grout gently and a damp cloth to wipe over.
Tile Grout
Clean Children’s Toys
Plush toys can get quite dirty really quickly. Put them in a big plastic bag that has 100 grams of baking soda in it to freshen them up. Making sure that the top is tied well, take the bag outside and shake it well. The baking soda will remove bad odors and also draw out the dust. Take the toys out of the bag and vacuum them gently.
Clean Children’s Toys
Clean A Mattress
Sprinkle some baking soda on your mattress to freshen it up and wait for 15 minutes. If you can, leave it overnight and vacuum well afterwards. Any dust or dirt will be drawn out by the baking soda, which also gets rid of bad smells, the same way it does with carpets.
Clean A Mattress
Patio Furniture
If you’re preparing for summer and have decided to bring out your patio furniture from storage, spruce it up by wiping it down with baking soda and water. The furniture might smell somewhat dirty and musty after being in the shed all winter. Sprinkle baking soda on it and leave it for around 15 minutes. Vacuum gently afterward and it’s good to go!
Patio Furniture
Washing Machine
Have you noticed that your clothes aren’t really smelling good after you do your laundry? Your washing machine might need some cleaning. These days, washing machines need cleaning more often, especially the front-loading models. Luckily, baking soda is perfect for cleaning the inside of your machine naturally. Start a large and hot load without clothes and then, add some vinegar and baking soda in order to remove any smelly mold and buildup.
Washing Machine
Treat Athlete’s Foot
Medical sources have cited a study that showed baking soda comes with antifungal properties. Fungal growth was inhibited in different human nail and skin infections. To treat fungal infections between the toes or on the feet, a baking soda paste is recommended to be applied. Simply mix one tablespoon of baking soda and a little lukewarm water to make the paste, which you then rub on your infection. Rinse off and dry well. Sprinkle baby powder afterward so that your feet will remain free of moisture.
Treat Athlete’s Foot
Soften Skin
Weather changes can sometimes cause our skin to suffer. If you want to revive your skin quality, just apply a little bit of baking soda with warm water on your skin and then rinse. You will surely notice that extra soft touch that your skin will have.
Soften Skin
Jellyfish Sting
We hate jellyfish season, especially if we get the alert when we are on vacation. Going into the water is not really enjoyable if you’re afraid for your life. However, for the brave souls that end up getting stung, there is a solution for you. Put baking soda on it, and you will feel some relief.
Jellyfish Sting
Relieve Bee-stings
No one wants to get bee stings. Once we hear the pesky buzzing, we run for the hills. However, the little monsters somehow still get to us. Don’t worry if you happen to get a nasty bee sting, because baking soda will save the day.
Relieve Bee-stings
Unblock Stuffy Nose
If your cold seems to be lingering and you have been suffering from a stuffy nose, try this amazing hack. Mix a quarter of teaspoon salt and a quarter of teaspoon baking soda in warm water (8 ounces). Squirt the water into your nose using a bulb syringe or, if you have one, a nasal irrigation kit. As you squirt the mixture in one nostril, keep the other one closed. Then, let it drain.
Unblock Stuffy Nose
Modeling Clay
This fun activity is perfect for those who like the arts and getting their hands dirty. In a saucepan, combine cornstarch and baking soda before gradually adding water. Over medium heat, stir for roughly 4-5 minutes. This tends to thicken quickly and will be like playdough.
Modeling Clay
Clean Ashtrays
If you are a frequent smoker, your ashtrays can get rather dirty. Sometimes, there are unwanted stains that are left by cigarette burns but you can use baking soda to remove the stains. If you put a layer of baking soda instead of sand inside your ashtrays, it will absorb the smell from your cigarette butts. Your non-smoking guests will thank you for this. To get back the shine of your astray, clean it thoroughly with water mixed with baking soda.
Clean Ashtrays
Flowerbeds
You work on your garden for weeks and then, unwanted rabbits come and benefit from your hard work. Sprinkling some baking soda on the flowerbeds will keep the unwanted visitors away and your veggies will be safe from them as well.
Flowerbeds
Sports Drink
Have you noticed that sports drinks can be really expensive? Save your money and make your own at home instead. Mix boiled Kool-aid, water, and salt. Try it next time and perhaps you will never buy another bottle of sports drink again.
Sports Drink
Remove Fishy Smell
Fish is delicious and a great source of protein. However, it can be hard to get past the gross fishy odor at times. Did you know that it is actually easy to remove this stench from fish? Soak the raw fish in water with baking soda inside the refrigerator for up to an hour.
Fishy Smell
UTI Treatment
You can be in a lot of pain if you have a urinary tract infection. The most common treatments are medications or cranberry juice but taking antibiotics constantly is not great for the body. Many people have never heard of the amazing remedy which is drinking 32 ounces of water with one tablespoon of baking soda. Give it a try!
Remove Fishy Smell
Skunk Smell
Skunk smells tend to stick to the body, so it can be quite a challenge trying to remove them. However, we know of a solution that can help you smell good again. Just pour some baking soda into your bath and the stench will surely fade away.
Skunk Smell
Freshly-Brewed Tea
On a hot summer day, make some freshly-brewed ice tea to complete a nice lunch. Adding a dash of baking soda to your tea will definitely go a long away. The beverage will be less bitter and more enjoyable overall.
Freshly-Brewed Tea
Bad Spray Tan
There are people who think of getting some color prior to going on vacation or a wedding. However, spray tans are not always successful. Don’t worry because we know how to remedy bad spray tans! Mix some lemon juice with baking soda and apply it all over. You’ll soon be back to normal coloring.
Bad Spray Tan
Clean Curling Iron
If you use your curling iron often, it can get dirty. Add a little warm water to some baking soda to make a paste. Clean the gunk off on your curling iron using the paste instead of spending money on a new curling iron.
Clean Curling Iron
Freshen Luggage
When you store it away, your luggage can get rather dirty. You can keep it smelling fresh by sprinkling baking soda on it and vacuuming it several hours later.
Freshen Luggage