Baking soda isn’t just for baking. It’s one of the cheapest and most useful items you can keep at home. This simple white powder can clean, freshen, and fix more things than you’d expect. Here are five everyday problems it can solve with ease.
1. Getting Rid of Smells
Unpleasant odours can build up fast — in fridges, shoes, or even bins. Baking soda absorbs smells rather than covering them up.
To freshen your fridge, open a small box of baking soda and leave it inside for a month. It will soak up food odours naturally.
For smelly shoes, sprinkle a spoonful into each one and leave overnight. Shake it out the next day. No more musty scent. You can also use it in bins. Just shake a bit of baking soda at the bottom before adding a new bag. It helps keep smells under control.
2. Cleaning Tough Surfaces
Baking soda makes a gentle but effective cleaner. It can scrub away grime without scratching surfaces.
Mix three parts baking soda with one part water to form a paste. Use it on sinks, worktops, tiles, or even cooker hobs. Rub with a sponge and rinse with warm water.
For burnt pans, sprinkle baking soda over the bottom, add hot water, and leave it for a few hours. The residue will loosen up easily.
It’s also great for cleaning the inside of a microwave. Put a bowl of water with a spoonful of baking soda inside. Heat it for two minutes, then wipe away the softened mess.
Related: Baking Soda Substitute
3. Unclogging Drains
Blocked drains are a pain. Before reaching for harsh chemicals, try baking soda and vinegar — a classic natural fix.
Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain. Follow it with half a cup of white vinegar. It will fizz and bubble. Leave it for 15 minutes, then flush with boiling water. This reaction helps break down grease and food build-up. It’s safe, simple, and doesn’t damage your pipes.
4. Brightening Laundry
Clothes can lose their brightness over time. Baking soda can help revive them and remove stubborn smells.
Add half a cup of baking soda to your usual washing powder. It helps balance the pH level, which boosts the detergent’s power.
For sportswear or towels that smell damp, soak them in warm water with a few spoonfuls of baking soda before washing. They’ll come out fresher and softer.
It’s also safe for baby clothes and anyone with sensitive skin, as it doesn’t leave harsh chemical residue.
5. Keeping Carpets and Upholstery Fresh
Carpets and sofas can trap odours from pets, cooking, or everyday use. Baking soda is a quick fix.
Sprinkle it evenly across your carpet or fabric surface. Leave it for at least 15 minutes — an hour is better. Then vacuum it up. It will lift smells and light dirt as it goes.
For pet beds or fabric cushions, do the same. It’s non-toxic and safe for animals once vacuumed.
A Simple, Safe All-Rounder
Baking soda is non-toxic, affordable, and easy to use. It replaces several chemical cleaners and deodorisers you might already own.
From blocked drains to stubborn smells, this one ingredient does it all. Keep a box in your cupboard — it might be the most versatile thing you own.
