12 Uses Of Baking Soda For Household Cleaning

Have you ever wondered what are the uses of baking soda? Surely you have noticed that it is used in the kitchen (from savory dishes to desserts), in the pharmacological industry, in cosmetics … and also in an area that interests us on a daily basis: cleaning the home.

Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) is a substance that dissolves easily in water and is highly abrasive. Therefore, it is very useful when using it to clean various issues around the home.

It can be used alone, that is, simply dissolved in water, or it can be mixed with ingredients such as lemon juice, vinegar and salt, to reinforce its cleaning action.

So, baking soda is undoubtedly a very versatile substance, which can be helpful in various cleaning tasks. It can be easily purchased in parapharmacies and supermarkets.

Main uses of baking soda

Baking soda is normally used to remove accumulations of grease and grime, but also to polish surfaces. Additionally it can be used in:

• First aid: to treat acid burns.
• Personal hygiene: such as toothpastes and mouthwashes.
• Insecticide (it is ideal to kill cockroaches) and fungicide.
• It serves to increase alkalinity, making it an excellent element to add to swimming pool water.
• To put out fires, especially type C, that is, those generated by high electrical voltage.

Uses of partner baking soda for household cleaning

Below we will tell you what are the uses that can be given to this substance within the home.

1. Wash pots, pans and dishes

Add about two tablespoons of baking soda to your regular dish soap. It serves to help eliminate fat more easily. If the grease or food remains are very stuck, let the utensils rest in water with this mixture. Use a damp sponge to avoid scratches.

2. Clean surfaces

You can use it to clean tiles, bathtubs, sinks, etc. Smear some on a damp sponge, then rub over surfaces. For best results, make a paste with baking soda and your regular cleaning soap. Apply and let it sit for 5 minutes, then rinse with water.

3. Clean the microwave

Sprinkle a damp sponge with a little baking soda and wipe it all over the inside. Then, take a damp cloth and remove everything. Rinse the sponge, squeeze it out well, and go over everything again. This is ideal for removing stubborn food debris while deodorizing the appliance.

4. Clean the oven

The lower part of the oven also tends to accumulate remains of food and sauces. To remove them, sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of the oven. Spray with water and let it act overnight. In the morning, rub and remove with a sponge, the dirt will come out easily.

5. Clean furniture and walls

To remove paint and pencil stains, rub the baking soda on the surface or wall with a damp sponge. Let it act for a few minutes and if you consider it necessary, repeat the procedure. If you think not, then let it dry.

6. Floor cleaning

Dissolve half a cup of baking soda in a bucket of warm water. Wipe with a wet cloth and rinse with a clean cloth. It will leave the floor clean and shiny.

7. Clean the shower curtains

Shower curtains often have scale and soap residue when they are not washed every week. To get rid of this type of dirt, remove the curtains, place them in a basin, sprinkle a sponge with baking soda, rub the curtain and rinse. 

Another option is to take the curtains and put them to wash in the washing machine. In the first cycle, instead of washing soap, we put baking soda. And in the second, we add the usual detergent.

8. Polishing metal cutlery

Baking soda is excellent for polishing metal instruments and especially cutlery. Mix 3 parts of baking soda with 1 part of water and with the help of a sponge, cloth or toothbrush (unused), rub until all the dirt comes out and the piece is clean and shiny.

9. Clean coffee and tea stains

On the other hand, baking soda mixed with a little lemon juice helps to remove those impossible coffee and tea stains, especially on white or very light colored clothes. It also eliminates odors in the most used cups.

If the stain is stubborn, apply the baking soda directly with a sponge and let it soak for a long time. Then rinse as usual with water and detergent.

10. Enhance the liquid detergent

According to popular wisdom, bicarbonate gives a greater pH balance to the water, which helps leave clothes cleaner, fresher, and shinier. Add ½ cup to each wash with your liquid detergent.

11. Remove oil and grease stains

Just as it can help remove coffee and tea stains, it can also remove (fresh) oil and grease stains. Simply sprinkle a little baking soda on the stained garment (previously moistened), let it work for a while and clean with a brush. 

12. Eliminate bad odors from sponges

Make a strong solution of baking soda and water and soak the sponges to get rid of dirt and odor. It will help you to extend the useful life of these objects and at the same time, keep your home cleaner.

There are many other uses for baking soda

As you can see, these are just a few of the most common uses for baking soda. However, there are many others.

It is important to bear in mind that sodium bicarbonate is a substance that, although it has many uses, on a day-to-day basis, it should not be used other than to clean the home.

When it comes to personal care, there are less aggressive and more suitable options for skin and hair. If you have doubts about this, remember that you can consult your doctor.