Don’t let the long rows of flashy products in the cleaning aisle fool you—many household tasks can be completed with common pantry ingredients. Did you know that baking soda, also known as bicarbonate of soda, is one of the strongest cleaning products out there?
Even better, baking soda can be used for a surprisingly broad range of chores. From leveling up your laundry game to removing stubborn household grime, here’s how to use baking soda for cleaning.
What Can Baking Soda Clean? How to Use Baking Soda for Cleaning
Baking soda for laundry…
Removing yellow stains from clothes
Over time, it’s common for white clothing items to suffer from yellow staining – especially around areas exposed to sweat and water. Enter the power of baking soda!
First, combine four tablespoons of baking soda with one tablespoon of water until the texture is pasty. Next, use the paste to cover the yellow area of your white garment. Let it sit for one hour, then rinse it off in cold water. Finally, machine-wash as normal.
Refreshing stinky shoes
Does someone in your household have a chronic smelly shoe problem? As often as needed, sprinkle some baking soda inside the culprit's shoes and let it sit overnight. Shake them out in the morning, and voila! The smell should be taken care of.
Want to learn more about machine washing extra dirty shoes?
Getting rid of deodorant stains
If your favorite little black dress or graphic tee can’t shake white deodorant stains, you know what to do: grab your baking soda.
This method is similar to removing yellow stains from white clothes, but the ratio for the paste is a bit different. Instead, mix three tablespoons of baking soda with one tablespoon of water, then let it sit on the stain for a few hours before machine washing.
Need additional advice for getting rid of deodorant stains?
Making white clothes white again
Stain or no stain, baking soda can also brighten white clothing in general!
To brighten a whole load, simply add a few spoonfuls to your regular laundry detergent for a quick white clothes pick-me-up.
To brighten specific items like white socks, follow these steps:
In a clean sink or basin of warm water, add a few heavy pours of baking soda.
Add your items and soak them for 3-4 hours, then wring them out.
Toss them to a normal wash cycle with a few more scoops of baking soda mixed into your detergent.
Getting a smoke smell out of clothing
Whether from cigarettes or campfires, the smell of smoke loves to linger on clothing. You can guess what’s coming next: baking soda can fix that!
Start by pre-soaking your items for one hour in warm water, a cup of vinegar, and a drop or two of essential oils. You can then machine wash it as normal, but add about one cup of baking soda directly to the drum.
Looking for extra tips on removing smoke smells from clothing?
Baking soda for cleaning the kitchen…
Getting rid of lingering trash bin smells
Is your trash can always smelly, no matter what you do? Between deep cleans and bag swaps, baking soda can kill odor-causing bacteria.
Simply sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of the bin every time you change the bag, and enjoy kissing stubborn trash can smells goodbye.
Fixing a funky fridge smell
With even less effort, baking soda can also prevent unwanted fridge odors. All you need to do is leave an open container of baking soda in the fridge at all times, and it’ll absorb icky smells.
Remember to change out the container every three months, and you’re set!
Cutting through grease
Are your cookie sheets or stove pans coated in years of grease stains? Lay them in the sink, then:
Set a few cups of white vinegar to boil
Sprinkle a layer of baking soda along the pans
Pour the boiling vinegar directly into the pans
Let everything soak for 30 minutes
Wipe them down with a sponge, then rinse
Additional chores baking soda can help with….
Removing grout
Tile grout is notoriously tough to clean, but a paste of two parts baking soda with one part water should do the trick. To clean discolored grout, try two parts baking soda with one part vinegar instead. Check this how-to for more details!
Solving clogged drains
If your kitchen or bathroom sink is slow to drain, baking soda can become your favorite go-to solution! This tip also requires white vinegar:
Shake a few tablespoons of baking soda down the drain
Pour hot vinegar into the drain right after the baking soda
After letting it fizzle for a few minutes, rinse the drain and sink with boiling water
Revitalizing dirty patio furniture
Is your patio furniture suffering from seasonal grime? This super simple recipe should make the perfect cleaning solution: 4 parts baking soda and one part water.
Use a rag or sponge to wipe everything down, use a hose to rinse, and get ready for outdoor lounging!
Do your outdoor cushions need some TLC, too?
Deep cleaning a mattress or dog bed
A fresh, clean mattress can do wonders for your sleep quality and support overall health.
First, strip all bedding and vacuum the mattress using circular motions. If you have time, allow the bare mattress to air out for a few hours – ideally with an open bedroom window.
Next, liberally sprinkle a layer of baking soda across your entire mattress and allow it to sit for at least one hour. Then, use your vacuum to suck up all the baking soda.
You can follow the exact same steps for cleaning a pet bed, too! However, read the label to see if you can machine wash it after your baking soda cleanse.
Here’s more detailed guidance on removing mattress stains.
When it comes to laundry, DIY cleaning tips can only get you so far. If you need professional laundry help in the Denver area, WaveMAX Thornton can help with laundromats, dry cleaning, wash-and-fold, and commercial laundry services. Search WaveMAX ‘laundromat near me’ or visit our website for more details!
