10 Household Use Baking Soda for Cleaning You Haven’t Tried

In nearly every home across America, there sits a humble box of baking soda. Often relegated to the back of the pantry or tucked away in the refrigerator, this versatile powder is one of the most underutilized cleaning and household aids. While you may already use it for baking or as a refrigerator deodorizer, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) has dozens of practical applications that can save you money, reduce your chemical exposure, and solve everyday problems.

This guide explores ten innovative uses for baking soda that you likely haven’t tried yet but will wonder how you ever lived without.

Why Baking Soda Works So Well

Before diving into its applications, understanding why baking soda is so effective helps appreciate its versatility. Baking soda:

• Has a mild alkaline pH that neutralizes acids
• Features fine abrasive properties that clean without scratching
• Absorbs odors rather than masking them
• Is non-toxic and environmentally friendly
• Costs significantly less than specialized cleaning products

Now, let’s explore ten unexpected ways to put this powder to work in your home.

1. Revive and Extend the Life of Your Mattress

Your mattress harbors dead skin cells, dust mites, and absorbed moisture—all of which can lead to unpleasant odors and reduced longevity. Unlike commercial mattress cleaners containing harsh chemicals, baking soda offers a natural alternative.

How to do it:

1. Strip your bed completely
2. Vacuum the mattress surface thoroughly
3. Mix 1 cup of baking soda with 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oil (lavender works well for bedding)
4. Sift the mixture over the entire mattress surface using a fine-mesh strainer
5. Gently rub it in with a soft brush
6. Let it sit for at least 1 hour (or ideally an entire day)
7. Vacuum thoroughly to remove the baking soda

This process not only neutralizes odors but also absorbs moisture that can lead to mold and mildew. Regular treatment every three months can extend your mattress life by years.

2. Create a Custom Dry Shampoo

Commercial dry shampoos often contain talc, alcohols, and propellants that can irritate sensitive scalps. Create your own personalized dry shampoo with baking soda that absorbs excess oil without harsh chemicals.

How to do it:

1. For light hair: Mix 1/4 cup baking soda with 1/4 cup cornstarch
2. For dark hair: Mix 1/4 cup baking soda, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
3. Store in a jar with a shaker lid
4. Apply to roots, massage gently, wait 2-3 minutes, then brush thoroughly

This natural solution costs just pennies per use compared to $7-15 for commercial alternatives and eliminates aerosol waste.

3. Rescue Burnt Pots and Pans

When food burns and adheres to cookware, the typical response involves excessive scrubbing or harsh chemical cleaners. Baking soda provides a gentler, more effective solution.

How to do it:

1. Remove as much burnt food as possible
2. Fill the pot with water
3. Add 1 cup of baking soda
4. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15-20 minutes
5. Remove from heat and let cool
6. Pour out the water and wipe clean

For stubborn spots, make a paste with baking soda and water, apply directly to the burnt areas, and let sit overnight before washing normally. This method works particularly well with stainless steel and enameled cast iron.

4. Create a Natural Weed Killer

Synthetic herbicides contain chemicals that can harm beneficial insects, contaminate groundwater, and pose risks to pets and children. Baking soda offers a targeted solution for sidewalk and driveway weeds.

How to do it:

1. Wet the target weeds
2. Sprinkle baking soda generously over the leaves and at the base
3. Sweep any excess from cracks to prevent runoff
4. Reapply after rain

The high sodium content disrupts the weed’s mineral balance, causing it to wither and die. This method works best for isolated weeds rather than large areas, making it perfect for maintaining patios and walkways.

5. Rejuvenate Old Toys

Children’s plastic toys accumulate grime, sticky residues, and potentially harmful bacteria over time. Commercial toy cleaners are expensive and often contain questionable ingredients. Baking soda provides a food-safe alternative.

How to do it:

1. Create a paste with 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water
2. Apply to toys using a soft toothbrush
3. Scrub gently, paying special attention to textured areas
4. Rinse thoroughly and air dry

For stuffed animals, sprinkle baking soda liberally, let sit overnight, and vacuum thoroughly. This method removes odors and surface grime without harsh chemicals.

6. Naturally Clean and Whiten Grout

Bathroom and kitchen grout lines quickly become discolored and harbor mold. Commercial grout cleaners contain bleach and other harsh chemicals that deteriorate grout over time and release fumes.

How to do it:

1. Mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part hydrogen peroxide to form a paste
2. Apply to grout lines using an old toothbrush
3. Let sit for 10-15 minutes
4. Scrub gently, then rinse with clean water
5. For stubborn areas, cover with plastic wrap after application and leave overnight

This method not only cleans but also helps restore the original color of grout without damaging the integrity of the material.

7. Create a Customized Bath Soak

Bath bombs and specialty soaks often cost $5-15 per use. Create your own therapeutic bath treatment with baking soda for a fraction of the cost while avoiding artificial fragrances and colors.

How to do it:

1. Base mixture: 1 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup Epsom salts
2. For muscle relief: Add 5 drops each of eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils
3. For relaxation: Add 8 drops lavender oil and 2 drops chamomile oil
4. For skin irritation: Add 1/4 cup colloidal oatmeal
5. Mix thoroughly and store in an airtight container
6. Use 1/4 cup per bath

The alkaline nature of baking soda helps neutralize skin acids while softening water and soothing irritated skin.

8. Revitalize Garden and Houseplants

Certain plants thrive in more alkaline soil conditions. Rather than purchasing specialized soil amendments, baking soda can adjust pH levels and even help prevent fungal diseases.

How to do it:

1. For acid-loving plants (like hydrangeas): Dissolve 1 tablespoon baking soda in 1 gallon of water and water plants monthly to enhance blue flower colors
2. For fungal prevention: Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon horticultural oil, and a few drops of mild dish soap in 1 gallon of water. Spray on plants weekly during humid weather

This solution is particularly effective for powdery mildew on squash, cucumbers, and roses, saving plants without introducing commercial fungicides into your garden ecosystem.

9. Create a Natural Silver Polish

Commercial silver polishes contain acids, abrasives, and often petroleum distillates. Baking soda offers a gentle yet effective alternative that won’t scratch precious metals.

How to do it:

1. Line a glass baking dish with aluminum foil
2. Place tarnished silver items so they touch the foil
3. Sprinkle items generously with baking soda
4. Pour boiling water to cover completely
5. Let sit for 2-5 minutes
6. Remove, rinse, and buff dry

This method uses a chemical reaction rather than abrasion to remove tarnish, making it safe even for delicate or antique pieces with minimal effort.

10. Make a Natural Produce Wash

Commercial fruit and vegetable washes can cost up to $1 per use. Baking soda provides a more economical solution that research has shown may be more effective at removing certain pesticide residues than water alone.

How to do it:

1. Fill a large bowl with cool water
2. Add 1 tablespoon baking soda per quart of water
3. Soak produce for 12-15 minutes
4. Scrub gently with a soft brush if needed
5. Rinse thoroughly

A 2017 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that a baking soda solution was more effective at removing pesticide residues from apples than chlorinated water or plain water.

Comparison of Baking Soda Uses vs. Commercial Alternatives

The versatility of baking soda makes it one of the most cost-effective household products available. By implementing these ten uses, you can potentially save over $100 annually while reducing your exposure to harsh chemicals and minimizing environmental impact.

Keep several boxes on hand—one for cooking, one for cleaning, and perhaps a designated container for bathing and personal care applications. At just a few dollars per pound, this multipurpose powder proves that sometimes the most effective solutions are also the simplest.

By embracing these baking soda hacks, you’ll join a growing movement of consumers seeking effective, economical, and environmentally responsible alternatives to specialized commercial products. Your wallet—and your home—will thank you.