When we think about an all-natural cleanser that cuts through grime and grease, baking soda is the first thing that comes to our mind. Yeah, it is an important ingredient used for making amazing chocolate cakes and cookies, but you can use baking soda for cleaning too. Here, we will discuss some of the uses of baking soda at home. You will be surprised to know how many things can be cleaned by using baking soda. Yes, that small box of white powder in your fridge can do a lot of things. So, what is baking soda?
As per Wikipedia, “Sodium bicarbonate powder or sodium hydrogen carbonate is a chemical compound with NaHCO3 formula. Sodium bicarbonate is a white solid that is crystalline but generally appears as a fine powder. It tastes slightly salty and alkaline. The natural mineral form of baking soda is Nahcolite. It is a component of the mineral natron and is found dissolved in several mineral springs. It is known by different names like bread soda, bicarbonate of soda, and cooking soda. In simple words, it is a kind of salt made by combining two naturally occurring and safe compounds together. These are carbon dioxide and sodium carbonate.
Multiple Uses of Baking Soda
Helps in removing stains from plastic containers
Leftovers leave a mark. To freshen the containers, wipe with a clean cloth sprinkled with baking soda. Or erase tough stains by soaking in a solution of four spoons of baking soda and water.
Clean the refrigerator
It is easy for spills and crumbs to get accumulated in the fridge. You can clean your fridge using a paste of dish soap and baking soda. Make use of a scrub sponge to take up the stubborn spots, then clean the mixture with warm water. Make sure to microwave the sponge for two minutes after use to keep harboring germs away.
Clean the store-bought vegetables and fruits
One of the most important uses of baking soda is to clean vegetables and fruits. Mixed with water, baking soda can help in removing the dirt and the wax coating.
Scrub the kitchen surfaces
Nearly all the dirty spots in your kitchen can benefit from baking soda treatment. Mix it with water to clean the countertops, microwaves, stainless steel sinks, cooking utensils, and range hoods.
Clean extra greasy pans and dishes
Give baked-on food the punch by dialing your dish soap with some baking soda. To dissolve stuck-on grease, mix baking soda in hot water and using a scrub sponge clean the dirt.
Clean your oven with Baking soda
A dirty oven can be a serious cleaning challenge. Avoid harsh chemicals and toxic smells by cleaning it with baking soda and vinegar. Make a thick paste by mixing vinegar and baking soda. Spread this paste on the floor walls and the oven door with the help of a brush. Let the paste sit for nearly 24 hours, keeping it moist with water or vinegar periodically. This paste will soften the burnt-on food materials and it will also make scrubbing the oven easier. Wipe away the paste with the help of a cloth or sponge, then turn on the oven to nearly 100 degrees F. Leave it for an hour to soften the leftover residue. Turn off the oven, then when it cools down, spritz any of the stubborn areas using vinegar and clean.
Clean a slow cooker
Getting caked-on food out of the slow cooker does not have to be a headache anymore. Just fill your pot with water, add ¼ cup of baking soda and cook for about three to four hours. This heated mixture will soften any crusty residue. After a few hours, pour the water, and then lightly dust the inside of your pot with baking soda and scrub it well. With a clean damp cloth, wipe the pot. You are now all set to make your next recipe.
Clean tarnished silver ornaments
Line up a pan with aluminum foil and keep the silver pieces on the top of this foil. Next, boil a pot of water, and then turn off the heat. Add baking soda into it and mix well. Once the chemical reaction starts, a foam is formed. Next, pour the mixture of baking soda over the tarnished pieces, and leave them for nearly 10 minutes. This reaction changes the tarnish to silver, whereas the sulfur attaches itself to the aluminum foil. Allow the chemical reaction to do wonders. When the silver pieces are ready, you must remove them using tongs, then wash and dry the piece using a clean towel. Lightly, buff every single piece to a sparkle.
Deodorize upholstery
Remove smells from the soft and cushy places around your house by sprinkling some baking soda, allow it for 15 minutes, then using a vacuum cleaner vacuum. This method can also be used to freshen up the mattresses between the cleaning process.
Naturally, fight the effects of your little one’s dirty hands by cleaning them with a sponge dipped in a mixture of water and baking soda.Give your old toys a new look
Deodorize front-load washer
This is one of the important uses of baking soda. Front-load washing machines look great. They are more efficient and use less detergent compared to a traditional top-loading washing machine. They are prone to smelling funky with time. Pour a half cup of baking soda in the detergent cup, then run the wash cycle with hot water to reduce the soap scum and deodorize the washing machine. A clean machine makes sure that your clothes smell its best, so make sure you deep clean it every month.
Baking soda for cleaning toilets
For cleaning the toilets, you will need a ½ cup of baking soda, 1 cup vinegar, and ½ cup of Borax. Pour the vinegar on the stains, then sprinkle some baking soda or borax mixture. Allow it to sit for nearly 20 minutes, then scrub and clean.
Baking soda for cleaning carpet stains
If you have got a spot on your carpet or rug, sprinkle baking soda and baking powder. This will absorb the excess moisture. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, then clean it using a vacuum cleaner. Next, clean the stain with a combination of 1 cup warm water and 1 tablespoon vinegar. Clean the outside edges first. Blot till the stain is shifted from the rug or carpet to the cloth, and then allow it to dry.
Clean cutting boards
Getting rid of food smells like onion and garlic is difficult. The wooden cutting board gets smelly fast as the wood absorbs smell faster than the ceramic and plastic boards. However, you can get rid of the foul smell by scrubbing the board with a solution of baking soda and water.
Clean you water bottles
Is your plastic water bottle smelling stale? You can get rid of this smell by putting 2 tsp of baking soda in the water bottle and fill it with water. Leave overnight to get rid of this smell. Wash well before you start using the bottle again.
De-clog the drain using baking soda
Clean a clogged drain by pouring a ½ cup of baking soda and ½ cup of vinegar. Cover it with a wet cloth. Wait for about five minutes, and then flush with hot water.
Get rid of garbage odors
Put some baking soda and baking powder in the bottom of your garbage can to fight stinks. The components in baking soda as well as baking powder will fight the bad smell in the garbage can.
From deodorizing to cleaning, there are multiple uses of baking soda. Start using baking soda for cleaning and you will be amazed!