Most people keep a box of baking soda around for baking cookies or sticking in the fridge to deal with odors. But once you start hearing how other people use it around the house, you realize that little orange box ends up solving way more problems than anyone expects.
People use baking soda for everything from cleaning stained coffee mugs to freshening carpets, unclogging drains, scrubbing grime, and dealing with smells that refuse to leave. Some of the tricks sound a little strange at first, but they actually work surprisingly well.
Part of what makes baking soda so useful is how simple it is. It’s inexpensive, easy to keep on hand, and can replace a bunch of specialty cleaners people buy for one specific job.
Here are some weird but genuinely useful ways people are putting baking soda to work around their homes.
1. Wash Fruits and Vegetables
Fresh produce passes through many hands before it reaches your kitchen. Washing fruits and vegetables with water mixed with a little baking soda can help remove residue and buildup. Rinse well after washing to remove any leftover powder.
2. Remove Floor Scuff Marks
When scuff marks stick around after mopping, baking soda can help. Mix it with a small amount of water to form a paste, apply it to the mark, and wipe clean. This works well on ceramic tile and luxury vinyl plank flooring.
3. Clean the Dishwasher
Over time, dishwashers can develop odors or leave dishes cloudy. To freshen it up, sprinkle baking soda along the bottom and run an empty cycle. This helps clean residue and leaves the appliance smelling cleaner.
4. Help Clear a Sink Drain
Baking soda can help break down buildup in sink drains. Pour baking soda down the drain, then add vinegar and let it fizz. After a few minutes, flush the drain with hot water.
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5. Clean Grout
Grout can be tough to keep clean, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Baking soda makes it easier by gently scrubbing away dirt when mixed with water and applied with a brush.
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6. Clean a Coffee Maker and Pot
Coffee makers benefit from regular cleaning, especially in busy households. While vinegar works well for flushing the machine, baking soda can be used to scrub the coffee pot and remove stains.
7. Brighten Towels
Adding baking soda to laundry helps soften water and lift residue from towels. It can refresh dingy whites and restore softness without harsh additives.
8. Deodorize the Refrigerator
An open box or container of baking soda in the fridge absorbs unwanted odors. It’s a simple way to keep the refrigerator smelling clean without added fragrances.
9. Freshen Thrifted Shoes
Secondhand shoes often hold onto odors. Sprinkling baking soda inside and letting it sit overnight can help absorb smells before wearing them.
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10. Clean Jewelry
A soft toothbrush, water, and baking soda can gently clean many types of jewelry. This method helps remove buildup and restore shine without harsh chemicals.
11. Clean Pots and Pans
Burnt food and stuck-on residue are easier to handle with baking soda. Sprinkle it directly onto the surface or make a paste for tougher spots, then scrub gently.
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12. Clean the Oven
Baking soda offers a less harsh option for oven cleaning. Mix it with water to form a paste, spread it on greasy areas, and let it sit for a while before wiping it clean with a damp cloth.
13. Remove Coffee Stains From Mugs
Coffee and tea stains often build up inside mugs. Baking soda’s mild abrasive texture helps lift stains without damaging the surface.
14. Treat Coffee Stains on Carpet
For fresh or set-in coffee stains, baking soda can help absorb moisture and odors. It works best when used quickly and followed by vacuuming once dry.
How to Clean Coffee Stains From Carpet
15. Clean Teeth
Baking soda has long been used in oral care products. Used occasionally, it can help clean teeth and remove surface stains due to its mild abrasiveness.
16. Reduce Odors in Garbage Cans
Sprinkling baking soda at the bottom of a trash can helps control lingering smells, especially in warm weather.
17. Deodorize a Litter Box
Adding a light layer of baking soda beneath cat litter helps reduce odors. A small sprinkle between cleanings can also help keep smells under control.
18. Clean a Jetted Tub
Jetted tubs can trap buildup inside the plumbing. Filling the tub with water, adding baking soda, and running the jets helps flush out residue.
19. Tenderize Meat
Baking soda can also be used in small amounts to tenderize meat. It helps soften tougher cuts, making them easier to cook and chew when used properly.
