There are certain products I keep buying because I know exactly what I am going to use them for.

Dish soap washes dishes.

Glass cleaner cleans glass.

Laundry detergent washes clothes.

Then there is baking soda.

I can buy a box for one job and somehow find myself carrying it from the kitchen to the bathroom, then to the laundry room, then back to the kitchen again.

That little box of white powder is ridiculously useful.

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is mildly alkaline and gently abrasive. Those two properties explain a lot of what makes it useful around the home. It can help loosen certain greasy and grimy residues, provide gentle scrubbing action, and neutralize some odors rather than simply covering them with perfume.

And unlike some viral cleaning hacks, you do not need to mix baking soda with five other products to make it useful.

In fact, one of the biggest mistakes people make with baking soda is turning every cleaning job into a chemistry experiment.

Sometimes all you need is:

Baking soda.

Water.

A sponge.

And a little scrubbing.

I also do not treat baking soda as a universal cleaner.

It is abrasive enough to damage some delicate finishes, it is not a registered disinfectant for routine household disinfection, and there are surfaces where I would choose something else entirely.

Used for the right jobs, though, it is one of the cheapest and most useful household products I keep around.

Here are 43 practical ways to use baking soda around the house.

1. Scrub a Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink

This is one of the easiest places to put baking soda to work.

After removing dishes and food scraps, wet the sink and sprinkle a light layer of baking soda over the surface.

Use a damp sponge or soft cloth to scrub.

Pay extra attention to:

The drain area.

Corners.

The area around the faucet.

Places where food residue tends to collect.

Then rinse thoroughly and dry the sink.

The mild abrasive action helps lift grime without requiring an aggressive scouring powder.

With brushed stainless steel, I prefer working with the grain rather than scrubbing randomly across it.

If your sink has a specialty finish, test first.

2. Remove Coffee and Tea Stains From Mugs

Those brown rings inside a favorite mug can survive ordinary dishwashing surprisingly well.

Wet the mug.

Sprinkle a little baking soda inside.

Add just enough water to make a paste.

Rub the stained areas with a soft sponge.

Then wash and rinse normally.

For many ordinary ceramic mugs, the gentle abrasion helps remove the discoloration without needing a much harsher cleaner.

Be more cautious with delicate decorations, metallic trim, or specialty finishes.

3. Freshen Your Refrigerator

Baking soda does not need to touch a dirty surface to be useful.

An open container can help control ordinary refrigerator odors.

I still clean spills and remove spoiled food first.

That part matters.

Baking soda cannot make a forgotten container of rotten food disappear.

But once the refrigerator is clean, keeping an open box or container of baking soda inside can help with lingering odors.

ARM & HAMMER recommends keeping an open box in the refrigerator for odor absorption and replacing it periodically.

I also write the date on the box so I know how long it has been sitting there.

4. Freshen the Freezer

The same principle works in the freezer.

First remove anything spoiled or leaking.

Wipe down the interior.

Then place baking soda inside to help absorb lingering food odors.

Do not expect it to compensate for improperly wrapped food.

The best freezer odor prevention is still:

Proper containers.

Tight packaging.

Prompt spill cleanup.

And getting rid of ancient mystery food.

5. Clean the Inside of the Refrigerator

Baking soda is particularly handy here because I do not necessarily want the inside of my refrigerator smelling strongly of perfume.

A simple baking soda-and-water solution can be used to wipe many washable refrigerator surfaces.

Remove the food.

Take out shelves and drawers as appropriate.

Wipe away crumbs.

Clean spills.

Then wipe with clean water and dry before putting everything back.

Check your refrigerator manufacturer’s instructions for specialty surfaces.

6. Deodorize a Smelly Trash Can

Sometimes changing the trash bag is not enough.

The bin itself smells.

Food liquid may have leaked underneath the bag.

Residue may be hiding around the rim.

First wash the trash can properly.

Let it dry.

Then sprinkle a small amount of baking soda into the bottom before installing a fresh bag if appropriate for the bin.

The important order is:

Clean first. Deodorize second.

Do not pour baking soda over rotten liquid and call the trash can clean.

7. Freshen a Kitchen Drain

A drain can develop a stale smell even when it is still flowing.

Baking soda can be useful for light deodorizing.

ARM & HAMMER recommends sprinkling a little baking soda into drains while running hot water to help freshen them.

But there is an important distinction.

A smelly drain and a seriously clogged drain are not the same problem.

If the sink is backing up or repeatedly draining slowly, I would investigate the obstruction instead of continually pouring household ingredients into it.

8. Clean a Microwave

Microwave splatter becomes much harder to remove after it dries.

Baking soda and water can help loosen that grime.

One method is to heat a microwave-safe bowl containing water and baking soda so steam softens the residue, then carefully remove the bowl and wipe the interior once safe to handle. ARM & HAMMER includes a baking-soda-and-water steam method in its home-cleaning guidance.

Do not attack the microwave interior with a harsh scouring pad.

Often the steam has already done most of the difficult work.

9. Remove Odors From Food Containers

Plastic food containers can hold onto smells from:

Curry.

Tomato sauce.

Garlic.

Onion.

Fish.

Strongly seasoned leftovers.

Wash the container first.

If the odor remains, baking soda and water can help freshen it.

For stubborn odors, allow an appropriate baking soda solution to contact the washable container before washing and rinsing again.

Do not use heavily scratched or damaged food containers indefinitely.

Sometimes replacement is the better answer.

10. Clean Stained Plastic Containers

Baking soda paste can also provide gentle scrubbing action on compatible plastic.

Mix baking soda with a little water.

Rub lightly.

Wash.

Rinse.

But do not expect baking soda to reverse permanent staining in every plastic container.

Tomato-based foods can permanently discolor some plastics.

Clean is not always the same as perfectly white.

11. Scrub a Stovetop

Baking soda can be helpful for greasy food residue on some stovetops.

First make sure the surface is cool.

Remove loose crumbs.

Apply a little baking soda to a damp sponge or make a soft paste.

Work gently over compatible surfaces.

Then wipe repeatedly with clean water so no chalky residue remains.

This is one job where surface type matters tremendously.

Gas enamel.

Stainless steel.

Glass-ceramic.

Induction glass.

Painted surfaces.

They are not all identical.

Always follow the appliance manufacturer’s care instructions.

12. Loosen Baked-On Food in the Oven

This is probably one of baking soda’s most famous cleaning uses.

When food drips onto the oven floor and gets baked repeatedly, ordinary wiping may do almost nothing.

A baking soda paste can be spread over compatible areas of a completely cool oven and given time to soften baked-on residue.

ARM & HAMMER publishes an oven-cleaning method using a thick baking soda paste and allowing it to remain on the cooled oven interior before wiping it away.

Keep homemade cleaner away from:

Heating elements.

Fans.

Electrical components.

Gas openings.

And any surfaces your oven manufacturer says should not be coated.

13. Clean Oven Racks

If the rack manufacturer permits it, baking soda can help with greasy residue on oven racks.

Remove the racks once everything is completely cool.

Work on them separately.

Use baking soda with water and a non-damaging scrubber.

Then rinse thoroughly.

Some racks have special coatings or finishes, so check your oven manual before soaking or aggressively scrubbing them.

14. Clean Greasy Baking Sheets

For compatible uncoated baking sheets, a baking soda paste can help loosen cooked-on grease.

Apply it to the problem areas.

Let it work.

Scrub with a non-damaging tool.

Wash thoroughly afterward.

Be careful with aluminum and coated bakeware.

Baking soda’s alkalinity can react with aluminum, potentially causing discoloration, especially with prolonged contact.

When in doubt, use the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning method.

15. Remove Burned Food From Some Pots and Pans

A pan does not necessarily need to be thrown away because dinner got welded to the bottom.

For compatible cookware, add water and baking soda and allow the residue to soften before gently scraping or scrubbing.

The exact method should depend on the pan.

Stainless steel is not the same as:

Nonstick.

Seasoned cast iron.

Copper.

Aluminum.

Enameled cookware.

Never assume one cleaning hack is safe for every pan in the cupboard.

16. Freshen a Dishwasher

A dishwasher can start smelling surprisingly bad.

Usually the first thing I check is the filter.

Food debris trapped there can produce far more odor than anything baking soda can solve.

Remove and clean the filter according to the dishwasher manual.

Check the drain area.

Wipe seals.

Then baking soda can be useful as part of a deodorizing cleaning routine.

ARM & HAMMER recommends using baking soda in a separate hot cycle after a vinegar cleaning cycle rather than simply combining both ingredients together at once.

Always check the appliance manufacturer’s instructions first.

17. Clean a Porcelain Sink or Face Basin

A white porcelain basin shows everything.

Soap residue.

Toothpaste.

Makeup.

Grime around the drain.

Baking soda on a damp sponge can provide gentle scrubbing action.

Work over the basin.

Pay attention around the drain and faucet.

Rinse thoroughly.

Then dry.

If the basin has a specialty coating, decorative pattern, or refinished surface, test first.

18. Scrub a Bathtub

For compatible tubs, baking soda can help with ordinary body oils and grime.

Sprinkle it onto a damp sponge or make a light paste.

Work in sections.

Rinse thoroughly.

Do not automatically use abrasive methods on:

Acrylic.

Fiberglass.

Refinished tubs.

Specialty coatings.

A cleaner being “natural” does not mean it cannot scratch.

19. Clean Bathroom Tile

Glazed ceramic tile can accumulate:

Soap film.

Body oils.

Dust.

Product residue.

A baking soda solution or light paste can help clean compatible tile.

Scrub gently.

Rinse.

Dry.

Be careful when the “tile” is actually natural stone.

Marble, limestone, and other stone surfaces need their own care methods.

20. Scrub Grout

Baking soda paste plus a small nylon brush can be useful for dirty grout.

Apply the paste.

Scrub the grout lines.

Wipe away the residue.

Rinse.

Allow the area to dry.

ARM & HAMMER also recommends baking soda and a toothbrush for grout cleaning.

Do not expect baking soda to repair:

Cracked grout.

Missing grout.

Deep permanent staining.

Failed shower waterproofing.

Cleaning and repair are two different jobs.

21. Clean a Vinyl Shower Curtain

A shower curtain can develop a grimy film long before you think it needs replacing.

For compatible vinyl curtains, baking soda on a damp sponge can help remove ordinary buildup; ARM & HAMMER specifically recommends this use, followed by rinsing and drying.

Spread the curtain out afterward so it can dry.

Keeping it permanently bunched up while wet encourages more grime.

22. Freshen the Toilet Bowl

Baking soda can help scrub and deodorize a toilet bowl.

Sprinkle some into the bowl.

Use the toilet brush to work around:

The waterline.

Under the rim.

Visible stains.

Then flush.

But I would not describe this as disinfecting the toilet.

Baking soda is a cleaner and deodorizer here.

If disinfection is required, use an appropriate disinfectant according to its label.

23. Clean the Bathroom Trash Can

Bathroom bins collect:

Tissues.

Cotton products.

Hair.

Packaging.

Damp waste.

And occasionally things we would rather not discuss over breakfast.

Empty the bin.

Wash it.

Dry it.

Then use baking soda for lingering odor if necessary.

Again, deodorizing works best after the actual contamination has been removed.

24. Freshen Bathroom Drains

If a bathroom sink or shower drain smells stale, first remove what is physically causing the problem.

Hair is a major culprit.

So are:

Soap residue.

Toothpaste.

Body oils.

Biofilm.

Clean the stopper.

Pull out trapped hair.

Then use baking soda as a deodorizing step if needed.

Do not keep treating a mechanical clog with powder and hope it disappears.

25. Remove Scuff Marks From Some Floors

Those black marks left by shoes can make an otherwise clean floor look terrible.

ARM & HAMMER recommends applying baking soda to a damp sponge and gently buffing compatible floors to remove scuff marks.

But test first.

Baking soda is mildly abrasive.

I would be particularly cautious with:

High-gloss finishes.

Waxed floors.

Polished stone.

Delicate wood finishes.

Specialty flooring.

26. Freshen Carpets

This is one of the uses almost everyone knows.

Vacuum the carpet first if necessary.

Make sure the carpet is dry.

Sprinkle a light, even layer of baking soda.

Allow it to sit briefly.

Then vacuum thoroughly.

ARM & HAMMER recommends about 15 minutes for ordinary carpet deodorizing and advises checking colorfastness first.

Do not pour enormous quantities deep into the carpet.

More is not automatically better, and you still have to get it back out.

27. Freshen Area Rugs

The same approach can work for compatible dry rugs.

But rugs vary enormously.

Wool.

Silk.

Viscose.

Jute.

Synthetic fiber.

Hand-dyed rugs.

Antiques.

I would not sprinkle anything onto an expensive or delicate rug without checking its care instructions.

For ordinary washable or colorfast synthetic rugs, baking soda can be useful for odor control.

28. Freshen a Mattress

Mattresses absorb:

Sweat.

Body oils.

Humidity.

General bedroom odors.

After removing the bedding, a light application of baking soda can help freshen a dry compatible mattress.

Let it sit.

Vacuum extremely thoroughly with an upholstery attachment.

ARM & HAMMER includes mattresses among the household fabrics that can be deodorized with baking soda before vacuuming.

This is deodorizing.

It does not remove bed bugs, mold inside a mattress, or serious biological contamination.

29. Freshen an Upholstered Couch

If the care label and fabric allow dry vacuum cleaning, baking soda may help with ordinary odors.

Test a hidden area first.

Make sure the upholstery is dry.

Apply lightly.

Let it sit.

Vacuum thoroughly.

Do not use this as a universal treatment for every sofa.

Some upholstery requires solvent-only professional cleaning.

Check the cleaning code.

30. Freshen Shoes

Shoes can become impressively unpleasant.

Especially:

Sneakers.

Work shoes.

Gym shoes.

A small amount of dry baking soda can help absorb odor.

Sprinkle some inside.

Leave it for a period.

Shake or vacuum it out before wearing.

ARM & HAMMER specifically recommends baking soda for deodorizing sneakers and gym bags.

Avoid packing powder into delicate leather or suede shoes.

31. Freshen a Gym Bag

Remove sweaty clothes first.

That step is non-negotiable.

Clean the bag according to its care label.

Once dry, baking soda can help control lingering odor.

You can sprinkle a small amount inside if the material permits and remove it later, or keep baking soda contained in a breathable deodorizing sachet.

32. Freshen Closets

A closet full of clean clothes can still develop a stale, closed-up smell.

Place an open container of baking soda somewhere stable where it cannot spill.

ARM & HAMMER recommends an open box on a closet shelf or locker for odor control.

But if the closet smells musty, investigate moisture.

Baking soda should not be used to hide a mold problem.

33. Freshen a Laundry Hamper

Dirty clothes release:

Sweat.

Body oils.

Moisture.

Food smells.

Work odors.

A little baking soda in the bottom of a washable hamper can help with odor.

But wet towels should still be dried or washed promptly.

Do not bury damp laundry under baking soda and leave it for a week.

34. Boost a Load of Laundry

Baking soda can be used alongside laundry detergent to help neutralize odors.

ARM & HAMMER says its baking soda can be used in high-efficiency washing machines and recommends adding it along with liquid laundry detergent.

Follow the product directions and your washing-machine instructions.

I would especially consider it for loads containing:

Towels.

Work clothes.

Gym clothes.

Bedding.

Ordinary washable fabrics with stubborn odors.

35. Freshen Towels

Towels can smell sour even after washing if they have spent too much time damp.

The first solution is behavioral:

Hang towels so they dry.

Do not leave wet towels piled together.

Clean the washing machine if necessary.

Then baking soda can be used as part of the wash routine to help neutralize lingering odors.

Dry the towels completely before putting them away.

36. Deodorize Pet Bedding

Pet bedding can develop strong odors.

Shake or vacuum away loose hair first.

Wash according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

For washable bedding, baking soda may be useful as part of an odor-control routine.

For dry deodorizing, make sure the bedding is compatible and remove the powder thoroughly before returning it to the animal.

Do not leave loose piles of baking soda where pets can ingest them.

37. Freshen a Vacuum Cleaner

Sometimes you vacuum the whole house and the vacuum blows an unpleasant smell right back into the room.

Before trying to perfume it, investigate:

The bag.

Dust bin.

Filters.

Brush roll.

Trapped hair.

Old debris.

Clean or replace components according to the vacuum manufacturer’s instructions.

A little baking soda vacuumed from a compatible carpet during deodorizing may temporarily help with odor, but do not deliberately pour baking soda directly into a vacuum unless the manufacturer permits it.

Fine powder can be hard on some filters and machines.

38. Clean Wall Scuff Marks Carefully

Baking soda can sometimes remove light scuffs from washable painted walls.

Put a tiny amount on a damp soft cloth.

Test somewhere inconspicuous.

Rub very gently.

Wipe with clean water.

Stop immediately if paint transfers onto the cloth or the sheen changes.

This is particularly important with flat or matte paint.

You can remove the scuff and accidentally create a shiny polished patch that is even more noticeable.

39. Clean Dirty Switch Plates and Door Areas

The wall around a light switch or door handle can collect dark hand marks.

If the paint is washable, a very dilute baking soda solution or tiny amount on a damp cloth may help.

But I usually start with plain water or mild dish soap first.

Baking soda is the next step only if the finish can tolerate gentle abrasion.

And never spray liquid directly into an electrical switch.

40. Freshen Outdoor Trash Bins

Outdoor bins can become foul even after the garbage truck empties them.

Wash the bin first.

Remove:

Leaking liquid.

Food residue.

Stuck debris.

Let it dry.

Then sprinkle baking soda into the bottom to help with residual odor before installing the next bag, if appropriate.

Keeping garbage securely bagged prevents much of the problem.

41. Clean Plastic Outdoor Furniture

Baking soda can help remove ordinary dirt and grime from compatible plastic patio furniture.

Mix it with water.

Use a soft sponge.

Scrub.

Rinse thoroughly.

Do not use aggressive abrasive pressure on glossy plastic.

And always test colored plastic first.

42. Freshen Reusable Food Coolers

Coolers can retain the smell of:

Fish.

Meat.

Juice.

Fruit.

Melted ice mixed with food spills.

Wash the cooler thoroughly first.

Then wipe compatible interior surfaces with a baking soda solution.

Rinse if necessary.

Leave the cooler open until completely dry.

Never close a damp cooler and put it into storage.

That creates an entirely new smell problem.

43. Make a Simple Baking Soda Cleaning Paste

This is less a separate location and more the method that makes many of the other uses possible.

Put baking soda in a small bowl.

Add water gradually.

Mix until you get a spreadable paste.

That is it.

No need to automatically add:

Bleach.

Ammonia.

Hydrogen peroxide.

Toilet cleaner.

Dishwasher detergent.

Five essential oils.

Or every cleaning product under the sink.

Use the paste on a compatible surface.

Scrub gently.

Rinse or wipe thoroughly.

Sometimes the simplest version is the best one.

What Baking Soda Actually Does When You Clean With It

Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate.

It is mildly alkaline.

That can help it interact with certain acidic and greasy residues.

Its tiny particles also provide mild abrasive action, which is why it can help physically scrub away grime and staining.

Then there is odor control.

Some unpleasant odors are caused by acidic or basic compounds. Baking soda can chemically interact with some odor molecules instead of merely adding perfume on top.

That is why an open box in a refrigerator is fundamentally different from spraying an air freshener.

One is intended to help manage odors.

The other primarily adds fragrance.

But baking soda has limits.

It is not going to remove every stain.

It will not fix damaged surfaces.

It will not kill every microorganism.

And it will not solve the underlying cause of mold, sewage odor, water leaks, or spoiled food.

Baking Soda Is Not the Same as Washing Soda

This is an important distinction.

They look similar.

Their names sound similar.

They are not the same chemical.

Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate.

Washing soda is sodium carbonate.

Washing soda is more alkaline and needs different handling.

ARM & HAMMER specifically warns consumers not to confuse the two products and notes that washing soda should not be ingested.

If a recipe calls for baking soda, use baking soda.

Do not casually substitute washing soda.

Do Baking Soda and Vinegar Really Clean Better Together?

This is where things get interesting.

Pour baking soda onto vinegar and you get that spectacular fizz.

It looks powerful.

The reaction releases carbon dioxide gas, which produces all those bubbles.

That physical bubbling can sometimes help loosen debris.

But the fizz itself does not mean you have created the world’s strongest cleaner.

Baking soda is alkaline.

Vinegar is acidic.

They react with each other.

Depending on the proportions, they partially or substantially neutralize each other.

For many cleaning jobs, I would rather use the ingredient that actually suits the problem.

Greasy grime?

Baking soda or a proper degreaser may help.

Hard-water mineral scale?

An appropriate acidic cleaner may make more sense.

There are specific cleaning methods where both can be used strategically, but I do not automatically mix them for everything just because the bubbles look impressive.

Can I Mix Baking Soda With Bleach?

This is not a combination I recommend as a casual DIY cleaning hack.

Bleach is already a powerful product with specific label instructions.

When I need bleach, I use the bleach product exactly as directed.

When I need baking soda, I use baking soda.

More ingredients do not automatically mean more cleaning power.

And the most important bleach rule is that it must never be mixed with acids such as vinegar or with ammonia-containing products.

Keeping household cleaning chemistry simple reduces the chance of a dangerous mistake.

Can I Mix Baking Soda With Hydrogen Peroxide?

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide appear together in many DIY stain-cleaning recipes.

But I do not keep homemade peroxide mixtures stored in bottles.

Hydrogen peroxide breaks down, and storing improvised cleaning mixtures can create problems you simply do not need.

If I use peroxide for a specific job, I prefer following the product’s directions and using only what I need at the time.

For many of the household uses in this article, baking soda and water are already enough.

Can Baking Soda Disinfect Surfaces?

I would not rely on ordinary baking soda as my household disinfectant.

Cleaning and disinfecting are different.

Baking soda can help:

Remove dirt.

Scrub grime.

Control odors.

Lift some residues.

But if I specifically need to disinfect a surface because of illness, raw meat contamination, or another situation requiring disinfection, I use an appropriate registered disinfectant according to its label.

Do not let the words “natural cleaner” quietly turn into an unsupported claim that a product sterilizes everything it touches.

Surfaces I Would Be Careful Cleaning With Baking Soda

Baking soda is mild compared with many scouring powders.

But mildly abrasive is still abrasive.

I would use caution or avoid it on:

Polished marble.

Other delicate natural stone.

High-gloss finishes.

Lacquered furniture.

Some painted surfaces.

Gold-plated items.

Silver with intentionally oxidized details.

Delicate glass coatings.

Electronic screens.

Some acrylic surfaces.

Nonstick cookware.

Finished wood.

Aluminum during prolonged contact.

Specialty appliance coatings.

Anything whose manufacturer specifically warns against abrasive cleaners.

When the material is uncertain, test a hidden area first.

Do Not Use Baking Soda to Clean Your TV or Computer Screen

This deserves special mention because “clean everything with baking soda” lists can get ridiculous.

Your television is not a bathtub.

Your laptop screen is not a kitchen sink.

Modern displays can have delicate anti-glare and other coatings.

Use the cleaning method recommended by the device manufacturer.

Keep baking soda away from electronics.

Be Careful Using Baking Soda on Glass

Baking soda is abrasive.

I would not make it my routine cleaner for:

Mirrors.

Windows.

Glass shower doors.

Glass cooktops.

There are better products for those surfaces.

If you are trying to remove a specific deposit from glass, use a method approved for that type of glass.

Be Careful With Baking Soda on Wood

Finished wood can scratch or develop dull spots.

Baking soda is also alkaline, which is another reason I do not casually scrub wood furniture or cabinets with it.

For wooden furniture, I prefer a cleaner intended for the finish.

For wood cabinets, I start with the gentlest appropriate method.

Do Not Use Baking Soda as a Substitute for Every Cleaning Product

This is probably the biggest takeaway.

I love multipurpose products.

But I do not believe in forcing one product to do everything.

Baking soda is excellent at:

Deodorizing.

Gentle scrubbing.

Helping loosen some greasy grime.

Cleaning certain washable surfaces.

Freshening fabrics.

But it is not automatically the best choice for:

Disinfecting.

Heavy limescale.

Mold remediation.

Natural stone.

Delicate finishes.

Electronics.

Severe drain clogs.

Deep rust.

Every stain on every fabric.

Knowing when not to use it is part of using it well.

My Favorite Baking Soda Cleaning Paste

For general scrubbing on a compatible surface, I keep this incredibly simple.

You Need

Baking soda.

Water.

A bowl.

A soft sponge or cloth.

How I Make It

Put a few tablespoons of baking soda into the bowl.

Add water a little at a time.

Mix.

Stop once the texture is thick enough to stay where you put it.

If it becomes runny, add more baking soda.

If it is too dry, add a few drops of water.

That simple paste can be useful for many of the scrubbing jobs in this article.

My Simple Baking Soda Cleaning Spray

For light cleaning on compatible washable surfaces, ARM & HAMMER recommends a simple solution of water with about two teaspoons of baking soda in a spray bottle.

Swirl rather than violently shaking.

Label the bottle.

Use it where appropriate.

And do not spray cleaning liquid directly into:

Electrical outlets.

Switches.

Electronics.

Openings in appliances.

How I Use Baking Soda for Odors

This is where baking soda really earns its place in my house.

There are three basic ways I use it.

Open container: Good for enclosed spaces such as refrigerators and some closets.

Dry sprinkle and remove: Useful on certain carpets, mattresses, shoes, and other compatible dry materials.

Wash or wipe with a solution: Useful when the odor is attached to a washable dirty surface.

But I always ask one question first:

Why does this thing smell?

If the answer is mold, rot, sewage, a leak, spoiled food, or biological contamination, I deal with the cause.

Baking soda is a deodorizer.

It is not a permission slip to leave the source of the odor in place.

How I Use Baking Soda in the Bathroom

The bathroom is one of the easiest places to overcomplicate cleaning.

For routine jobs, baking soda can help me scrub compatible:

Porcelain basins.

Tile.

Grout.

Some tubs.

Toilet bowls.

It can also help deodorize trash cans and certain drains.

But I do not pour it over every bathroom surface.

Faucet finishes, natural stone, acrylic tubs, specialty tile, and refinished surfaces all deserve more thought.

And when the bathroom has hard-water scale, I recognize that baking soda may not be the best chemistry for the job.

Mineral scale often responds better to an appropriate acid-based descaler that is safe for the particular surface.

How I Use Baking Soda in the Kitchen

This is probably where my box gets the most exercise.

I can use it to help:

Scrub the sink.

Remove mug stains.

Freshen the refrigerator.

Clean refrigerator interiors.

Freshen trash cans.

Clean certain cookware.

Loosen oven grime.

Freshen drains.

Deodorize food containers.

Clean the microwave.

That is a lot of jobs from one inexpensive box.

And because baking soda itself is not strongly fragranced, I especially like it for cleaning areas where food is stored.

How I Use Baking Soda in the Laundry Room

Laundry odor is another area where baking soda can be useful.

But I still start with the basics.

Do not leave wet clothing sitting for days.

Do not overload the washer.

Use the correct detergent amount.

Clean the washing machine when necessary.

Dry clothing completely.

Then baking soda can be used as an odor-neutralizing laundry booster according to product and appliance directions.

It is an addition to a good laundry routine.

Not a replacement for one.

Baking Soda Cleaning Mistakes I Avoid

The first is assuming more baking soda means better cleaning.

It doesn’t.

The second is scrubbing delicate surfaces too aggressively.

The third is assuming every dramatic fizzing mixture is automatically more effective.

The fourth is using baking soda where an acidic mineral remover would make more sense.

The fifth is calling something “disinfected” simply because it looks clean.

The sixth is ignoring manufacturer care instructions.

And the seventh is using baking soda to mask an underlying problem.

A moldy closet needs moisture control.

A sewage-smelling bathroom needs investigation.

A rotten refrigerator needs spoiled food removed.

A clogged drain needs the obstruction addressed.

A dirty carpet needs cleaning.

Baking soda can help.

But it cannot rewrite reality.

Is Baking Soda Really Worth Keeping for Cleaning?

Absolutely.

Not because it is magical.

Because it is useful.

That is an important difference.

Baking soda is inexpensive, easy to store, widely available, and useful for an unusually broad range of ordinary household cleaning and deodorizing jobs.

I can use it in my kitchen.

Bathroom.

Laundry.

Bedroom.

Closets.

Trash cans.

Shoes.

Carpets.

And on certain outdoor items.

But the reason it works so well in my cleaning cupboard is that I do not expect it to do jobs it was never meant to do.

Sometimes I need dish soap.

Sometimes I need a disinfectant.

Sometimes I need a descaler.

Sometimes I need Bar Keepers Friend.

Sometimes I need a specialty wood cleaner.

And sometimes all I need is that little box of baking soda.

For the right job, it is hard to beat.

Especially when the solution to a dirty sink, smelly refrigerator, stained mug, musty carpet, or grimy grout line may already be sitting in the kitchen cabinet.