Baking soda cleaning hacks: The Ultimate List

Even though it is called ‘baking soda’, the uses of this magical ingredient go far beyond baking. Baking soda is a powerful cleaning superhero with many different uses. The best part? It is completely natural, antibacterial, absorbent, non-toxic to humans, and extremely affordable. So why rely on toxic chemicals to do the cleaning of your home when baking soda can do everything and more! In this article, we will explain exactly what baking soda is and show you all the different ways this common household ingredient can transform your home and way of living. So without further ado, here is our list of the best baking soda cleaning hacks.

Baking soda is an essential part of every household, used for both baking and cleaning

Is baking soda a mixture?

No. Baking soda is actually a compound because it is composed of molecules that are identical. This white solid crystalline also known as sodium bicarbonate and sodium hydrogen carbonate often appears in the form of fine powder.

Arm and Hammer is one of the most popular brands of baking soda-based consumer products

Baking soda vs baking powder

Both baking soda and baking powder are leavening agents, which cause our baked goods to rise and form nicely. Then what is the difference? Baking powder and baking soda work in different ways. The two ingredients look very similar, but baking soda is designed for baking. Baking soda on the other hand can do that and so much more.

Due to their white color and powdery texture, baking soda and baking powder look almost identical

Both stars in the baking realm, these two leavening agents can make any delicious baked good rise and fluff up 

Is baking soda the same as washing soda?

No! Unlike baking soda, washing soda is not edible and should not be used on the skin. Washing soda is commonly used for detergents and laundry.

Washing soda is saved for your laundry days 

Does baking soda expire?

Yes! So how long does baking soda last then? Unopened, it can last up to 2 years. Once opened, however, you should use it within six months and not because it becomes bad or stale, but because it loses its power and potency.

Store your baking soda in a cool, dry place away from moisture 

Does baking soda dissolve in water?

Yes! Baking soda dissolves readily in water and once the water is evaporated, the baking soda is recovered unchanged. Pretty cool, right!

Does baking soda absorb moisture?

Yes! Pretty successfully as well. Baking soda absorbs moisture from the air and makes it less humid. That is because it is a hygroscopic substance. What’s more, baking soda doesn’t become leak or aqueous like other similar substances.

Can you mix bleach and baking soda?

Yes, it is safe to mix bleach and baking soda. Since baking soda is a natural stain remover, mixing it with bleach creates a powerful boosting agent that many people use to get tough laundry stains out.

How to clean your carpet with baking soda

Rugs and carpets are usually subjected to a lot. Especially with pets and children. That is where this baking soda cleaning hack comes to play. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (lemon is a very fresh-smelling option) to the baking soda and sprinkle it all over your carpets and rugs. After 30 minutes, simply vacuum the surface, and you have yourself a clean, fresh-smelling carpet.

Adding essential oils to your baking soda mixture will infuse your carpets with a hint of your favorite smells

Bathtub cleaning hack with baking soda

Here is an easy DIY bathroom cleaning hack that cleans everything, including mold. Just mix baking soda with warm water and liquid soap, and add a splash of white vinegar for extra cleaning power. Don’t worry about the measurements, you can eyeball how much you are going to need! Pour the mixture into a bottle (a spray bottle is the easiest) and use it all over your bathtub or shower. Let the mixture do its magic for a couple of minutes, and then scrub the dirtiest areas with a sponge or a cleaning brush. Rinse with water and you are done!

Why use chemicals to clean your bathtub when there is an easier, more natural solution available 

Baking soda + vinegar = the ultimate cleaning duo

How do you clean a toilet with baking soda and vinegar?

Toilet cleaners are especially toxic and awful-smelling. Here is a more natural solution for a squeaky clean toilet: sprinkle some baking soda in your toilet and add a splash of white vinegar. Wait 20-30 minutes and then use your toilet brush to scrub the inside of the toilet. Voilà! Don’t forget to flush! Use a mixture of water, vinegar, and baking soda for the outside of the toilet. Tip: that same mixture can clean and disinfect hairbrushes, easily!

Standard toilet cleaning requires protective gloves and a lot of messy scrubbing

Baking soda cleaning hack for litter box smell

If you are a cat person, this hack will save your life! Just sprinkle some baking soda on top of the cat litter. It will absorb the bad odor and prolong the time between litter changes. What’s more, baking soda is completely safe and non-toxic to pets and humans!

Cats might not notice this baking soda hack, but you will definitely notice a difference 

Unclogging drains and cleaning the kitchen sink with baking soda

For a spotless kitchen sink, sprinkle some baking soda over the surface (add lemon essential oil for extra freshness) and start scrubbing away all the dirt and grease. After that, rinse the area and watch all the dirt disappear. Baking soda is very effective against grease everywhere. Try using some to clean your microwave from all the grease that was able to build up over time. Clogged drain? No problem. Sprinkle baking soda into the drain and add some white vinegar. Wait for 20-30 minutes before pouring some boiling water down the drain. Done!

There is nothing quite like the view of a gleaming kitchen sink

People swear by this natural drain unclogging method 

Deodorizing mattresses with baking soda

This is a perfect cleaning hack to use when you are washing your bedsheets. After you remove everything to put in the washer and the mattress is completely exposed, lightly sprinkle baking soda onto the area. Wait 20-30 minutes and then vacuum the surface. The baking soda absorbs all the bad smells and moisture.

After you are done with this baking soda cleaning hack, put a fresh pair of bedsheets and enjoy

Deodorizing your fridge with baking soda

Bad odors and moisture easily accumulate in the fridge. Keeping a jar or a packet of baking soda in your fridge will solve those right away!

Don’t forget to poke a hole in the baking soda, so it can get to work right away 

Baking soda cleaning hack for fruits and veggies

You’ve probably seen products marketed for produce wash. We suggest that you skip those since they are not natural, and they are an extra expense that you don’t need to be making. Baking soda is proven to remove more pesticides than bleach or one of those produce sprays. Here is how it works: take a bowl of water and add a bit of baking soda. Leave your fruits and veggies to soak for a few minutes before using a clean brush or sponge to go over them. Rinse with cold water and let them dry.

Rinsing with cold water rejuvenates your fresh produce

Another great option is to soak them in your sink if possible 

Deodorizing your shoes with baking soda

With wearing and improper care, shoes get stinky and sweaty real fast. Happily, we have baking soda to take care of that problem. Sprinkle some of it inside your shoes, and let them sit overnight. The next morning, shake out all the soda from the inside of the shoes, and you are done! Did you know that baking soda is also amazing at removing persistent stains from suede shoes?

This hack is especially good for sneakers  

Cleaning crayon marks from walls with baking soda

We hope you never need to use this hack, but if you do, here is how to clean colorful crayon marks from your white walls. Next time your kid decides to paint a family portrait on the wall, don’t you worry! Take a wet cloth and sprinkle some baking soda onto it. Then gently rub away the crayon marks. And just like that, your walls are saved!

Things that seemed impossible to clean, are an easy task using baking soda

Deodorizing and cleaning wooden cutting boards

Did you know that wooden cutting boards can accumulate a lot of bad smells? This simple hack will easily clean and deodorize your cutting boards. Sprinkle some baking soda onto the surface and use half of a lemon to scrub the board. After you are done, just rinse it with water and leave it to dry.

Lemon is another great natural cleaning ingredient

Cleaning your oven with baking soda

Last but not least, we have the greasy burn oven. No one enjoys cleaning an oven- it’s hard, annoying, and time-consuming. This last hack, however, might make it a slightly more enjoyable experience. Sprinkle some baking soda over the bottom surface of the oven and spray it with water. Allow the mixture to sit and activate for a few hours. After that, take a textured sponge and scrub away all the dirt and grease buildup. Double clean with a clean cloth and some water and white vinegar solution, and you are done!

Ovens are one of the hardest things to clean but baking soda definitely makes it easier 

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