Weird but Brilliant Ways People Are Using Baking Soda Around Their Homes

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While baking soda is commonly used for cooking and baking, it has plenty of uses beyond the kitchen. A single box of baking soda can handle a surprising number of everyday household tasks.

Baking soda works as a mild scrub, deodorizer, and general cleaner, making it a useful alternative to many specialty products. Its versatility alone can help reduce the number of cleaners you keep on hand.

Below are practical ways to use baking soda throughout your home.

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.

How to Make Your Own Homemade Grout Cleaner

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.

How to Get Rid of That “Thrift Store Smell”

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.

How to Clean Stainless Steel Pots

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.

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