11 Genius Ways to Clean With Baking Soda

What if I told you that one $1 box from your pantry could replace a dozen expensive cleaning products under your sink?

Like cleaning with vinegar, baking soda is a cleaning powerhouse that’s safer, cheaper, and often more effective than expensive commercial cleaners.

In this article, we’ll show you the many ways we use baking soda to clean and freshen things around our home.

These hacks have been game changers!

1. Remove Pesticide Residues from Produce

This is the most effective, science-backed way to wash your fruits and veggies and it’s simple to do:

1. In a very large bowl/container (based on how much veggies and fruits you want to wash), mix 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda per cup of water
2. Soak your veggies and fruits for 12-15 minutes
3. Rinse thoroughly

This method is more effective than commercial produce washes and costs just pennies per use.

We show you exactly how in this other article (which has an instructional video as well!)

2. Deodorize and Deep Clean Your Refrigerator

Remove all food items and create a paste using 3 tablespoons of baking soda mixed with 1 tablespoon of water.

Scrub all surfaces, including shelves and drawers, then wipe clean with a damp cloth. Place an open box of baking soda in the back to absorb ongoing odors for up to three months.

3. Eliminate Carpet Stains and Odors

For carpet spills, clean up the excess liquid and then sprinkle baking soda over the area.

Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to absorb moisture and odors, then vacuum.

For older stains, create a paste with baking soda and water, work it into the stain, let dry completely, then vacuum.

4. Clean and Freshen Your Mattress

Strip your bed and sprinkle baking soda evenly across the entire mattress surface.

For extra freshness, add a few drops of essential oil to the baking soda before sprinkling.

Let it sit for several hours or overnight, then vacuum it up very well.

5. Scrub Away Burnt-On Food from Pots and Pans

For stubborn, burnt-on residue, fill the pan with water and add 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

Let cool, then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge.

This works because alkaline properties of baking soda help break down carbonized food particles.

6. Unclog and Deodorize Drains

Contrary to popular belief, vinegar and baking soda are not effective cleaners when combined together, except for helping unclog drains.

They aren’t extremely strong drain cleaners but they will help loosen debris and eliminate odors naturally.

Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain with a plug or cloth for 15-30 minutes as the mixture fizzes and works.

7. Remove Crayon Marks and Scuffs From Walls

Create a paste using baking soda and a small amount of water. Using a soft cloth or sponge, gently rub the paste onto crayon marks, scuff marks, or fingerprints.

The abrasive nature of rubbing with the baking soda will remove the marks without damaging the paint!

8. Deep Clean Your Oven

Remove oven racks and create a paste using 1/2 cup baking soda mixed with 3 tablespoons of water.

Spread this paste inside the oven without touching any of the heating elements.

Let it sit overnight, then scrape away the paste and wipe clean.

For stubborn spots, spray with vinegar and let sit for a while before final wiping.

9. Brighten and Deodorize Laundry

Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your regular laundry detergent to boost cleaning power and neutralize odors. This is especially effective for athletic wear, cloth diapers, or any items with persistent smells. Baking soda also help keep whites clean and prevent colors from fading.

10. Clean and Deodorize Your Dishwasher

Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda in the bottom of your empty dishwasher and run a hot water cycle.

This helps removes grease buildup, soap scum, and any questionable smells.

Do this monthly and consider alternating with a vinegar rinse the following week.

11. Absorb Oil Stains from Garage Floors and Driveways

For fresh oil spills, immediately cover with a generous layer of baking soda. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the oil, then sweep or vacuum up the powder.

For older stains, create a paste with baking soda and dish soap, scrub with a stiff brush, let sit for 30 minutes, then rinse with hot water.

More Pro Tips

Storage: Keep your baking soda in a cool, dry place. Replace it every two years or every three months if using an open box as a deodorizer.

Test First: Always test baking soda cleaning methods on areas you’re unsure of first, especially delicate fabrics or surfaces.

Don’t Mix: Like I mentioned earlier, mixing baking soda with acidic cleaners(except vinegar for drain cleaning) neutralizes its effectiveness.

Fresh is Best: The fresher the baking soda, the more powerful as a cleaner. Use fresh baking soda rather than the box that’s been sitting in your refrigerator.

The Bottom Line

So why is baking soda so effective?

To put it simply, the alkaline properties help break down acids and neutralize odors.

And since it is only $1 a box, it’s one of the most cost-effective cleaning solutions available!

Let me know if you have any questions or baking soda hacks of your own!