58 Cleaning Uses of Baking Soda: A Great Non-Toxic Cleaner

Baking soda has got to be one of the most versatile ingredients you’ll find.

Aside from being something used to make pastries, it can clean your whole home, I mean literally.

Not a lot of people know that baking soda can make a potent cleaning solution that can pretty much clean anything from the grout on your tiled floors to absorbing grease from carpet.

The best part of it is the non-toxic property, which means there is no strong odor that will make you feel dizzy. Unlike a lot of the chemical-based cleaning products, you’ll find in the market right now.

In our home, I would put a small box of baking soda in the fridge just to keep the bad odors at bay.

A lot of people have found lots of uses for baking soda to clean different parts of the house.

You can combine it with stuff like peroxide or vinegar to make a potent non-toxic cleaning solution.

I’m not only talking about cleaning appliances or removing stains, but people have also used baking soda for personal hygiene, which is on the top of the list.​

Here’s an overview of all the cleaning uses of vinegar:

1. Personal Hygiene
2. In the Kitchen
3. On Laundry Items
4. In The Bathroom
5. On Carpet
6. Other Parts Of The Home
7. On Pets
8. Deodorizes
9. Inside Cars
10. Other Uses

Personal Hygiene

1. Hair Brush Cleaner

A hairbrush is like a carpet because it attracts debris, lots of it. With every stroke dandruff, dead skin cells and oil sticks to it.

If you don’t clean it regularly, all that nasty stuff goes back to your hair every time you use it. Experts recommend washing the hairbrush once a week, but if you don’t have time, try to do it at least once a month.

To properly clean, you’ll need a pen, scissors, a clean toothbrush, a teaspoon of shampoo, a teaspoon of baking soda and water.

2. Whitens Teeth

I saw my brother-in-law’s toothpaste during the family vacation, and the brand looked familiar. When I looked closer, the label says it uses baking soda as its main ingredient.

What’s the brand? It’s Arm and Hammer’s Advance White toothpaste.

How to use baking soda to whiten teeth?

It turns out that sodium bicarbonate (the other name for baking soda) is a mild abrasive that, when mixed with equal parts water, removes surface stains from teeth that will make it appear whiter.

​Some folks have taken it to the next level and claim that mixing it with strawberry or lemon can thoroughly clean teeth.

However, scientists have warned against using these recipes.

A great example would be Dr. Oz’s mixture of strawberry and baking soda. It may not be safe because strawberry contains citric acid that could potentially erode teeth.

​Combining it with lemon isn’t a good idea either because lemon has a high citric acid content, which (let me repeat this warning) could potentially erode the enamel—the protective coating of our teeth.

The safest way of using baking soda for cleaning teeth would be buying a toothpaste that has baking soda in it. Some brands that have it include Arm and Hammer and Colgate.

Here’s the bottom line: baking soda cannot be cleaned thoroughly; it only removes surface stains.

3. Shampoo and Conditioner Replacement

Many people have found success using baking soda instead of shampoo or conditioner (1, 2).

How to wash your hair with baking soda?

To use it as a shampoo, add one to two tablespoons of baking soda in a jar that contains one to two cups of warm water. Make sure to mix it well before pouring it on your scalp. Massage it well on your scalp to evenly distribute baking soda then rinse.

To use it as a conditioner, mix in half a cup of baking soda into a bowl of conditioner.​

If you cannot ditch shampoo altogether, an option would be using baking soda as a rinse, dilute half a cup baking soda into a cup of warm water. Use this mixture after washing with shampoo.​

Take note that baking soda has a high pH rating of 9.0, so it potentially dry-out your hair – not the product you want to use when your hair is dry and frizzy. One option to counteract this effect is using coconut oil after bathing to hydrate your hair.

The high pH rating does have a positive effect, helping people with oily hair and removing hair spray build-up.​

4. Cleans Oral Appliances

Oral appliances like mouthpieces, braces, retainers, and dentures need c to remove odor and food particles that get trapped. The last thing you want is to spray these things with chemical cleaners.

Arm & Hammer recommends dissolving two teaspoons of baking soda in a cup of water and soaking oral appliances in it. This will help loosen food particles and remove the odor.

5. Facial Wash

Not only can baking soda clean your teeth and dentures, but adding two teaspoons of it with a teaspoon of water makes a chemical-free facial wash.

Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to 1 tablespoon of warm water and two teaspoons of oat flour to make an exfoliating cream.

6. Say Goodbye To Smelly Feet

The deodorizing properties of baking soda apparently will also work on smelly feet, as this poster in Reddit explains. Specifically, he was talking about using Arm and Hammer deodorant.

If you don’t want to buy that another option would be soaking your feet in a tub filled with 8 cups of warm water, 1/4 cup of baking soda and some lemon juice for 15 to 20 minutes.

7. An Alternative To Store-Bought Deodorants

​Another way to utilize the odor-fighting properties of baking soda is by using it to make your deodorant.

There are a few ways to go about it. The first option is to mix an eighth of a teaspoon with water and then rub it under your armpits. If you have sweaty armpits, add some cornstarch to the mixture.​

If you want a recipe that can be stored, try this recipe from Tammy Luna that includes baking soda, cornstarch, and coconut oil.

In the Kitchen

8. A Produce Wash

If you eat a lot of fruit and vegetable washing is a crucial step. It’s a necessity because it removes dirt, contaminants, and pesticides from the surface of produce.

One option would be buying a veggie wash, but that costs extra $$$.

A cheaper option would be using a mixture of water, baking soda, and vinegar. For leafy greens, you can soak them into this mixture and for smooth-skinned produce like apple, pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray it around six times, leave it for a minute, then rinse (3).​

Tip: Avoid using soap or detergent to wash produce because the skin of fruits and veggies is porous, and it absorbs the soap. This not only affects the flavor, but you’ll also consume the chemicals from the soap.​

9. Grill Cleaner

One of the toughest things to clean at home is the grill. Yes, the mainstay of every weekend barbeque can be a source of frustration, but with the right ingredients and a little elbow grease, you can kiss that burnt-on gunk goodbye.

There are two ways to do it.

One is soaking the grates in vinegar, baking soda, and water overnight, then rinsing it the next day (4).

You can also hose down the grill, sprinkle baking soda over the grates and parts that need cleaning, leave it on for a few minutes, and then scrub it down with scotch brite (5).

10. Remove Burned Residue Off Kitchen Utensils

One of the hardest items to clean in the kitchen is burned residue on stainless steel pans. Save some elbow grease with vinegar, baking soda, water, and a scourer.

Image courtesy of apartmenttheraphy.com

How to clean pans with baking soda and vinegar?

The steps include filling the pan with water, adding a cup of vinegar, and bringing it to a boil. Then, add two tablespoons of baking soda. Let it sit for a few minutes, then empty the pan. The burned residue should be soft enough to remove with the scourer.

If stubborn marks remain, make a paste with equal parts baking soda and water and apply it to the dots. If burn marks on the outer part of the utensil need cleaning, you can use this paste (6).​

11. Restore Silverware

Combining hot water, baking soda, and salt can restore tarnished silver.

It is electrochemistry at work; if you watch the video below, the tarnish disappears when it touches the aluminum foil (7, 8).

Take note that this will only work for elemental silver, it won’t work on stainless or chrome.

12. Unclog Kitchen Drains (And Prevent Sludge Build-Up)

Unclogging drains can be tricky. I’ve experienced a couple of drain clogs in my lifetime, and it is stressful. You can unclog it a couple of ways.

First, if the clog is severe, you will have to use a plumbing or sewer snake to break it.

Or use a combination of vinegar, baking soda, and boiling water for less severe clogs.

The latter is excellent as maintenance to prevent build-up that can lead to clogging.

The steps include pouring boiling water down the drain, followed by half a cup of baking soda, and letting it sit for a few minutes.

Follow it up with one cup of vinegar and boiling water. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then finish up with another pot of boiling water (9).

Baking soda, vinegar, and boiling water also help prevent the build-up of sludge by loosening it and flushing it off.

13. Remove Stains From Coffee Mugs Or Carafes

Coffee drinkers can relate to this. Over time coffee stains will build upon mugs and carafes, and no matter how much you scrub with dishwashing detergent, it won’t come off.

If you’re frustrated, try sprinkling some baking soda at the bottom of the mug or carafe, add a bit of hot water, and scrub (10).

Here’s the result.

Image courtesy of Making Lemonade Blog

14. Deodorize Sponges

Sponges take a beating, and if you don’t rinse them correctly over time, they’ll start to smell and accumulate bacteria (not so good for your health).

If you want these things to last a little longer and be less smelly, try soaking them in 4 tablespoons of baking soda and a quart of water. Remember to rinse afterward (11).

15. Cleans Cast Iron Cookware

Caring for cast iron cookware is very different from the traditional non-stick pan.

First, avoid using dishwashing liquid to clean it. An option would be to use boiling water and half a cup of baking soda to deep clean it (12).

Second, always hand wash – avoid cleaning it using the dishwasher. Third, always dry it before storing it, or rust will form.

If there is rust, don’t worry. Sprinkle baking soda over the cast iron pan, then rub it using raw potato (13).

Don’t forget to re-season it after.​

16. Removes Stains From Pans And Cookware

Anyone who does a lot of cooking knows how much abuse cooking utensils take and over time stains and grime build up. Cleaning it with detergent and a lot of elbow grease won’t cut it, you’ll need something that will dissolve the grime and do the work for you.

Well, good news, a miracle cleaner out there will bring back your kitchen utensil’s former glory (well, almost).

No, I’m not talking about a new product. Still, it’s something widely available – baking soda and peroxide – to be more specific, 1/4 cup of baking soda and enough hydrogen peroxide to make a paste (14).

17. Removes Stains And Odor From Plastic

We use many plastic containers to store food, and one of my pet peeves is how hard it is to remove stains, especially from foods with colored sauces, like sweet and sour fish.

One handy ingredient to have that will remove these stains is baking soda. Make a paste from equal parts water and baking soda, then apply it to stained plastic containers. Let it sit for a few hours, then wash afterward (15).

As a bonus, the baking soda and water mixture will also remove odor.

18. Oven Cleaner

The oven is another area in your kitchen. You want to avoid harsh chemical cleaners because that’s where you cook food. An alternative to store-bought chemical cleaners is vinegar and baking soda.

The process involves sprinkling baking soda over the gunk-filled grates and spraying vinegar over the sprinkled layer of baking soda. After 30 minutes, scrub it with a scrubber (16).

In case you’re wondering, “Garrick, how about the other parts of the oven that have grease? How do I clean those?”

It is doable using baking soda and a few other ingredients.

Image courtesy of YumUniverse.

How to clean oven with baking soda and vinegar?

Here’s what you’ll need.

​Spread this mixture using a paintbrush on the scum-filled areas inside the oven. This step is important. Let it sit for 6 to 8 hours to allow this homemade mixture to do its magic, then scrub using a scourer or a Scotch Brite.

19. Microwave Cleaner

For the microwave, the process is a little different, but the ingredients are still the same – baking soda and water.

Add two tablespoons of baking soda in a microwave-safe bowl then add a cup of water.

Put the bowl inside the microwave oven then let it run for about 2 to 3 minutes (don’t cover the bowl).

The steam from the water/baking soda mixture will both deodorize and loosen up caked-on stains inside the microwave (17). Wipe off the residue with a clean microfiber towel.

Talk about killing two birds with one stone.

20. Remove Grease Spills

Cooking fried food leaves a lot of grease residue on the oven, countertop, and kitchen floor. Wiping it off with water and a damp rug will not help.

Try sprinkling baking soda on a sponge, then wiping down any greasy surface with a clean, damp cloth (18).

If you’re cleaning an oily floor, sprinkle baking soda on the messy areas, and then mop with a damp microfiber mop. Make sure to leave the baking soda on a few minutes to allow it to do its magic.

21. Cleans Dishwasher Parts

Dishwashers do need some TLC.

Once a month, you’ll have to get down on your knees and thoroughly wash it.

Use baking soda paste and warm, soapy water to clean the filter and its parts. This combo can also clean the area around the drain.

How to clean the dishwasher drain with baking soda and vinegar?

One reason why baking soda is great is baking soda, white vinegar, some toothpicks, clean towels, lemon juice (fresh lemon juice works great!), and a toothbrush.

Steps:

1. Remove all utensils and racks inside the dishwasher.
2. Check the holes underneath the spinning arms to see if they are clogged. If so, use a toothpick to remove the blockages.
3. Mix the baking soda paste using baking soda and warm soapy water. Use a toothbrush with the baking soda paste to clean the area around the drain thoroughly to remove any food particles or debris that may have accumulated.
4. If there are hard water deposits,  add two cups of white vinegar at the bottom of the dishwasher and run it at low wash (without any utensils or racks). Stop halfway to let the vinegar sit for 20 minutes and soften water deposits. Turn the dishwasher again to finish the cycle.

On Laundry Items

22. Whiter Clothes

Baking soda complements liquid laundry detergent as a booster that results in “whiter whites” and brings out the natural color in colored fabric.

Adding this also increases the potency of bleach.

How do you whiten clothes with baking soda?

Before starting the wash cycle, add half a cup of baking soda to top-loading washing machines and a quarter of a cup to front-loaders (19).

Adding baking soda to your laundry also has another positive.

23. Removes Odors

Laundry will smell fresher and help remove odors like cigarette or perspiration odor (20).

24. Absorbs Greased Stains

Grease stains on our clothes are probably one of the tougher stains to clean up, but the absorbing qualities of baking soda will help.

It will not remove stains per se, but it absorbs enough of it, so it is easier to clean afterward using a grease busting dishwashing liquid (21).

25. Removes Perspiration Stains

One of the hardest to remove stains on fabric is perspiration stains.

No amount of scrubbing with conventional detergent will remove it.

A cheap solution would be scrubbing a paste made from 4 tablespoons of baking soda and water, then letting it sit for an hour. After soaking it in the baking soda mixture, let it go through one cleaning cycle in a washing machine (22).

26. Deodorizes Sports Gear

Active people who play a lot of sports can have smelly laundry at the end of the day. When you throw sweaty clothes inside the laundry bit without properly air drying, chances are it will develop a bad odor.

To remove odor from washable gear like jerseys, shorts, etc., you’ll need to soak it (preferably inside the washing machine) in a solution containing laundry detergent, water, baking soda, and vinegar for a few hours (23).

Only add vinegar if it smells terrible.

27. Removes Blood Stains

My wife had stained bedsheets quite a few times when she got her period on days she didn’t expect it.

The default solution would be soaking it in bleach, but that has a powerful odor.

A milder alternative would be rubbing one part baking soda and two parts cold water using a cloth, letting it sit for 30 minutes then scrub it again using a dry clean cloth (24).

28. Cleans and Deodorizes Baby Clothes

Using bleach on baby clothing is a big no-no because the strong odor is not suitable for their respiratory health.

A cheap, non-toxic solution would be adding baking soda to a baby specific laundry detergent. This combo is excellent at removing odors such as urine and vomit that can linger (25).

In The Bathroom

29. Bathroom Scrub

Cleaning bathrooms with traditional chemical cleaners can be a nauseous experience because of the strong scent, while commercially available products that use natural ingredients are expensive.

Photo courtesy of Stacy @ Making Lemonade Blog

A more affordable option would be making your bathroom scrub. Combining ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, essential oils, and water can make a potent bathroom cleaner.

30. Toilet Bowl Cleaner

The combination of vinegar and baking soda is a potent non-toxic alternative to chemical cleaners that will clean, deodorize and disinfect toilet bowls if you don’t mind the vinegar-like scent that will eventually dissipate (27).

31. Cleans Shower Curtains

Shower curtains are great because they’re cheap, easy to install, and easy to clean, but if you get lazy and don’t clean them mold, mildew, soap scum, oils from our body and bacteria accumulate.

Cleaning is easy. You’ll need a washing machine, laundry detergent, baking soda (1 cup), a couple of light-colored towels, and ten drops of tea tree oil to kill mold and mildew (28).

32. Grout Cleaner

That tough to clean grout has finally met its match – vinegar and baking soda.

How to clean grout with baking soda?

Sprinkle baking soda over grout lines – make sure it fills them up. Don’t be afraid to use your fingers. Then follow up with a vinegar spray then let it sit for a few minutes.

Image courtesy of Carrie @ Making Lemonade Blog

This mixture will do half the work of breaking down dirt; all you need to do is scrub it using a grout brush and wipe it with a damp cloth (29).​

33. Cleans Shower Stalls

Clean and streak-free shower stalls make a bathroom look ten times better, but unfortunately, watermarks and grime will build up over time. These stains are tough to clean.

Baking soda paste to the rescue. Mix baking soda and water to make a paste, then use a sponge, scrub, or microfiber towel to agitate.

34. Cleans Fiberglass Tubs

Since fiberglass tubs can be fragile, you don’t want to apply to much pressure when cleaning it.

If you own one of these, cleaning it is a simple 3 step process.

First, you’ll need to remove any dust build-up on there.

Second, spray white wine vinegar all over and leave it on for a few minutes to break down any gunk buildup. Then, wipe off excess vinegar with a clean microfiber towel.

Next, visually check areas of the tub that have filth, sprinkle baking soda on those areas, and spray again with white wine vinegar.

You’ll notice that it will create a fizzy effect (this is the last step). Leave it on for 15 minutes. Rinse and repeat until all the filth is gone (30).

On Carpet

35. Stain Remover

Carpet stains are an accident waiting to happen, so it’ll be wise to be ready. Fortunately, two products are cheap, readily available and non-toxic – vinegar and baking soda.

To spot clean carpet stains, pour vinegar on the affected area then sprinkle baking soda over it.

You’ll notice that it will bubble up, that’s vinegar and baking soda working on the stain, absorbing it. Blot residue away with a dry clean cloth then vacuum (31).

36. Absorbs Oil And Grease

In addition to removing carpet stains, baking soda can absorb grease or oil spills. Before sprinkling, scrape off any excess grease. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb oil or grease stains, then vacuum afterward (32).

37. Cleans Vomit

Cleaning vomit is messy, and it increases twofold on the carpet. Baking soda to the rescue, sprinkle the right amount of it on vomit, then let it sit for a few hours (even overnight) and cover it with a towel.

This miracle powder will absorb vomit and leave dried clumps that you can vacuum afterward. The result is an odorless, vomit free carpet (33).

Other Parts Of The Home

38. Remove Food Stains From Vinyl Flooring

Baking soda and water (that forms a paste) are a combo at removing food stains. I’ve talked about in this article. To give you a refresher, mix equal parts water and baking soda until it forms a paste.

Gently rub the stained area then wipe off the excess residue with a damp microfiber cloth followed by a dry cloth to avoid watermarks (34).

39. Remove Crayon Marks From The Wall

Parents with toddlers can relate to this. Crayon scribbles on the wall can be a regular occurrence, but don’t fret a little baking soda and water goes a long way in removing crayon marks on the wall.

You can make a paste or sprinkle baking soda on a rag and use it to scrub off crayon marks (35, 36).

40. Keeps Furniture Fresh

Furniture absorbs odors from different sources, such as pets and people. Over time, this accumulation develops a funky smell.

To keep your upholstery fresh, sprinkle baking soda over it and let it sit overnight. The next day, use a handheld vacuum or an upright with a handheld attachment to pick up residue.

Baking soda will absorb any oily residue and odors and leave fresh-smelling furniture behind. Make sure to sprinkle areas underneath the cushions as well (37).

On Pets

41. Pet Urine

Aside from pet hair, pet owners’ biggest headaches are urine stains on the carpet. The stain is often almost invisible (it gets darker over time), but the stench is undeniable. Once you spot the stain, pour vinegar over it, then sprinkle baking soda to remove the stain and odor (38).

42. Cleans and Deodorizes Pet Box and Bedding

Pet boxes and bedding will develop pet odor overtime because it accumulates oily residue from hair, urine, and poop. Combine these odors, and you’ll end up with a nasty smelling box and bedding.

To deodorize pet boxes, sprinkle proper amounts of baking soda to absorb and remove the odor. For beddings, soak it in a mixture of water, and baking soda, then rinse thoroughly (39).

43. Eliminates Skunk Odor From Pets

Skunks are all over the place, so just in case your dog or cat encounters them and gets sprayed with skunk juice, you have a couple of options to clean this smelly mess.

Option one is using over the counter products like Nature’s Miracle Skunk Odor Remover, but if that isn’t available, be sure to have some baking soda handy.

The de-skunking bath mixture includes 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, a quarter cup of baking soda and a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. Use this to wash your pet, and don’t forget to wear gloves (40).

44. Aquarium Cleaner and Deodorizer

Aside from a tool used to adjust the pH level, baking soda can clean aquariums.

The most straight forward way to soak the aquarium with baking soda and water for a few hours, so that hard to clean algae and grime softens up to scrub with a sponge afterward.

Another side benefit of using baking soda is it deodorizes the aquarium without the risk of leaving a toxic residue that could potentially kill fish.

Deodorizes

45. Trash Cans

One of the biggest headaches at least in our homes is smelly trash cans, especially ones with used diapers in it. Keep the trash bins smelling fresh with these deodorizing disks made from baking soda, water, essential oil, and a baking pan. Yes, you’ll need to bake these puppies, but it’ll be worth it with your trash bins smelling great.

46. Cloth Diapers

Cloth diapers are money savers because you can reuse them, but the biggest challenge is washing them in a way that won’t smell afterward because as pee and poop accumulate, it will leave a horrible stench.

To deodorize, soak it in one cup of baking soda and two quarts of water (41).

Here’s a bonus: Arm & Hammer, the same manufacturer that makes baking soda, also manufactures washing soda that you can use to make homemade diaper detergent.

47. Carpet

Aside from being a catch basin for dirt and sand, carpets also absorb oil from our bodies, pet urine, dander, and food droppings.

Over time, these things contribute to the development of a bad odor, which isn’t good for any indoor environment.

To freshen up the carpet, sprinkle liberal amounts of baking soda on it and let it sit for a few hours (possibly overnight); vacuum afterward. Baking soda will absorb oily residue and deodorize carpet simultaneously.

48. Vacuum Cleaners

Baking soda’s deodorizing properties also work on vacuum cleaners. Use baking soda and water to wash parts like the dust cup, hose, and filter. Remember to rinse and dry (44).

49. Shoes

Do you have smelly shoes? This is a result of bacteria multiplying in a damp, sweaty environment. A mixture of 3 tablespoons baking soda, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 5 drops tea tree oil will help remove the odor, absorb dampness, and freshen up those smelly kicks. Sprinkle this concoction on shoes and let it sit overnight (45).

50. Fabric

The odor absorbing abilities of baking soda is also applicable to the fabric. If your bed sheets or towels smell a little funky, a sprinkle liberal amount of baking soda, let it sit for 30 minutes or so then vacuum afterward. To make it smell better, try adding essential oils on baking soda before sprinkling it (46).

51. Stuffed Toys

My son has a few stuffed toys. He likes it so much that he rubs his face against it. He also uses it as a pillow, so it does accumulate sweat, vomit (at times), oil, and snot from time to time. Add to that the dust and mold accumulation you have a smelly toy in your hands.

There are two ways to deodorize washable and non-washable stuffed dolls.

For the washable variety, before adding laundry detergent, soak stuffed toys overnight in a water-filled washing machine along with half a cup of baking soda (47).

For the non-washable variety, place the stuffed toy inside a plastic bag and add half a cup of baking soda (increase it to 1 cup if the toy is bigger).

Squeeze out excess air and gently shake for 2 minutes.

Let it sit for 15 minutes. This allows the sodium bicarbonate to remove odor, dirt, and grime accumulation. (48).​

Inside Cars

52. Cleans Corroded Battery Terminates

If you haven’t had the time to check your car’s engine bay, today is probably the right time to do so because there may be a lot of corrosion.

Corroded terminals can post problems that include hard startups and electrical fluctuation.

If you spot corrosion, sprinkle baking soda on the affected parts and scrub down with a toothbrush (soaked in water). Remember to remove the terminals first—the negative first, then the positive—to prevent electric shock [49].

53. Deodorizes Your Car’s Upholstery And Carpet

If your car smells funky, try sprinkling baking soda on the ashtray, upholstery, mats, and carpet. Leave it on for a few hours to allow it to absorb all the odors. Vacuum afterward.

Other Uses

54. Baby Toy Cleaner

When cleaning baby toys, you can’t use harsh chemical-based cleaners because it contains toxic substances.

Since babies love to bite their toys, they’re at risk of ingesting these very toxic substances that these cleaners have. Would you risk your child’s health?

One option would be buying a child-friendly cleaner, but the cost can add up. Here’s a cheaper option.

Mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda to a quart of warm water and use this with a clean sponge or cloth to clean toys, rinse with warm water (50).

55. Cleaning The Kiddie Pool

Summertime means pool time for many kids. Kiddie pools are a great way for kids to play. However, if your home does not have a full-sized pool, it can be a source of bacteria and mildew.

A great way to maintain these mini pools is to wash them with baking soda and warm water (51). Baking soda can also balance the pH levels of water and neutralize odor (52).

56. Restore The Bling Of That Diamond Ring

If you happen to wear your engagement ring or wedding ring, the acidity from sweat and natural body oils will tarnish it over time.

Rather than buying jewelry cleaners, try soaking it in a mixture of hot water and two teaspoons of baking soda to restore that bling (53).

57. Cockroach Killer

There’s nothing more frustrating than finding an army of cockroaches crawling all over the plates and utensils.

Our default defense against these rodents is using insecticide sprays that kill them instantly, but this is a big no-no if you have small children at home because their immune systems cannot handle these harsh chemicals.

As it turns out, baking soda is deadly for cockroaches, which is good because it will help us eliminate these critters.

Don’t just scatter baking soda on the ground because cockroaches will likely ignore them because it doesn’t taste good. You’ll need bait, to be more specific, sugar, then mix it with water (55).

58. Removes Paint and Corrosion

Baking soda can strip the paint off metal surfaces; you don’t need a sandblaster.

You’ll need to soak the piece of metal or hardware in boiling water containing baking soda. If the piece of metal is too large, dip a rag into boiling water, drape it over it, and watch the paint come off (56). ​

Is baking soda good for cleaning?

As outlined above, baking soda has numerous cleaning uses. Its abrasive nature enables it to clean different surfaces and is a well-known odor absorbent. One of my favorite uses of baking soda is unclogging sinks by combining it with vinegar and hot water.

What can you not clean with baking soda?

While baking soda is lots of cleaning uses, there are things that are off-limits. Avoid using baking soda on hardwood as its abrasive nature can wear on the polyurethane coating. I wouldn’t recommend using it for polishing hazy headlights. The abrasive texture of baking soda will eat through the outer coating of the headlight, stick with polishes instead. Marble is another surface that baking soda should not touch because it can wear on the sealant.

Does cleaning with baking soda kill germs?

Nope, baking soda while a good cleaning agent doesn’t have antibacterial properties to kill germs. You’ll need an EPA-approved product to handle bacteria and to disinfect surface contaminants.