Baking Soda: Your Everyday Cleaning Superhero

If you’ve got a box of baking soda in the pantry, you already own a powerful cleaning tool. It’s cheap, safe, and works on a surprising number of messes. Below are real‑world ways to pull out grime, odors, and stains without harsh chemicals.

How to Use Baking Soda in the Kitchen

Scrubbing the oven: Mix half a cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water until you get a spreadable paste. Spread it on baked‑on grease, let it sit 15‑20 minutes, then wipe clean with a damp cloth. The heat and the soda break down the grease, leaving the oven sparkling.

Freshening the fridge: Place an open box or a small bowl of baking soda on a shelf. It absorbs food odors for up to three months. Switch it out when the smell returns.

Cleaning stainless steel: Sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge and rub the surface in the direction of the grain. Rinse and dry with a clean cloth – no streaks, no polish needed.

Baking Soda for Fabrics and Surfaces

Boosting laundry: Add half a cup of baking soda to your regular detergent. It lifts stains, softens water, and leaves clothes feeling fresher.

Upholstery spot remover: Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Apply to a stain, let dry, then vacuum. The soda lifts the dirt and neutralizes odors.

Carpet deodorizer: Sprinkle a thin layer over the carpet, let it sit 30 minutes, then vacuum. It traps odors and lifts light stains without wetting the fibers.

Window and glass shine: Mix two teaspoons of baking soda with one cup of warm water. Wipe the solution onto glass with a soft cloth, then rinse with plain water and buff dry. You’ll get a streak‑free finish without chemicals.

All of these tricks need just baking soda, water, and a little patience. They’re safe around kids and pets, and they keep your home chemical‑free.

Next time you reach for a commercial cleaner, check your pantry first. A sprinkle of baking soda could be the quick fix you need, saving you money and keeping the house fresh.