Baking soda is a versatile ingredient, often used in baking and as a natural cleaner around the house. It can help with everything from removing stains to eliminating odors. Here are some handy tips and tricks using baking soda that you can easily incorporate into your daily life.
Clean Produce and Remove Fishy Odors
Create a baking soda and water solution to wash your fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish. This mixture helps remove surface impurities. For fish and meat, baking soda effectively neutralizes any strong, fishy odors.
Clean Kitchen Utensils and Surfaces
Baking soda is a natural and safe cleaning agent. Make a paste by mixing it with water, then apply it to pots, pans, sinks, and faucets. Use a sponge to gently scrub away any grime and stains. Baking soda will leave your kitchenware sparkling clean and looking brand new.
Eliminate Fridge and Closet Odors
To get rid of unpleasant odors in your fridge, place a small bowl of baking soda inside and leave it overnight. Baking soda absorbs excess moisture and neutralizes odors without affecting the freshness of your food. You can use the same method to eliminate odors from your closet or shoe cabinet.

Laundry Booster and Stain Remover
Baking soda can be used to remove yellow stains and other stubborn stains from clothing. Mix it with vinegar or lemon juice and apply the paste directly to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then gently rub the fabric and wash as usual. This mixture also effectively removes mold stains. Adding a small amount of baking soda to your laundry detergent will boost its cleaning power and eliminate odors.
Remove Carpet Stains
For beverage stains on carpets, sprinkle baking soda over the affected area and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then, simply wipe away the baking soda—the stain should come off with it. For best results, treat the stain as soon as it happens. If the stain persists, use a damp cloth to wipe the area repeatedly, then dry the carpet.
Skin and Hair Care
Combine baking soda with honey or oils like coconut or olive oil to create a natural exfoliating scrub for your skin. Using this mixture once a week will leave your skin feeling soft and looking radiant. You can also add baking soda to your shampoo to deeply cleanse your scalp and hair, but be careful not to overdo it, as excessive use may dry out your skin and hair.
Relieve Itchy Insect Bites
Mix baking soda with water to form a paste, then apply it to mosquito bites to relieve itching. Leave it on for about 10 minutes, then rinse it off with water. The swelling and itching should subside quickly.
Oral Care
Mixing baking soda with toothpaste can help remove plaque buildup and neutralize bad breath. However, use this method sparingly, as frequent use may damage tooth enamel. Once or twice a week is sufficient.
Clean and Deodorize Bathroom Surfaces
Sprinkle baking soda on bathroom surfaces like toilets, sinks, and bathtubs, then add a bit of vinegar. The baking soda and vinegar will react, creating a fizzing action that softens and loosens dirt and grime. Afterward, simply scrub and rinse as usual. To clear clogged drains and neutralize odors, pour baking soda down the drain, followed by vinegar and hot water.
Baking soda is a true multi-purpose wonder—inexpensive, effective, and safe. With these tips, you can keep your home clean and fresh while also saving money on expensive chemical cleaning products.