Did you know that baking soda can be used for everything from dental, hair, and body care to silver polishing and unclogging drains?
Did you also know that it's inexpensive and 100% biodegradable and harmless for both humans and our environment? Here we've collected 26 different ways to use baking soda that make both ourselves and our homes cleaner and more fragrant – completely without harmful chemicals!
What is baking soda?
Baking soda is actually short for sodium bicarbonate, also called sodium hydrogen carbonate, with the chemical formula NaHCO3. INCI name: Sodium Bicarbonate. E number: E 500. Baking soda is a natural substance that breaks down quickly in nature without unwanted effects. Baking soda's four superpowers
It has the ability to absorb and neutralize odors.
It can be used (together with acids) to clean all sorts of things.
It has a mildly disinfecting effect.
It is natural and completely non-toxic for both humans and nature.
In short, baking soda can be used for non-toxic and environmentally friendly cleaning, in ecological body care of various kinds, as well as for odor neutralization and disinfection of all possible surfaces and spaces.
In fact, baking soda is likely an ingredient in products you already use. Going directly to the source is an effective way to achieve similar effects at a much lower cost!
NOTE:
We're talking about natural and pure baking soda here. There are a couple of other types of bicarbonate that are sometimes confused with pure baking soda. For example, baking powder which is a mixture of baking soda, some type of acid, and usually corn or potato starch.
26 ways to use baking soda!
Here follows our list of ways to use baking soda, divided into three categories.
Body care
Non-toxic cleaning
Other tips
We hope you find inspiration to use more baking soda in your daily life and thereby save money, the environment, and space in your home!
Baking soda in body care
1. Mouthwash
Simple mouthwash that neutralizes odor and balances the mouth's pH. Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda, plus optionally a drop of peppermint oil, in a small glass of water. Rinse for a short while and then spit out.
2. Deodorant
Baking soda absorbs and neutralizes foul-smelling acids very effectively and works excellently as a deodorant. Mix it with a little coconut oil and, if desired, an essential oil that you like (and know your skin tolerates) for a perfect deodorant cream.
3. Body scrub
Mix 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Scrub gently in a circular motion and then rinse clean.
4. Therapeutic bath
Mix 1-2 dl of baking soda in your bathwater for a neutralizing and healing bath. Combine with magnesium salt for a complete relaxing spa experience.
5. Insect bites
Make a paste of water and baking soda and apply as a salve to the itchy area. Incredibly effective against irritating insect bites.
6. Pamper your feet
Soaking your feet in a baking soda solution helps to calm and soften tired feet. Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda in a foot bath with warm water and enjoy!
7. Baby care
Add two tablespoons of baking soda to your baby's bathwater to help soothe diaper rash.
Baking soda in cleaning
8. Keep brushes and combs clean
Excellent for naturally removing oils and other buildup on combs and hairbrushes. Just wash them in a solution of water and baking soda (about 1 tsp baking soda to 2 dl water). Rinse and let dry.
9. Cheap and effective cleaning in bathrooms and kitchens
Sprinkle a little baking soda in bathtubs, sinks or on tiles and then wipe with a clean damp cloth. Rinse and dry. You can also make a paste by mixing water and baking soda and use with a brush or cloth.
10. Simple floor cleaner
Mix 1 dl of baking soda in a bucket of warm water to scrub floors clean. It doesn't get any simpler!
11. Natural oven cleaning
Sprinkle baking soda over surfaces that are especially tough to clean in your oven or microwave. Spray with a water bottle over the powder. Let it work overnight and scrub clean the next day. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.
12. Polish silver
Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water and use as a really effective, ecological silver polish.
13. Improve your laundry detergent
Adding 0.5 dl of baking soda to your laundry helps soften the water, making clothes cleaner, fresher, and softer. Add it to the compartment along with your detergent and enjoy the results! It also removes unwanted odors.
14. Dissolve grease stains
Sprinkle baking soda on oil and grease stains – on clothes, furniture, and walls/floors. Let it work for a while and then scrub with a wet brush.
15. Drain unclogger
Forget toxic chemicals. Use baking soda and vinegar to clear your drain. Sprinkle plenty of baking soda down the drain, pour in a few tablespoons of vinegar and a little boiling water. Let it work for 15 minutes and then rinse away. Use a plunger if needed.
16. Toilet cleaning
Add a cup of baking soda to the toilet and leave it for an hour before flushing. It will clean the toilet and absorb odors.
17. Deodorize cutting boards
You really want to make sure your cutting board is clean to avoid buildup of bacteria and unwanted odor. Just sprinkle with baking soda, scrub, rinse.
18. Neutralize odors in the refrigerator
Place an open container (cup, box, or plastic container) at the back of the refrigerator for an excellent way to absorb odors. Be sure to replace with fresh baking soda at least every other month. Works in the same way to keep the air fresh in your closet too!
19. Neutralize odor in household trash
Just sprinkle a little baking soda in the bottom of the trash can to keep bad odors away.
20. Remove odor from your old carpet
Sprinkle baking soda on your carpet and let it work overnight. Vacuum it up and voilà, it smells like new again!
Other uses
21. Keep flowers fresh longer
Keep cut flowers fresh longer by adding a teaspoon of baking soda to the water in the vase.
22. Prevent stomach gas
Mix a teaspoon of baking soda in the water when soaking beans to prevent gas and improve digestion.
23. Wash vegetables and fruits
Mix a couple of tablespoons of baking soda with water in a bowl. Wash your fruits and vegetables in the solution, then rinse with clean water. Much more effective against dirt, bacteria, and potential pesticides than just water alone.
24. Keep ants away
Mix equal parts of baking soda and salt. Then sprinkle the mixture where you see ants entering your house.
25. Clean gym bags and training shoes
Just sprinkle a little baking soda in your shoes or in your bag to absorb unwanted odor. Simply shake it out (outdoors!) when you're ready to use them again.
26. Clean windshield wipers
If your windshield wipers are leaving streaks, it may be time to clean them. Use baking soda and a damp cloth to scrub them clean and remove anything that has stuck to them. Baking soda for cleaning is a useful agent in the home.
Find food grade baking soda for cooking here. Food grade ingredient – approved food additive.
Read more about tips related to baking soda:
Household tips for summer ailments
Detox your home
Guide to non-toxic cleaning
