Amazing Baking Soda Uses
Baking soda (or bicarbonate of soda) is insanely useful in your home, in so many different ways! I list out 11 of them here.
A secret (leavening) agent in your home
Would you like to listen to the podcast version instead of reading this article? Find it here!
Recently, I broke down the difference between baking powder and baking soda. I said then that I had to do a separate article on baking soda (bicarbonate of soda, as we call it in the UK!). And there is a very good reason for that. The humble baking soda box in your cupboard isn't just for baking. It's a versatile, multi-purpose powerhouse that can completely change way you tackle household tasks. From cleaning to personal care, here are some of the best uses for baking soda in the home:
Helps with odours: Say goodbye to unpleasant smells lingering in your fridge, carpets, or shoes. Baking soda absorbs smells really well. Just sprinkle some in the offending area, let it sit for a while, then vacuum or wipe away. Your space will smell fresh and clean!
Gentle Scrub: Forget harsh chemicals that can damage surfaces. Baking soda makes an excellent, non-abrasive scrub for sinks, bathtubs, and countertops. Mix it with a bit of water to form a paste, then scrub away dirt and grime with ease.
Stain Remover: Whether it's on clothing, upholstery, or dishes, baking soda is your go-to solution for stubborn stains. Make a paste with water and apply it to the stain, then let it sit before laundering or rinsing. It works wonders on everything from coffee spills to grease marks.
Heartburn Relief: Who knew baking soda could soothe an upset stomach? A teaspoon dissolved in a glass of water can help neutralise acid and alleviate heartburn or indigestion.
Freshen Breath: No mouthwash? No problem. Swish a solution of baking soda and water in your mouth to freshen breath and kill bacteria!
DIY Cleaner (without the chemicals): Baking soda, combined with vinegar or lemon juice, creates a powerful yet eco-friendly cleaning solution for almost any surface in your home. It’s also safe for kids and pets, which is a great comfort!
Laundry Booster: Boost the cleaning power of your detergent by adding a scoop of baking soda to your laundry. It helps to brighten whites, soften fabrics, and remove tough stains without the need for harsh chemicals.
Relieve Itchy Skin: If you’ve got a bite or a rash, you can make a soothing paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the affected area. It can help reduce itching and inflammation for quick relief. Important: some people can react to baking soda as well, and I’d hate for it to have the opposite effect on you! So do a patch test first (test it on a small area and wait to see if you get a reaction) to be safe.
Unclog Drains: By pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down your drain followed by hot water, you can dissolve buildup and unclog even the toughest blockages.
Fire Extinguisher: In the event of a small grease fire in the kitchen, baking soda can be a lifesaver! Simply sprinkle it over the flames to smother the fire and prevent it from spreading. Obviously, I wouldn’t recommend you rely on this as your fire safety solution overall. But it could be useful one day, you never know!
Label remover: Want to keep a nice jar that you’ve emptied, but not the label? Pour some olive oil on the jar and sprinkle some baking soda over it, leave it for a few minutes and then scrub - most of it should come off and some hot water will help you with the tougher bits.
Pretty impressive, isn’t it? Baking soda isn't just for baking cookies and cakes—it's a versatile tool that can simplify and enhance your life in countless ways. Do keep in mind that baking soda is high in sodium, so for the tips that involve actually consuming it, this is important to consider (heartburn etc). But for your household uses, I can’t see any downsides. It’s usually cheap too, so make sure you have enough at hand to use it for all its worth!
Share your favourite baking soda tips in the comments below or email me at liv@thefromscratchbody.com —I'd love to hear from you!
