Clean a Mattress with Baking Soda
To help freshen and deodorize your mattress, sprinkle the top of the mattress with a thin layer of baking soda. Lit it sit for five to ten minutes before vacuuming it off using the upholstery attachment of your vacuum cleaner.
Clean Shoes with Baking Soda
Keeping your white sneakers sparkling clean is an ongoing challenge. To clean white canvas shoes, combine 1 tablespoon baking soda, 2 tablespoons white vinegar, and 1 cup water. Use a clean toothbrush or cloth to rub the solution onto your shoes, scrubbing away any visible dirt or stains.
Scrub a Stainless Steel Sink with Baking Soda
If your stainless steel sink is coated in layers of grease and grime, baking soda can help. Here’s how: sprinkle the basin with a layer of baking soda, then add a very small amount of water to form a paste. Using a soft cloth or sponge, scrub the sink with the baking soda paste. Follow the complete sink-cleaning instructions here.
Unclog a Drain with Baking Soda
To clear out a drain, try pouring 1/2 cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture foam for 5 minutes, before rinsing with a kettle of boiling water.
Shine Your Silver with Baking Soda
To polish your silver without all the elbow grease, start by washing each piece with warm, soapy water. In a pot, combine 1 quart boiling water, 1/4 cup baking soda, and 2 teaspoons salt. Line a separate pot with aluminum foil, add the silver, and pour in the mixture. Let sit for 5 minutes and watch as the tarnish falls off. Rinse and dry each piece thoroughly.
Remove Stains with Baking Soda
On porcelain and ceramic dishware, baking soda serves as a stain remover. To remove stubborn coffee stains from your favorite mug, mix baking soda with water to form a paste, then use it to scrub away the stains.
Clean a Stovetop with Baking Soda
Scrubbing a stovetop is a balancing act: you want a formula that’s tough enough to remove stuck-on grime, yet gentle enough that it won’t scratch the surface. That’s where baking soda comes in. Mix equal parts baking soda and mild dish soap, plus a few drops of water, to form a paste. Use it to scrub cooked-on food on either a gas or electric stovetop, let sit for 10 minutes, then wipe away.
Clean a Dishwasher with Baking Soda
To remove buildup from the interior of your dishwasher, mix up this homemade spray. Combine 2 tablespoons baking soda and 16 ounces water in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 2 minutes. Carefully transfer to a spray bottle and spritz the inside of the machine before wiping clean with a microfiber cloth. Still have a smelly dishwasher? Try these tips for deodorizing a dishwasher.
Use Baking Soda to Fight Sweat Stains
For stubborn sweat stains on white shirts, follow the advice of Mary Gagliardi, a cleaning expert at the Clorox Company, and saturate the stain with equal parts baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and water. Rinse, then toss the shirt into the washing machine with bleach.
Wash the Inside of Your Refrigerator
In our guide to deep-cleaning a refrigerator, baking soda is one of the secret ingredients. After turning off the appliance and removing the shelves, wash the inside surfaces with a mixture of 2 tablespoons baking soda and 1 quart of warm water. Then rinse with clean water and wipe dry.
How to Use Baking Soda to Remove Oil Stains
If you get an oil-based stain on your upholstered sofa, reach for the box of baking soda. Sprinkle it onto the area and let sit for 15 minutes. Vacuum up the powder before applying a dry-cleaning solvent (such as this one) and allowing it to sit overnight. The next day, apply water, scrub carefully with a toothbrush, and blot with a clean cloth.
