Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a versatile and practical cleaning agent that can tackle various household cleaning tasks. Its mildly abrasive nature and natural deodorizing properties make it a go-to solution for many cleaning challenges. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to clean almost anything with baking soda.
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Kitchen Surfaces
Countertops and Sinks
Sprinkle baking soda directly onto surfaces. Scrub with a damp sponge or cloth, then rinse with water. For stubborn stains, make a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, and scrub and rinse.
Stovetops and Ovens
Mix baking soda with water to create a thick paste. Apply to greasy areas or baked-on food stains. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes, then scrub with a sponge or brush and wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Bathroom Cleaning
Bathtubs and Showers
Sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge and scrub tub and shower surfaces to remove soap scum and grime. Rinse thoroughly with water.
Toilets
Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl, let it sit for 15 minutes, scrub with a toilet brush, and flush.
Tile Grout
Mix baking soda and water to form a paste, apply it to grout lines, scrub with a toothbrush, and rinse.
Laundry Boost
Whitening Whites
Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your laundry detergent to help whiten and brighten clothes.
Removing Odors
Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the wash cycle for smelly clothes or towels to neutralize odors.
Deodorizing Carpets and Upholstery
Carpet Deodorizer
Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the carpet, sit for 15-30 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly.
Upholstery
Lightly sprinkle baking soda on upholstery, sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum.
Cleaning Appliances
Refrigerators
Place an open box of baking soda in the fridge to absorb odors. To clean, make a paste with baking soda and water, wipe interior surfaces, then rinse with a damp cloth.
Microwaves
Mix baking soda with water to paste, apply to the interior, and scrub with a sponge. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Dishwashing Aid
Hand-Washing Dishes
Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to dishwater to help cut grease and deodorize.
Dishwasher Boost
Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher before running a cycle to help eliminate odors and improve cleaning power.
Pet Care
Pet Bedding and Litter Boxes
To neutralize odors, sprinkle baking soda on pet bedding or litter boxes. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before cleaning or vacuuming.
Pet Stains
Make a paste with baking soda and water, apply to pet stains on carpets or upholstery, let sit, then blot with a clean cloth and rinse.
Cleaning Outdoor Furniture
Plastic or Resin Furniture
Sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge and scrub outdoor furniture. Rinse with a garden hose or a bucket of water.
Metal Furniture
Mix baking soda with water to form a paste. Apply it to rust spots, let it sit, then scrub with a brush and rinse.
Polishing Silverware
Silver Polish
Mix baking soda and water to make a paste. Apply it to silverware, sit for a few minutes, buff with a soft cloth, and rinse.
Freshening Shoes
Shoe Deodorizer
Sprinkle baking soda inside shoes, let sit overnight, then shake out or vacuum.
Conclusion
Baking soda is an inexpensive and eco-friendly alternative to many commercial cleaning products. Its versatility and effectiveness make it essential for any household cleaning arsenal. By incorporating baking soda into your cleaning routine, you can tackle many tasks efficiently and safely.