15 Brilliant Baking Soda Tricks Every Woman Should KnowBaking soda is inexpensive and useful for many everyday household jobs. Here are 15 practical ways to use it—with one important rule: baking soda is a cleaner/deodorizer, not a disinfectant.
- Freshen carpets — Sprinkle a thin layer, leave it for a while, then vacuum thoroughly.
- Deodorize shoes — Put a little baking soda inside overnight and shake it out before wearing.
- Freshen the refrigerator — Keep an open container inside to help absorb odors.
- Clean a kitchen sink — Sprinkle baking soda over a damp sink, gently scrub, then rinse.
- Remove food odors from containers — Wash with warm water and detergent, then use baking soda to help with lingering smells.
- Freshen upholstery — Lightly sprinkle on suitable fabric, allow it to sit, and vacuum it up.
- Clean a greasy stovetop — Use baking soda with water as a gentle paste, then rinse thoroughly.
- Freshen laundry — Adding baking soda to a wash can help with odors, but follow your washing-machine and detergent instructions.
- Clean a thermos — Use baking soda with warm water to help loosen odors and residue.
- Freshen drains — Baking soda can help with odors, but it should not be treated as a substitute for proper drain cleaning when there is a blockage.
- Clean oven residue — A baking-soda paste can help loosen some baked-on grime; wipe and rinse thoroughly afterward.
- Remove crayon marks from washable surfaces — Try a small amount on a damp cloth, but test an inconspicuous area first.
- Freshen garbage bins — Sprinkle a little baking soda in the bottom after cleaning and drying the bin.
- Help absorb spills on carpet — For a fresh, non-greasy spill, blot first rather than rubbing, then use baking soda if appropriate for the material.
- Freshen cutting boards — Wash with hot, soapy water first. Baking soda can help with odors, but it does not sanitize the board. Proper cleaning and, when needed, an appropriate food-safe sanitizer are important.
⚠️ A few smart precautions
- Never mix baking soda with bleach or other cleaning chemicals.
- Don’t use it aggressively on delicate, polished, or easily scratched surfaces.
- For fruits and vegetables, ordinary cool running water is recommended; baking soda isn’t necessary for routine produce washing.
