In addition to being one of my all-time MVPs of cleaning ingredients, there are many other baking soda uses for all sorts of useful purposes, from beauty to hygiene and beyond! If you’ve ever wondered why baking soda is considered so useful, what exactly baking soda is used for, or how to make the most of it as a household product, you’ve come to the right place!
In this post, you’ll learn just about everything there is to know about baking soda. We’ll begin by exploring the various properties and benefits of baking soda, after which we’ll cover the many practical ways you can use it around the house.
Baking Soda Basics & FAQs
What Is Baking Soda?
This inconspicuous white powder is actually an alkaline salt, known for the fizzy reaction that takes place when it’s mixed with an acidic ingredient like vinegar or lemon juice. As the reaction fizzes, it produces carbon dioxide gas, making it useful as a leavening agent in baked goods (just like baking powder!)
Baking soda has a variety of health benefits, as well as various other properties that make it useful around the house. Commercial baking soda is typically made from soda ash or a mineral called trona, which is found in huge quantities in Wyoming. The soda ash is combined with carbon dioxide to make baking soda.
What’s the Difference Between Baking Powder and Baking Soda?
Yes, there is a difference between baking powder and baking soda. While both substances can be used for leavening, baking soda is pure sodium bicarbonate. To make baking soda work as a leavening agent when you’re baking, it needs to be mixed with an acid like vinegar, cocoa powder, or buttermilk.
The main difference between baking soda and baking powder is that the latter already contains an acid, usually in the form of cream of tartar. (Some baking powders also contain cornstarch and other ingredients.) Baking powder may be more convenient, but baking soda also promotes browning, so some baking recipes call for both!
Find out how baking soda differs from other powders in my guide to the differences between baking soda, washing soda, and borax!
Many Names, Many Useful Properties
Because baking soda (also known as sodium bicarbonate or bicarbonate of soda) is alkaline, it can help to neutralize many of the acidic chemical compounds responsible for unpleasant odors. It’s also highly absorbent, a great laundry booster (similar to washing soda and borax), and an abrasive scouring powder, helping to scrub away grime while being gentle enough to use as a facial exfoliant.
Plenty of people keep an open box of baking soda in the fridge to control odors, but there are so many other places you can use it! I use baking soda as a cleaning agent all over the house (with glass and wood being two of the rare exceptions). Check out 34 of the best tips for using baking soda below!
34 Practical Household Uses for Baking Soda
1. Freshen Carpets
Sprinkle baking soda onto your carpets to absorb moisture and eliminate odors. Let it sit for 15 minutes before vacuuming it up. For a pleasant scent, stir a bit of cinnamon or a few drops of essential oils into the baking soda before using it on carpets. (This is a great tip for those with pets at home — just be sure to keep them out of the area until you’re done!)
2. Erase Marks from Painted Surfaces
You can use baking soda to erase marks on painted furniture, and even remove crayon from your walls! Just sprinkle baking soda onto a damp sponge, rub lightly until the stain is gone, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
3. Freshen Smelly Shoes
One of the best uses for baking soda is absorbing and eliminating odor from stinky shoes. It takes just seconds to make a baking soda sachet that helps remove stinky shoe odor overnight!
4. Remove Corrosion from Batteries
Since it’s alkaline, you can use baking soda to remove the acidic corrosion on car batteries and other batteries. Create a paste by mixing baking soda and a bit of water, then disconnect the battery and apply the paste to corroded areas and scrub. Remove the paste and corrosion with a damp cloth, then swipe a bit of vaseline on the terminals to keep them clean.
5. Clean Grout
Grimy grout lines? Make a simple grout cleaner by combining baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to form a paste. Apply the mixture to dirty grout and scrub with an old toothbrush.
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6. Exfoliate Skin Gently
Before shaving or applying self-tanner, scrub off any dead skin cells with a baking soda paste — about 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Gently rub the paste on your skin in circular motions to exfoliate, then rinse clean for perfectly prepped skin!
7. Make Washing Soda
Washing soda is a powerful laundry booster (it’s in my homemade laundry detergent for a reason!), but it also comes in handy for removing stains, scouring dishes, and more! And while you can usually buy washing soda in stores, it’s also surprisingly easy to make washing soda using baking soda — all you need is a baking sheet and an oven.
8. Soothe Diaper Rash
If your baby is suffering from a diaper rash, a baking soda bath can help! Add 1/4 cup baking soda to your baby’s bath water to help soothe the skin and clear up the redness.
9. Dry and Deodorize Wet Mattresses
Speaking of little ones, baking soda can help you dry and deodorize mattresses after a bed-wetting incident. Use towels to soak up as much moisture as you can from the mattress, then sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the entire damp area and let it sit for two hours.
The baking soda will not only draw out the remaining moisture in the mattress, but it will also eliminate odors and leave it smelling fresher. When the baking soda dries out, vacuum it up, then spritz the mattress with a solution of equal parts water and vinegar.
10. Freshen Mattresses
Regular baking soda treatments can help keep your mattress fresh over time, too. Just sprinkle baking soda evenly over your mattress, let it sit for an hour, and then vacuum it up to get rid of unwanted odors, dust mites, and moisture.
11. Preserve the Color of Cooked Veggies
When cooking green vegetables, add a pinch of baking soda to the water and then bring to a boil as usual. The baking soda will help preserve the veggies’ bright green color as they cook.
12. Remove Burnt Food From Pots & Pans
To remove burnt food from a pot or pan, fill it with water, add a bit of baking soda, and bring it to a simmer on your stovetop. Let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the food residue to soften up, and you’ll be able to remove it much more easily!
13. Remove Carpet Stains
Use baking soda to help treat and remove carpet stains. Blot the spill with a towel to soak up as much of the liquid as you can, then spray the area with water and sprinkle baking soda over the top. Let it sit until the baking soda dries, then vacuum.
14. Deodorize Food Storage Containers
Do you re-use plastic food containers? Deodorize them in between uses with baking soda sprinkled on a clean, damp sponge. For even tougher odors, soak items in a solution of 1/4 cup of baking soda and one quart of warm water.
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15. Make Extra Fluffy Omelets
Make your morning omelet extra fluffy by adding a small amount of baking soda! Just add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda for every 3 eggs in your omelet(s).
16. Clean Grimy Tub Jets
To clean and deodorize jets in a jetted tub, fill the bath to a few inches above the jets, add two cups of baking soda, then run the jets for about 10 minutes. Drain the grimy water, refill the tub with clean water, then run the jets for another 10 minutes.
(As someone with a jetted tub, this is one of my favorite uses for baking soda! I’ve tried a LOT of methods for cleaning tub jets, and this one works better than any of them.
17. ‘Dry Clean’ Stuffed Animals
Risking your child’s favorite stuffed animal by putting it through the wash may be more trouble than it’s worth! Instead, use baking soda to “dry clean” those precious stuffed animals and remove odors, body oils, and more!
Place a stuffed animal in a large ziplock bag (or trash bag, depending on the size.) Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the bag, tie it off, then give the bag a good shake and let it sit for 30 minutes. Afterward, use your vacuum’s upholstery attachment to remove any excess baking soda from the animal, and you’re done!
18. Deodorize Smelly Drains
Have a smelly drain in your kitchen sink or bathtub? Sprinkle baking soda down the drain, pour some vinegar in, then quickly put a stopper into or over the drain.
The fizzy reaction will eat away at grease, food deposits, soap scum, and other grime that can cause odors. Flush the drain with boiling water afterwards to clear out the loosened gunk.
19. Clean Stained Mugs
Use baking soda to erase stubborn tea and coffee stains from your favorite mugs. Simply sprinkle a bit of baking soda inside a wet mug to make a paste and scrub!
20. Boost Your Bath Water
Add a handful of baking soda to your bath water to soften rough skin. (And if you normally use bubble bath, the baking soda will also result in super sudsy bubbles!)
21. Keep Flowers Fresh
Keep fresh-cut flowers alive longer by adding a teaspoon of baking soda to the vase of water.
22. Wash Fresh Produce
Use baking soda to wash away dirt and chemicals from your fresh produce. Fill your sink or a large bowl with cold water, dissolve a few tablespoons of baking soda in the water, then soak your veggies in the water for 10 minutes. Rinse under clean water before drying. (And by the way, you don’t need to wash pre-washed greens and lettuce!)
23. Kill Insects
Baking soda is a safe and effective way to get rid of ants. Just mix baking soda and powdered sugar, then sprinkle it in corners or cupboards where insects are present.
24. Dishwasher Booster
Adding baking soda to your dishwasher is an easy way to get cleaner dishes and a cleaner dishwasher in one! Just add a couple of teaspoons of baking soda to your dishwasher along with your usual detergent. Baking soda is also a featured ingredient in my highly effective homemade dishwasher detergent.
25. Remove Brown Stains From Sheet Pans
A paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide is one of the only things I found that can actually remove stubborn stains from sheet pans. (As a bonus, it’s also a powerhouse combination for fighting bathroom stains!)
26. Brighten Dingy Nails
Use a paste of three parts baking soda and one part water to brighten your manicure! Use a damp cloth to rub the mixture over your hands and fingers in a gentle, circular motion to exfoliate and smooth your skin. Rinse clean with warm water and apply polish as usual.
27. Eliminate Musty Smells From Towels
Towels can easily develop an unpleasant mildew smell, but you can fix smelly towels easily with baking soda and vinegar. A vinegar wash followed by a baking soda wash will kick those odors to the curb! The powerful combination of baking soda and vinegar can be used to clean a lot of things around the house.
28. Brighten Grey Hair Naturally
The occasional baking soda treatment can brighten gray hair naturally by removing buildup from body oil and hair products. Just mix equal parts of baking soda and shampoo and massage it into your hair. Let it work for a couple of minutes, then rinse and condition. (Do this only as needed to avoid drying out your scalp!)
29. Fight Bad Breath
A baking soda and water mouth rinse can neutralize the acidity of plaque, which can contribute to bad breath. Just rinse your mouth with 1 teaspoon of baking soda per quarter cup of water. Swish good and hard to get out any little food particles that might be hiding in nooks and crannies.
30. Make Baking Powder
Make your own baking powder at home is as simple as mixing 1 part baking soda with 2 parts cream of tartar. As an added bonus, the resulting baking powder is fully gluten free, unlike some brands you’ll find in stores.
31. Prevent Garbage Odors
Keep kitchen and bathroom trash cans smelling fresh with the help of baking soda! Just sprinkle a small amount of baking soda into your trash bag every once in a while, or sprinkle a handful of baking soda on the bottom of the empty receptacle before lining it with a new bag.
32. Put Out Kitchen Fires
Grease fires can quickly get out of control in a kitchen, and putting water on them can actually make it worse! When you’re cooking with oil or grease, keep a pan lid and a box of baking soda nearby. If a grease fire starts, immediately put the lid on the pan and smother the flames with baking soda.
What other uses for baking soda would you add to this list?
I use baking soda and water to clean my glass top stove.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use baking soda-water paste as a face wash/scrub every morning and evening. The I do a vinegar and water solution as a toner afterward. My face is very soft and it the vinegar gets rid of dark spots!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I need to try this!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use BS for a scrub, but didn’t think abt vinegar and H20 for a toner! I’ll try it.
What kind of vinegar and what is the ratio of vinegar and water? Sounds great!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Apple Cider Vinegar is what I use – a ratio of about 1 ACV to 2 water. Try it! It’s really helped calm down the redness in my face, and made my T-zone less oily.
What is your water/baking soda ratio and also what vinegar do you use/ratio as well? I have been wanting to do this but have heard of different ways and types of vinegar!!
Thanks
Please log in or create a free account to comment.You can use distilled white vinegar, as well, and the ACV with the “mother” in it.
Jillee, also use peroxide and soda to soak and scrub off burned on messes.
My neighbor sprinkles baking soda on her dollar weeds…does something that kills the dollar weeds or at least makes them weak and helps the grass!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have that exact dish of corning ware and just yesterday I was thinking that I needed to look up a way to get the burn off. THANK YOU!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I think I’ve used all of those tips except the UTI tip. I don’t have that problem, but I know some who do. That’s a good one to keep in the “home remedy” file.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Ummm… I gotta say something. Please don’t use this as a treatment for a urinary tract infection. UTIs are caused by bacteria, and oral ingestion of a basic (high pH) solution is not gonna do it for you. Think about it- the bicarb (baking soda) you are drinking is neutralizing the acid in your stomach- which is necessary for digestion and immunity. Then it is absorbed in the intestines and being distributed over your ENTIRE body, before it is filtered through the liver and kidneys. If you’re sensitive to sodium, it could raise your blood pressure. Without knowing the concentration of the solution you’re drinking, it could also alter the pH of your blood (which can be a very big deal, trust me) or cause kidney damage-especially if you’re a little older. There are much better ways to treat UTIs-Antibiotics for instance. Acidic urine is NOT the problem! If you MUST self treat, at least try pure cranberry juice (unsweetened) first- there are some good studies to show that this can work if done consistently. It is worth noting that there are other conditions besides UTIs that will cause pain, urgency and hesitancy (difficulty peeing) in women, including cystocele (prolapsed bladder), interstitial urethritis and others. And a word about prevention- Empty your bladder after sex, wipe front to back so you don’t drag “bad” bacteria toward the Cave of Wonders and your urethra and, if UTIs are a problem for you, skip the bubble bath and wear cotton undies. Please, ladies…
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Diana, RN
If you hadn’t said it Diana, I would have. Think about it..the one OTC that most of us use is cranberry juice which is ACIDIC. The best thing that I’ve found is to drink lots of water and see my doc.
Further to UTI infections – forget about being colour conscious in your bathroom – use plain white toilet paper without colour designs and if you use panty liners – forget the deodorised ones – use plain ones. I love the way we’ve drifted from the original Bicarb remedies – VBG.
Take vitamin c, it acidifies the urine and works pretty quickly to stop the pain. If you can take 500 milligrams first and then less every two or three hours for a while. Drink plenty of water take cranberry pills or juice without added sugar — not the cocktail juice drink— and some vitamin after to heal irritation in bladder.
Thanks so much for posting this Diana!
Yes antibiotics are the first choice for a UTI. Unless its 1 a.m. when the problem makes itself known and you don’t have cranberry juice handy. No — baking soda won’t cure a UTI, but it might make you a bit more comfortable until you can get in to a doctor (because they can’t prescribe over the phone even though most of us are big girls and know exactly what the problem is). I would chance raising my blood pressure and all that other stuff for a few hours until the med center opened.
D-Mannose is the “active ingredient” in cranberry juice that will cure a lot of UTIs. It is a supplement and can be purchased online or most health food stores. Saves you from having to suffer through the very bitter taste of unsweetened cranberry juice. It is mostly tasteless and comes in capsules or loose powder. I also like the NOW brand cranberry concentrate with Uva Ursi that is in capsule form. I have been prone to UTIs since I was a kid and these are the two best things I have found to knock them out quickly and not have to take unnecessary antibiotics. You must start using the supplements at the very first sign of UTI and continue for a couple days after symptoms disappear.
Thank you, Diana, for being the brave soul and bringing the information forward. I have always had severed UTIs and kidney infections, until I lost a kidney 15 years ago. The pain is indescribable. I never did the baking soda cocktail, but did the cranberry juice and yogurt. I did, however, soak in a tepid bath with baking soda added, but that was more to relieve pain until the meds kicked in. As much as I love and want to go natural with healing, it is best to see a doctor for UTIs and kidney related problems. Thank you, again.
I don’t have that problem either but I’ve used that for heartburn. Works like a charm, almost instantly and way better than Tums. Caution though if suffering from high blood pressure you shouldn’t use often.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Everyday I look forward to your posts! I have one to add to your list that I recently found on Pinterest and it really works!! When boiling eggs, add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to the water and it makes the egg shells peel off like a charm. No more white coming off with the shell!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.This works so well! You can actually blow the egg out of the shell (probably not a great idea if entertaining but the kids think its awesome ;)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Oh my! I have to try this!I am a terrible egg-peeler – I have no patience at all and end up peeling away a quarter of the egg. Thanks for sharing.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ve never tried the baking soda trick when boiling eggs but I read that fresher eggs are the ones that are more difficult to peel. The older the egg is, that film that surrounds the white more easily separates from the white. So I guess it’s something to remember when boiling fresh eggs.
If burned on foods in pots and pans needs more work, bring a mixture of baking soda and a little water to a boil then remove from heat, cover and let stand overnight. Amazing how easily it cleans up the next morning. And baking soda/vinegar create a wonderful chemical reaction that beautifully cleans up road film from your car’s rims and other greasy messes. Just be careful with amounts. This mixture is also used for all those wonderful science fair exploding volcano projects!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.To brush teeth, a little peroxide added, and it become a whitener too! Also good for your gums, and prevents gum disease. Also when you get bit by mesquitos, or other bugs, and rashes such as poison ivy, or oak, soak in a bath of 1/2 C baking soda and warm water.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.For your teeth, what ratio do you put with the Baking soda, peroxide and water? And do you do this every day?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use baking soda and water daily for tooth paste, I just get the brush wet then dab the tip into the baking soda. Works great.
Dip brush in peroxide then in soda.
The best use I’ve ever gotten out of baking soda (besides chocolate cake of course) was during my pregnancy. I had PUPPP on my stretch marks and it was the most miserable experience of my life. The only thing that would sooth it was putting a baking soda paste on my stomach and letting it dry, then rinsing with as cold water as I could stand. It burned SO bad, but the burning was so much more bearable than the itching. And once it stopped burning, the itching was gone (temporarily).
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I wish I would have known this!! I also had puppp and have really nasty stretcharks as a result of itching sloop much. I will know next time if it happens again!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Take a look at essential oils and bases for this. There are several oils and or mixtures that work wonders on scars. I’m sure you could have found a remedy for the original problem as well but I know using things from that world will prevent stretch marks all together (did for me and I put on 50lbs). But I’m sure something that includes Frankincense and or Lavender with some vit. E and coconut oil or Jojoba or something would help if not get rid of any scars you have left. Try Camp Wanderer and go from there I’m sure you will find some ideas that will work wonders.
Oh! I wish I had known this too! I was slathering on Gold Bond itch cream for the duration. It helped but I would have much rather had a totally natural (and CHEAP!) remedy! I will have to keep it in mind for friends in the future! :)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Wow, I learn something here every day! I am going to try the jacuzzi one. They sell stuff to run through the system, but it is way more expensive than our friend, baking soda! Thanks again!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Mary Malone
in line with the tanning note – baking soda is the best acne wash i’ve ever used. nothing else has ever worked for me (ever), but a daily face wash with baking soda (let it sit for a minute, too) has been a huge improvement.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.That sounds genius!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Lady Brett, do you make a paste as your acne wash? what would the baking soda to water ratio be that you use? It sounds great and I really want to try it. Thanks!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I like to mix equal parts honey and baking soda for a nice face scrub. It smells good, the honey is good for your skin and the baking soda gently exfoliates.
i actually just keep a mason jar of dry baking soda in the shower and grab a bit with wet hands, which is enough to make it pasty enough to stick. i don’t use it out of the shower because i find that it is a bit too scratchy to wash off with just a washcloth, but making a paste of it might alleviate that.
What kind of baking soda do you use for this??
I make a soft scrub that’s 1 part water, 3 parts baking soda and a few drop of Dr Bronner’s peppermint castile soap, and I use this daily as a face/body wash. (I apply it to my face a few minutes before I shower and let it sit and then rinse it off during my shower.) This works wonderfully as a soap and a gentle exfoliant and my skin has never looked or felt better!
I use 1T baking soda and 3T water to make a paste. It is like a microdermabrasion for your face. My skin feels so smooth afterwards.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I managed to burn food onto the inside of the lid of an expensive pan while catering a group. I tried everything to get it off and the lid was blackened for over a year. One day I sprinkled baking powder on it with some vinegar and used my blue scrubby sponge on it. Voila! It came completely clean. You would never believe I had burned food on it. Looks like new.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I never thought to use it as an exfoliator on my face. I’m going to give that a try. When my boys were little, I used it on their mattresses all the time when they had “accidents” and it worked fabulously. Absorbed the smell and moisture right up. Also, I almost always soak my casserole dishes in water and baking soda overnight. They clean up so easily in the morning. It is great for the Pampered Chef baking stones that you can’t use soap on.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have one to add to your list. The other day, my car leaked some oil on my driveway. I covered the oil with baking soda and hosed it away in about an hour. It was a “new” leak… not sure if it will do the same for old oil stains. I need to give that a try.
Thank you for the tip of using baking soda on the Pampered Chef stones, great idea!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi Jill,
I love Baking Soda! So many uses. I use Arm & Hammer for things around the house, but use Bob’s Red Mill Baking Soda for things like washing hair, deoderant, brushing teeth, and baking. BRM Baking soda is made thru a water process, where Arm & Hammer is made using ammonia and other chemicals that I don’t want to use on my skin or ingest.
Thanks for all your great posts. I always look forward to each new day to see what You write about! Getting ready to try the soda for manicure!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Wow didn’t know there were so many uses!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I also put baking soda in my washer water to soften it so that the detergent cleans better. And to save even more money, buy your sodium bicarb at the local farm store. Here, I can get 50 lbs for about $13.00. It’s not food grade so you wouldn’t want to bake with it, but it saves me a lot of money!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you so much for the tip! I use so much baking soda…I was just wondering if I could get it cheaper in bulk.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.WE BUY IT IN THE BIG BAG PICTURED ABOVE FROM COSTCO.
Great tip! I’ll have to check out the feed store!!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Going to have to check out our farm store–but where to store it?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.For now the big 12 lb bags (like Jillee’s picture) can be bought at Walmart in the pool section. Keep in mind that it is a seasonal item.
thanks for the tip really.. I make my own laundry and dish washer pdr… plus using bkg sda for everything… except for carpet… I do use it on spills, but not on whole carpet as it tears the heck outta your vacume cleaner.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’m doing the happy dance. I stopped using my corning ware because I could never get it clean no matter how long I soaked or scrubbed it. You saved me again!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.If the baking soda doesn’t work try Bon Ami powdered cleanser. In a yellow container like Comet or Ajax.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.You can also make a runny paste with baking soda and peroxide, then apply to wet pots and pans and easily scrub off even the oldest stains and buildup with a wet sponge or srub pad
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