15 Brilliant Baking Soda Tricks Everyone Should Know

Baking soda is one of those inexpensive household staples that deserves far more attention than it usually gets. Most people know it as a baking ingredient, but this simple white powder can also be surprisingly useful around the home.

From freshening unpleasant odors to helping lift everyday grime, baking soda tricks can make ordinary household tasks easier without requiring a cabinet full of specialized products.

What makes baking soda particularly appealing is its versatility. It is mildly abrasive, can help neutralize odors, and can be combined with other common household ingredients for a variety of practical uses.

However, it is important to remember that baking soda is not suitable for every surface or cleaning task. Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions, test a small inconspicuous area first, and avoid mixing cleaning ingredients indiscriminately.

Ready to discover some clever ways to use it? Here are 15 brilliant baking soda tricks everyone should know.

1. Freshen a Smelly Refrigerator

A refrigerator can develop unpleasant odors from leftover food, spills, or strongly scented ingredients.

One of the simplest baking soda tricks is to place an open container of baking soda inside the refrigerator. Baking soda can help neutralize certain odors, making the fridge smell fresher.

For best results, replace the baking soda periodically and clean the refrigerator regularly rather than relying on it to eliminate the source of an odor.

2. Deodorize Carpets

Carpets can trap odors from pets, food, shoes, and everyday household activity.

For a simple deodorizing treatment, lightly sprinkle baking soda over a dry carpet. Allow it to sit for a while before thoroughly vacuuming it up.

Always check your carpet manufacturer’s recommendations first and test a hidden area, particularly if the carpet is delicate or made from natural fibers.

The goal is to freshen the carpet rather than saturate it with powder.

3. Freshen Shoes

Shoes can develop odors because moisture and bacteria accumulate inside them.

A small amount of baking soda can help freshen shoes between washes. Sprinkle a little inside the shoes and leave it overnight. Shake or vacuum out the powder before wearing them.

For delicate footwear, check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions before using any powder or cleaning product.

4. Clean a Kitchen Sink

Baking soda can be useful for tackling everyday residue around a kitchen sink.

Sprinkle a modest amount over a damp sink and gently scrub with a soft sponge or cloth. The mild abrasiveness can help loosen ordinary grime without requiring an aggressive cleaner.

Rinse thoroughly afterward and dry the surface.

Avoid using abrasive cleaning methods on delicate finishes that can scratch easily.

5. Help Remove Food Odors From Containers

Plastic food containers can sometimes retain the smell of garlic, onions, curry, sauces, or other strongly flavored foods.

Try washing the container normally and then making a paste from baking soda and a small amount of water. Apply it to the interior, allow it to sit briefly, and rinse thoroughly.

For stubborn odors, repeating the process may be more effective than using a large amount of baking soda at once.

6. Freshen a Garbage Bin

Even when garbage is removed regularly, trash cans can develop unpleasant smells.

After cleaning and drying the bin, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda in the bottom before adding a new liner.

This simple habit can help manage everyday odors between cleanings.

For the best results, clean the bin itself whenever necessary, especially if liquid or food residue has leaked into it.

7. Clean Greasy Kitchen Surfaces

Baking soda can help with some everyday kitchen messes because its mild abrasive texture can assist with loosening residue.

Mix baking soda with a little water to create a soft paste. Apply it to a suitable greasy surface and gently scrub with a non-abrasive sponge.

Rinse the area thoroughly afterward.

Do not use this technique automatically on every countertop or appliance. Certain finishes can be scratched or damaged by abrasive products, so always check care instructions first.

8. Freshen Upholstered Furniture

Sofas and fabric-covered chairs can absorb household odors over time.

For suitable, colorfast upholstery, lightly sprinkle baking soda over the dry fabric and leave it for a limited period. Vacuum thoroughly afterward.

Before trying this trick, read the upholstery care label and test the baking soda on a hidden section.

Do not use water or baking soda paste on upholstery unless the manufacturer’s instructions specifically allow it.

9. Give Your Cutting Board a Refresh

Cutting boards can retain food smells, especially after preparing ingredients such as garlic or onions.

After washing the board according to its care instructions, baking soda can be used as part of a gentle deodorizing routine.

Sprinkle a small amount over the surface and gently scrub with a damp sponge before rinsing thoroughly.

Different cutting board materials require different care, so always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

10. Help Clean Coffee and Tea Residue

Mugs can develop brownish stains from repeated coffee or tea use.

Baking soda can help loosen some of this residue. Sprinkle a little into the damp mug, gently scrub with a soft sponge, and rinse thoroughly.

For valuable, decorated, or delicate cups, check the manufacturer’s care instructions before using an abrasive powder.

11. Freshen a Musty Closet

Closets can sometimes develop stale or musty smells, particularly when airflow is limited.

Place an open container of baking soda inside the closet, somewhere stable and away from clothing where it cannot easily spill.

This can help manage certain odors, but persistent mustiness may indicate excess humidity or a moisture problem.

If you notice recurring damp smells, investigate the source rather than simply masking the odor.

12. Clean Residue From Kitchen Appliances

Small appliances can accumulate crumbs, food particles, and residue over time.

A baking soda paste can sometimes help clean suitable removable or washable surfaces. Apply a small amount, gently scrub, and wipe or rinse according to the appliance manufacturer’s instructions.

Never allow water or cleaning paste to enter electrical components, vents, switches, or other areas that should remain dry.

When in doubt, consult the appliance manual before cleaning.

13. Freshen a Mattress

Mattresses can absorb sweat and everyday odors, making them less fresh over time.

One popular baking soda trick is to sprinkle a light layer over the dry mattress surface, leave it for a period, and then vacuum thoroughly using a suitable upholstery attachment.

The baking soda can help with odors, but it does not replace proper mattress cleaning or address stains, allergens, or moisture problems.

Always check the mattress manufacturer’s care instructions.

14. Help Remove Stubborn Food Residue From Pots

Burned or dried food can be difficult to remove from cookware.

For cookware that is compatible with baking soda, add water and a small amount of baking soda and allow the residue to soften before gently scrubbing.

For particularly stubborn buildup, soaking is often preferable to aggressive scraping.

Be especially careful with nonstick, coated, polished, or otherwise delicate cookware. Abrasive cleaning methods can damage certain surfaces.

15. Freshen Household Drains

Baking soda is often mentioned as a household drain-cleaning solution. While it may help with minor odors or residue, it should not be treated as a substitute for proper drain maintenance or professional attention.

For a simple deodorizing approach, you can use a small amount of baking soda followed by water, provided your plumbing and drain manufacturer’s guidance permits it.

If a drain is slow, repeatedly clogged, or producing a persistent sewage-like odor, investigate the underlying problem rather than repeatedly treating it with household ingredients.

Baking Soda Safety Tips You Should Know

Although baking soda is a common household product, “natural” or familiar does not automatically mean that it is suitable for every cleaning job.

Keep these guidelines in mind:

• Test first: Try a small hidden area before cleaning a visible surface.
• Read care instructions: Countertops, fabrics, cookware, appliances, and flooring can have very different cleaning requirements.
• Avoid excessive scrubbing: Baking soda is mildly abrasive and can damage surfaces that scratch easily.
• Keep it dry when necessary: Moisture can cause powder to clump and may complicate cleanup.
• Don’t mix cleaning products randomly: Combining household chemicals can create dangerous reactions.
• Keep cleaning products away from children and pets: Store baking soda and other household products securely.
• Do not use it as a substitute for proper repairs: Persistent odors, mold, leaks, clogged drains, or moisture problems may require a different solution.

Baking Soda vs. Baking Powder: Are They the Same?

No. Baking soda and baking powder are different ingredients.

Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate and is commonly used in baking recipes that contain an acidic ingredient. It is also widely used for household cleaning and deodorizing purposes.

Baking powder contains baking soda along with acidic components and other ingredients designed to produce leavening in baked goods.

Although they may look similar, they should not automatically be substituted for each other in recipes or household applications.

How to Get More From a Box of Baking Soda

If you regularly use baking soda around your home, consider keeping separate supplies for cooking and household cleaning.

Labeling containers clearly can help prevent accidental mix-ups. Store both in a dry location and keep the packaging sealed when not in use.

It is also helpful to remember that baking soda works best as part of a broader cleaning routine. It can help with everyday odors and certain types of residue, but it cannot replace proper washing, disinfecting where appropriate, ventilation, or repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is baking soda commonly used for?

Baking soda is commonly used in cooking and baking, as well as for certain household deodorizing and cleaning tasks.

Does baking soda remove odors?

It can help neutralize or reduce certain odors, particularly in enclosed spaces such as refrigerators, shoes, carpets, and garbage bins. However, persistent odors may have an underlying source that needs to be addressed.

Can baking soda scratch surfaces?

Yes. Although it is relatively mild compared with many abrasive cleaners, baking soda can still scratch some delicate surfaces when scrubbed aggressively.

Can I use baking soda on every countertop?

No. Countertop materials have different care requirements. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions before using baking soda or any abrasive cleaner.

How often should I replace baking soda used for deodorizing?

There is no universal replacement schedule because effectiveness depends on the environment and odor exposure. Replace it when it has been used for an extended period or when you notice it is no longer helping.

Is baking soda the same as a disinfectant?

No. Baking soda should not automatically be considered a disinfectant. If you need to disinfect a surface, use a product and method appropriate for that specific purpose.

Final Thoughts

Baking soda may be inexpensive and simple, but it can be a surprisingly useful addition to your household routine. From helping freshen refrigerators and shoes to loosening everyday grime and reducing unwanted odors, these baking soda tricks offer practical ways to make use of a product many people already have at home.

The key is using it appropriately. Always consider the surface you’re cleaning, follow manufacturer instructions, test first when necessary, and avoid assuming that one cleaning method works everywhere.

Once you understand its strengths and limitations, baking soda can become a handy household staple rather than something that only comes out when you’re making cookies or cakes.

With these 15 ideas, you can put that familiar box of baking soda to work in a variety of simple ways around your home.