Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 4: Cleaning with baking soda
• Method 2 of 4: Remove odors with baking soda
• Method 3 of 4: Using baking soda for personal hygiene
• Method 4 of 4: Using baking soda for cooking and baking
• Warnings

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a type of salt and is often sold as a white powder. Baking soda is edible and environmentally friendly, which is why many people are willing to use it instead of commercial cleaning products. However, baking soda can be used for other purposes, including eliminating odors or loosening dough.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Cleaning with baking soda

1. 1 Prepare an all-purpose home cleaning spray. In a spray bottle, mix 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of baking soda, ½ teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) of liquid dish soap, and 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of vinegar. Shake the bottle and wait until gases come out of the liquid and it settles. Then fill the remaining volume with warm water. Shake the bottle each time before use.
   • This spray can be used in the kitchen and bathroom, for cleaning floors and walls, sinks, refrigerator, household appliances and other surfaces.
   • Baking soda is mildly alkaline and slightly abrasive, so it can be used effectively for cleaning your home.
2. 2 Make a tougher, all-purpose cleaning paste. Make a paste to remove stains, stubborn dirt and carbon deposits by mixing 1: 1 baking soda and coarse salt. Then add a few drops of liquid dish soap and enough water to make a paste. Apply the paste to the stain with a clean rag, let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub the surface and wash off the paste. This paste can be used for cleaning a wide variety of surfaces, for example:
   • dishes with burnt food;
   • food containers with sauce stains;
   • cups, coffee pots and teapots;
   • microwave ovens and ovens with burnt food debris and grease stains;
   • dirty grill grates;
   • dirty showers and sinks.
3. 3 Use baking soda to remove greasy and oily stains. Baking soda absorbs grease and oil well, making it great for cleaning kitchens, dishes, appliances, and even your garage floor or driveway. If you spill oil or grease outside, sprinkle baking soda over the stain and let it sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the dirt. Then wipe the surface with a brush and spray with water from a garden hose. To get rid of an indoor stain, sprinkle with baking soda and wipe off with a clean cloth after 10 minutes.
   • To remove grease from dishes, add a spoonful of baking soda to soapy water and soak the dishes in it for 10 minutes before washing.
   SPECIALIST'S ADVICE

   

   Jennifer rodriguez

   
   
   Cleaning guru and hygiene director of Pro Housekeepers Jennifer Rodriguez is the hygiene director of the Pro Housekeepers cleaning company. She has over two decades of experience in home and office cleaning and has appeared on the pages of First For Women, Fatherly, Business Insider and NBC News. Pro Housekeepers provides premium home and office cleaning services across the country. The company employs a proven staff and uses intensive training methods to ensure that high quality standards are maintained with every cleaning.

   Jennifer rodriguez
   Cleaning Guru and Hygiene Director of Pro Housekeepers

   Our expert advises: to clean the stove, you can simply sprinkle baking soda on grease and dirt. Leave the baking soda for a few minutes, then wipe it off with a brush and a damp cloth. You can also sprinkle baking soda on oil stains in your driveway. Then scrub the stains with a brush and rinse them off with water.

   
   
4. 4 Improve the effectiveness of your laundry detergent. Baking soda helps clean laundry, removes grease stains, whitens fabrics and removes odors. Simply add 1 cup (220 grams) of baking soda to the drum of your washing machine and wash your garments using your usual washing products and modes.
   • Baking soda is especially good at removing odors from sportswear and equipment, cloth diapers, baby clothes, old towels and other contaminated fabrics.

Method 2 of 4: Remove odors with baking soda

1. 1 Use an open carton of baking soda to deodorize small spaces. Baking soda absorbs and removes odors, and there are many ways to get rid of them in small areas. To deodorize an enclosed space, open a carton of baking soda and place it on a shelf or under a seat. This method is great for removing odors from the following areas:
   • small rooms;
   • refrigerator;
   • cabinets;
   • car.
   SPECIALIST'S ADVICE

   

   Jennifer rodriguez

   
   
   Cleaning guru and hygiene director for Pro Housekeepers Jennifer Rodriguez is the hygiene director for Pro Housekeepers. She has over two decades of experience in home and office cleaning and has appeared on the pages of First For Women, Fatherly, Business Insider and NBC News. Pro Housekeepers provides premium home and office cleaning services across the country. The company employs a proven staff and uses intensive training methods to ensure that high quality standards are maintained with every cleaning.

   Jennifer rodriguez
   Cleaning Guru and Hygiene Director of Pro Housekeepers

   Our expert advises: Pour baking soda into a small open container and refrigerate to remove unpleasant odors and keep food fresher for longer. You can also remove unpleasant odors from pipes by pouring half a cup (110 grams) of baking soda into the drain hole, then pouring half a cup (120 milliliters) of vinegar. Then pour 4–6 glasses (1–1.5 liters) of hot water into the hole.

2. 2 Eliminate upholstery and carpet odors. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the furniture or floor. Let the baking soda sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly.
3. 3 Improve the smell of household appliances and trash cans. You can also sprinkle baking soda directly on a variety of smelly items and appliances to eliminate bad odors. Place ½ cup (110 grams) of baking soda in a foul-smelling trash can, bowl, sink, toilet, trash chute, dishwasher, or washing machine drum.
4. 4 Remove odors from personal items. Baking soda is non-toxic and harmless, so it works great as a deodorant for shoes, toys, and other small personal items. Sprinkle some baking soda over the item, wait 15 minutes for it to absorb the smell, then shake it outside.

Method 3 of 4: Using baking soda for personal hygiene

1. 1 Rinse your mouth and freshen your breath. Dissolve ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) of baking soda in ½ cup (120 milliliters) warm water. Swish this solution around your mouth and throat for 30 seconds. Then spit out the liquid and rinse your mouth with clean water.
   • This simple mouthwash can help get rid of bad breath, kill harmful bacteria in your mouth, and prevent tooth decay.
2. 2 Clean brushes and combs. Pour 1 cup (240 milliliters) of warm water into a small bowl and dissolve 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of baking soda in it. Place combs and brushes in a bowl and soak them in water for about 30 minutes to remove grease and dirt. Then remove the combs and brushes from the solution, rinse them with clean water, pat dry with a towel, and let them air dry.
   • This method is also suitable for removing dirt and odors from toothbrushes, retainers, dentures and other oral appliances. Use a solution of 2 teaspoons (10 grams) of baking soda in a glass (240 milliliters) of water.
3. 3 Add baking soda to your bath to soothe and soften your skin. A small amount of baking soda dissolved in water softens the skin and even helps to get rid of diaper rash. Pour warm water into a large bucket, bowl, or baby bath and add 2 tablespoons (30 grams) of baking soda. Soaking your feet or hands in water for about 10 minutes will help soften your skin. To cure a baby's diaper rash, put him in water.
   • In very small amounts, baking soda can be used safely to treat diaper rash as it helps neutralize the acid in urine and feces that causes rashes.
   • When caring for your skin, use small amounts of baking soda as its high pH can irritate and damage your skin.

Method 4 of 4: Using baking soda for cooking and baking

1. 1 Add 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of baking soda to the baking dough to help it rise and fluff. When baking soda comes in contact with liquid and acid, bubbles of carbon dioxide form, and as a result, breads, biscuits and other baked goods expand. Soda can be added to any food that contains liquid (water, milk, etc.) and acid, for example:
   • lemon juice;
   • potassium hydrogen tartrate;
   • sour cream;
   • buttermilk;
   • vinegar.
2. 2 Neutralize food acid. Baking soda is alkaline, so it can help neutralize excess acid. For example, if you find that your tomato soup is too sour, add 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of baking soda to correct the flavor.
   • You can also add baking soda to soft drinks, store-bought soups and sauces, canned tomatoes, and even tea to make them less sour and harsh.
3. 3 Make your own baking powder. You can make your own baking powder by mixing 2 teaspoons (7 grams) of potassium hydrogen tartrate and 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of baking soda. Stir the powder thoroughly to create 1 tablespoon (14 grams) of baking powder.
   • Use a homemade baking powder instead of purchased baking powder in the same amounts.
4. 4 Scrub fruits and vegetables with baking soda. Lightly dampen the surface of vegetables or fruits with water and sprinkle with baking soda. Rub them with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt. Afterwards, wash vegetables or fruits in clean water before eating or using for cooking.

Warnings

• It is not recommended to use baking soda to exfoliate skin or add it to deodorants and skin and hair care products. Typically, the skin and scalp have a pH of 4.5–6.5 (slightly acidic), while the pH of baking soda is around 9 (alkaline). Using products with such a high pH for skin or hair care can lead to rashes, dryness and skin damage.
• Baking soda can be used as an effective antacid, but it is best not to do this as it is high in sodium. One teaspoon (5 grams) of baking soda contains over 1,200 milligrams of sodium, compared to the RDA of 1,500-2,300 milligrams.