As an alternative to household cleaners, here are 25 uses for baking soda you can use every day.
Baking soda is effective at neutralizing the acidic byproducts of bacteria because of its alkaline nature. It is an odorless, water-soluble, and non-abrasive cleaner that removes dirt and will not scratch surfaces. As an alternative to household cleaners, here are 25 suggestions for using baking soda in everyday household cleaning.
1. Freshen mildewed carpets by brushing on a generous amount of baking soda and leaving for 3 to 4 days, and then vacuum the carpet thoroughly.
2. Scrub moldy furniture with a nearly dry baking soda and water paste. Leave overnight, and then wipe with a clean cloth. Vacuum and let the furniture air-dry in the sun.
3. Clean mold on walls or other areas of the kitchen, basement and bathroom. Rub baking soda and a little water onto the moldy area with a clean cloth. Wipe dry.
4. Clean stains from countertops, vinyl floors, tile, and enamel. Scrub with a paste of baking soda and lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide. Wipe dry.
5. Remove stains from marble and granite countertops using a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Apply paste, then cover with damp paper towels and leave overnight. Wipe dry.
6. Clean stainless steel sinks or countertops using baking soda instead of an abrasive cleanser.
7. Chrome can be polished using a dry baking soda and water paste. Rub on chrome with a clean cloth. Then polish.
8. Clean soap scum from bathroom fixtures using a solution of baking soda and water. Rinse with water, and then dry.
9. Clean bathroom and kitchen drains using 1/2 cup of baking soda and an equal amount of vinegar.
10. Rinse hands and rub with baking soda to remove odors.
11. Soak up oil and grease stains by sprinkling dry baking soda on top, and then wiping with a cloth.
12. Deodorize the refrigerator using an open box of baking soda. Replace every three months.
13. Remove coffee and tea stains by using 1/4 cup of baking soda in a quart of water. Let sit, and then scrub to remove stains. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
14. Get rid of scuffmarks on floors by scrubbing with a paste of baking soda and water.
15. Polish silver flatware. Fill the kitchen sink with hot water and place a piece of aluminum foil in the sink. Lay the flatware on the countertop and rub with a baking soda paste, and then place it into the sink. Let sit for approximately 15 minutes, and then remove. Dry and polish with a clean cloth.
16. Remove milk and formula odors from plastic bottles and cups by filling them with a mixture of 1 teaspoon of baking soda and adding hot water. Shake to dissolve baking soda and leave overnight. Clean as usual.
17. For oil-based stains on leather furniture, use a dry paste of baking soda and water to soak up the grease mark. Remove paste by scraping with a dull blade, brushing, or vacuuming. Repeat until the grease is completely gone. Rinse with water (do not soak leather) and let dry.
18. Clean stains on porcelain and china using a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.
19. Use a mixture of baking soda, salt, and a little water to remove stains on plastic.
20. To remove mildew on houseplants, mix laundry detergent with baking soda and water in a small bucket to make a sudsy solution. Swish or stir to dissolve baking soda completely and spray leaves.
21. Baking soda can be used to clean deposits and odors from home aquariums.
22. To clean silver jewelry, rub a dry paste of baking soda and water on silver with fingers then brush off with soft cloth.
23. Polish brass using a dry paste of baking soda and vinegar. Using a cloth, apply paste to the brass. Let dry and then polish with a clean cloth.
24. Remove odors from plastic cutting boards by rubbing a paste of baking soda and lemon juice. Let sit for 30 minutes and rinse with vinegar. Rinse with water and air dry.
25. Remove burned or crusted on food from a stove or saucepan by rubbing a runny paste of baking soda and water on the area and leaving overnight. Clean as usual in the morning.
