34 Uses For Baking Soda Other Than Baking



Baking soda isn't just for baking. Save money by learning alternative uses for everyday items that are so useful around the home. For around $1 a box, baking soda is a smart pantry item to have on hand. From personal hygiene to around-the-house cleaning, here are 34 alternative uses for sodium bicarbonate:

  1. Deodorizer: Not sure what's smelling up your fridge? As a quick fix, place an open box of baking soda on the refrigerator door. The product will soak up the foul smell while you're busy finding the culprit.
  2. Pedicure treatment: If you can't afford a standard spa treatment, create a foot soak by adding baking soda to warm water. It's a well-known way to heal athlete's foot, but it's also great for easing calluses.
  3. Fire stopper: Keep a box of baking soda close to the oven to use for putting out grease fires. The minute you see flames, dump baking soda to douse the fire.
  4. Stain remover: Mix baking soda and other ingredients into a paste to create a stain treater, then apply to tough stains before tossing in the wash.
  5. Carpet cleaner: Before you vacuum, sprinkle some baking soda over carpet and let it sit for a few minutes. When you vacuum, the carpet will smell extra fresh.
  6. Toothpaste: It may seem strange to use the same thing on your teeth as you do your carpet, but it's definitely an option. When your standard tube of toothpaste empties, mix baking soda with water to clean your teeth and freshen your breath.
  7. Deep clean your mattress: Refresh your mattress with the help of baking soda, which leaves your bed seriously clean.
  8. Clean your dishwasher: If your dishwasher isn't smelling as fresh as it used to, make these easy baking soda dishwasher cleaners that leave things sparkling.
  9. Unhappy tummy: Upset stomach? Mix one teaspoon baking soda with a glass of warm water to aid digestion.
  10. Homemade soft scrub: When baking pans are seriously dirty, make your own soft scrub to tackle the mess.
  11. Exfoliate! Instead of tossing down cash for expensive exfoliants, simply mix three parts baking soda with one part water and use to gently scrub your face, hands, and feet.
  12. Sneaker help: Are your work out shoes not so fresh? Sprinkle the inside of shoes with baking soda, which absorbs the smell. Shake out before wearing.
  13. Toilet trouble: When your commode isn't flushing properly, use a bit of baking soda to help unclog the problem.
  14. Garbage disposal cleaner: Mix together baking soda and lemon peel for a refreshing garbage disposal cleaner that really do the job.
  15. Smell fresh: Simply pat baking soda under arms to fix not-so-fresh smelling body odor.
  16. Bathroom buster: Keep your tub's tile and grout nice and clean with a homemade baking soda scrub that will leave things sparkling.
  17. Clean the toilet: Make your commode sparkle with the help of homemade toilet bowl cleaner that busts up stains and leaves things wonderfully fresh.
  18. Happy flowers: Add one teaspoon of baking soda to flower water to keep them fresh longer.
  19. Metal pan cleaner: If your sheet pans are pretty dingy, this baking soda solution can make them look new again.
  20. Stop itch: Got a bug bite? Baking soda to the rescue! Here's how to stop that itch.
  21. Oven cleaner: Mix together baking soda and lemon for a natural oven cleaner that really cleans things up.
  22. Remove oil stains: Sprinkle baking soda over oils stains on your driveway or walkway and then scrub with water and a brush to get rid of marks.
  23. After burn: If you've had too much sun, relieve the burn with a paste of equal parts baking soda and water.
  24. Drain helper: Baking soda helps bust through built up grime, making it perfect for clearing blocked drains.
  25. Fresh stuff: Help your laundry detergent do its best by adding a quarter cup baking soda to your wash.
  26. Hair help: Add a sprinkling of baking soda to your favorite shampoo to really clean and refresh hair.
  27. Clean hubcaps: Get that new-car feeling with the help of baking soda and dish soap.
  28. Fresh Commode: Things will smell nice and fresh with the help of these DIY toilet fizzies that make your commode smell better instantly.
  29. Scented sweaters: Make easy scented sachets with the help of coffee filters to tuck in drawers and the back of closets to keep things smelling wonderful.
  30. Room deodorizer: Mix together baking soda and your favorite essential oils for an eco-friendly room deodorizer.
  31. Remove sticky stuff: Make your own Goo Gone sticky remover with the help of baking soda and vegetable oil.
  32. Fridge help: Refresh your refrigerator with these cute little baking-soda disks that suck up bad smells.
  33. Pick-me-up: If you're feeling like you need a little pick-me-up in the morning, DIY these shower bombs that are so uplifting.
  34. Dish soak: If you're not feeling like tackling the dishes, mix together these helpful dish-cleaning bombs that do the scrubbing for you.

ā€” Additional reporting by Laura Marie Meyers