10 ways to use baking soda to freshen up your home

Clean and deodorize your home the frugal way by using the all-purpose cleaner--baking soda.

Photo Credit: Ivo Gretener

Baking soda is probably the most underutilized cleaning product around. It makes sense that it would be, since it is so inexpensive. If everyone caught on to how useful baking soda can be and implemented it for their everyday cleaning needs, several companies would probably go out of business! Baking soda is not only a good choice because it is inexpensive, however. It also does not harm the environment, and does not cause skin irritation or respiratory reactions. Some of the cleaning products on the shelves may seem innocuous, but when you read the labels, you will see all sorts of dire warnings about avoiding skin contact, inducing vomiting if swallowed, removing people to fresh air if dizziness occurs, and the like. Do you really want to worry about these things when you are cleaning your home? There is no need if you use the number one natural cleanser, baking soda.

1. Use it as a cleanser that will freshen whatever surface you are scrubbing. Since it has odor-fighting properties, instead of a chemical smell, your surface will not have any smell at all. It will clean almost any surface, and is the perfect choice for cleaning children's rooms and furniture, as it contains no toxic or irritating ingredients. People with allergies also appreciate baking soda as a cleanser. Simply add a bit to some warm water for an overall cleaning mixture, or sprinkle a bit on a sponge. It is much gentler on persnickety surfaces such as fiberglass than many other scrubs. You can make a more heavy-duty cleanser by combining it in equal measures with borax and salt, which are also economical ingredients.

2. Make a paste of baking soda and bleach and use it to scrub stained grout and caulking. Do not use this mixture on surfaces that are not bleach-safe, however.

3. Keep an open box of baking soda in both your refrigerator and freezer. It will absorb undesirable odors in the refrigerator and freezer, and help to protect the other foods. Replace the boxes every month or so. When you replace the boxes, toss the baking soda down the drain, as it will help maintain your drain functioning.

4. Add baking soda to the cat's litter box. Spread a box on the bottom, and then add the cat litter. This will cut down on the ugly odor that a kitty litter box can have.

5. Use as a polish for silverware. Simply make a small amount of paste using water and baking soda, take a soft cloth and polish away. When you are satisfied with the results, simply rinse and dry thoroughly.

6. Pour baking soda down your garbage disposal every week, and other drains when necessary. It simply can't be beat for its odor-fighting properties. To prevent your drain from becoming clogged, add some vinegar to the baking soda, and pour the mixture down the drain. Definitely a cheaper and more environmentally friendly choice than commercial drain cleaners.

7. Pour some baking soda into a filthy garbage can and add water. Let sit, and scrub out the can. You can use additional baking soda for the scrubbing, if needed. Your can will be as fresh as the day you bought it.

8. Use baking soda as a toilet bowl cleaner. Sprinkle liberally in the bowl, and then use a brush to scrub the toilet as usual. The soda's combination of scrubbing and odor-fighting properties will result in a very clean commode. Also try pouring some into the tank occasionally and letting it sit overnight. This is a great way to keep your toilet fresh, and you never have to get out a brush.

9. For baked-on gunk in a pan, let the pan sit for fifteen minutes or longer with a combination of hot water, baking soda and dish detergent, and then scrub. You will find that you have to use less elbow grease this way.

10. Use baking soda to get pet odors and the smell of smoke out of your carpet. Sprinkle the baking soda liberally on the carpet, and let sit for as long as is feasible. Then vacuum as usual. Your vacuum cleaner bag will get an added dose of freshness as well.

There are myriad other ways that you can use baking soda in your life, both for cleaning and deodorizing. In fact, entire books have been devoted to the subject. It is worth investigating further, since the baking soda you use today will translate into more money in your wallet tomorrow!

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