Did you know that baking soda can be used for everything from dental, hair, and body care to silver polishing and drain clearing?
Did you also know that it is cheap, 100% biodegradable, and harmless to both people and the environment? Here we have gathered 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 a short form of 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 and 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 mild disinfecting effect.
- It is natural and completely non-toxic for both people and nature.
In short, baking soda can be used for non-toxic and eco-friendly cleaning, in various types of organic body care, as well as for odor neutralization and disinfecting all kinds of surfaces and spaces.
In fact, baking soda is probably an ingredient in products you already use. Going straight to the source is an effective way to achieve similar effects at a much lower cost!
NOTE: We are talking here about natural and pure baking soda. There are a couple of other types of baking soda 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 is 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, saving money, the environment, and space at home!
Baking soda in body care
1. Mouthwash
Simple mouthwash that neutralizes odor and balances the mouth's pH. Mix 1 tsp 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 unpleasant acids very effectively and works excellently as a deodorant. Mix, for example, with a little coconut oil and, if desired, an essential oil you like (and know your skin tolerates) to create a perfect deodorant cream.
3. Body Scrub
Mix 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Gently scrub in a circular motion and then rinse clean.
4. Therapeutic Bath
Dissolve 1-2 dl baking soda in bathwater for a neutralizing and healing bath. Preferably combined with magnesium salt for a complete relaxing spa experience.
5. Insect Bites
Make a paste of water and baking soda and apply as an ointment to itchy areas. Incredibly effective against irritating insect bites.
6. Pamper Your Feet
Soaking feet in a baking soda solution helps calm and soften tired feet. Mix 3 tablespoons baking soda in a warm foot bath and enjoy!
7. Baby Care
Add two tablespoons of baking soda to your child’s bathwater to help soothe diaper rash.
Baking Soda in Cleaning
8. Keep Brushes and Combs Clean
Excellent for naturally removing oils and 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 Bathroom and Kitchen Cleaner
Sprinkle some baking soda in the bathtub, on sinks, or tiles, 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 baking soda in a bucket of warm water to scrub floors clean. It doesn’t get any easier!
11. Natural Oven Cleaner
Sprinkle baking soda over tough-to-clean surfaces in the oven or microwave. Spray with water over the powder. Let it sit overnight and scrub clean the next day. Rinse thoroughly and dry well.
12. Polish Silver
Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water and use as a highly effective, eco-friendly silver polish.
13. Boost Your Detergent
Adding 0.5 dl baking soda to your laundry helps soften the water, making clothes cleaner, fresher, and softer. Put it in the compartment with your detergent and enjoy the results! Also removes unwanted odors.
14. Remove Grease Stains
Sprinkle baking soda on oil and grease stains – on clothes, furniture, and walls/floors. Let it sit for a while, then scrub with a wet brush.
15. Drain Cleaner
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 some boiling water. Let it work for 15 minutes, 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 bacteria buildup and unwanted odors. Just sprinkle with baking soda, scrub, rinse.
18. Neutralize Odors in the Refrigerator
Place an open container (cup, carton, or plastic jar) at the back of the fridge for an excellent way to absorb odors. Be sure to replace the baking soda at least every two months. Works the same way to keep the air fresh in your closet!
19. Neutralize Odors in Household Trash
Just sprinkle a little baking soda at the bottom of the trash bin to keep bad odors away.
20. Remove Odors from Your Old Carpet
Sprinkle baking soda on your carpet and let it sit overnight. Then 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. Avoid Stomach Gas
Dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in the water when soaking beans to prevent gas and improve digestion.
23. Wash Vegetables and Fruit
Mix a couple of tablespoons of baking soda with water in the sink. Wash your fruits and vegetables in the solution, then rinse with clean water. Much more effective against dirt, bacteria, and any pesticides than just water.
24. Keep Ants Away
Mix equal parts baking soda and salt. Then sprinkle the mixture where you see ants entering the house.
25. Clean Your Gym Bag and Workout Shoes
Just sprinkle a little baking soda in your shoes or bag to absorb unwanted odors. Just shake out (outside!) when you’re ready to use them again.
26. Clean the Windshield Wipers
If your windshield wipers leave streaks, it might be time to clean them. Use baking soda and a damp cloth to scrub them clean and remove everything stuck on them.
Baking soda for cleaning is a useful household product.
Baking soda for cooking. Food-grade – approved food additive.
Read more about tips related to baking soda:
Housewife Tips for Summer Ailments
Detox Your Home
Guide to Non-Toxic Cleaning
