Household Uses of Baking Soda That Can Replace Dozens of Toxic Products

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a simple, inexpensive, and non-toxic substance that offers a remarkably wide range of uses throughout the home. From cleaning and deodorizing to personal care and even gardening, baking soda can effectively replace many commercial products that often contain harsh or toxic chemicals. Here’s how you can harness the power of baking soda to create a safer, greener, and more cost-effective household.

1. Kitchen Uses

All-Purpose Cleaner
Baking soda’s mild abrasiveness makes it an excellent cleaner for kitchen surfaces, including countertops, stovetops, and sinks. Simply sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge or cloth and scrub away grime, grease, and stains. For tougher jobs, make a paste with water or combine with vinegar or lemon juice for added cleaning power16.

Deodorizer for Fridge and Freezer
Place an open box or a bowl of baking soda in the refrigerator or freezer to neutralize odors. Baking soda absorbs and eliminates strong food smells, keeping your fridge fresh without resorting to chemical deodorizers46.

Microwave and Dishwasher Cleaner
Sprinkle baking soda inside the microwave or dishwasher and wipe with a damp cloth. For dishwashers, run a cycle with baking soda to freshen and clean the interior4.

Coffee and Tea Stain Remover
Stubborn stains in mugs and coffee pots can be removed by scrubbing with baking soda and a damp sponge. Its gentle abrasiveness lifts stains without scratching surfaces610.

Garbage Disposal and Trash Can Deodorizer
Pour baking soda down the garbage disposal and rinse with hot water to eliminate odors. Sprinkle some in the bottom of trash cans to neutralize and prevent foul smells146.

Produce Wash
Baking soda can be used to remove dirt, pesticides, and wax from fruits and vegetables. Dissolve a few teaspoons in water, soak produce briefly, then rinse thoroughly48.

2. Laundry Room Solutions

Laundry Booster
Add half a cup of baking soda to your laundry to boost detergent performance, remove odors, and brighten whites. It softens water, allowing detergent to work more effectively, and can help dissolve tough stains146.

Washing Machine Cleaner
Run an empty cycle with baking soda to clean and deodorize your washing machine drum, preventing mold and mildew buildup6.

Stain Remover
Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply directly to stains on clothing. Let it sit before washing to help lift and remove stubborn marks86.

Deodorize Shoes and Sports Gear
Sprinkle baking soda inside shoes, gym bags, or sports equipment and let it sit overnight. Shake out the powder to remove lingering odors4910.

3. Bathroom and Personal Care

Toothpaste and Teeth Whitener
Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help remove surface stains from teeth and neutralize acids that cause tooth decay. Mix with a little water or coconut oil for a simple, effective toothpaste110.

Mouthwash
Dissolve half a teaspoon of baking soda in half a glass of warm water and use as a mouthwash to freshen breath and help neutralize acids in the mouth110.

Facial and Body Exfoliant
A paste of baking soda and water gently exfoliates the skin, removing dead cells and leaving skin smooth. Use sparingly to avoid irritation510.

Natural Deodorant
Mix baking soda with water or coconut oil and apply underarms to neutralize odor-causing bacteria, avoiding the aluminum and parabens found in many commercial deodorants5.

Bath Soak and Itch Relief
Add half a cup of baking soda to bathwater to soothe skin irritations from sunburn, rashes, or insect bites. It can also help relieve itchy skin and soften bathwater510.

Foot Soak
Dissolve baking soda in warm water for a relaxing foot bath that deodorizes and soothes tired feet510.

Hair Clarifier
Mix baking soda with water and use as a rinse to remove product buildup from hair and scalp. This can leave hair feeling cleaner and lighter, though it’s best avoided on color-treated hair210.

Diaper Rash Soother
Add a tablespoon of baking soda to baby’s bathwater to help soothe diaper rash, providing a gentle alternative to medicated creams2.

4. Cleaning and Deodorizing Throughout the Home

Carpet and Rug Cleaner
Sprinkle baking soda liberally over carpets or rugs, let it sit for 15–30 minutes, then vacuum. This removes odors and can help lift stains410.

Upholstery and Mattress Deodorizer
Apply baking soda to upholstered furniture or mattresses, let it sit, and vacuum. This helps eliminate musty or stale odors410.

Closet and Drawer Freshener
Place an open container or sachet of baking soda in closets or drawers to absorb moisture and prevent odors10.

Bathroom Cleaner
Use baking soda to scrub sinks, tubs, tiles, and shower doors. Its gentle abrasiveness removes soap scum, hard water stains, and mildew without scratching surfaces6810.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Sprinkle baking soda in the toilet bowl, scrub with a brush, and flush for a clean and deodorized toilet. This avoids the need for harsh chemical cleaners3410.

Grout and Mold Cleaner
Combine baking soda with hydrogen peroxide to clean and whiten grout lines and remove mold or mildew stains, reducing reliance on bleach810.

Glass and Mirror Cleaner
Wipe glass surfaces with a solution of baking soda and water for streak-free shine, replacing ammonia-based glass cleaners3.

5. Garden and Outdoor Uses

Weed Control
Sprinkle baking soda in cracks of driveways or sidewalks to discourage weed growth, offering a safer alternative to chemical herbicides10.

Pest Deterrent
A line of baking soda can help keep ants and cockroaches at bay, reducing the need for toxic insecticides10.

Soil pH Adjustment
Test and neutralize acidic soil by adding baking soda, supporting healthier plant growth without synthetic chemicals4.

Cleaning Garden Tools and Furniture
Use baking soda to scrub and deodorize gardening tools, patio furniture, and grills, removing dirt and rust without harsh solvents410.

6. Pet Care

Litter Box Deodorizer
Mix baking soda into cat litter to neutralize odors and keep the box fresher for longer10.

Pet Bedding and Toy Cleaner
Sprinkle baking soda on pet bedding or toys, let sit, and vacuum or rinse to remove odors and bacteria410.

Pet Accident Cleaner
Clean up pet accidents on carpets or floors by sprinkling baking soda, letting it absorb moisture and odor, then vacuuming or wiping up4.

7. Health and Wellness

Heartburn and Indigestion Relief
A traditional remedy, baking soda can be mixed with water and consumed in small amounts to neutralize stomach acid and relieve heartburn (consult a doctor before regular use)25.

Sore Throat and Canker Sore Relief
Gargle with a solution of baking soda and water to soothe a sore throat or dab directly on canker sores for relief25.

Splinter Removal
Soak the affected area in a solution of baking soda and water to help splinters work their way out naturally5.

8. Environmental and Health Benefits

Non-Toxic and Biodegradable
Unlike many commercial cleaners and air fresheners, baking soda is non-toxic and biodegradable, making it safer for your family and the environment47. It reduces exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals found in conventional products, such as phthalates, parabens, ammonia, and chlorine bleach.

Cost-Effective
Baking soda is extremely affordable, especially compared to the cumulative cost of multiple specialized cleaning and personal care products.

Reduces Packaging Waste
By replacing multiple products with a single box of baking soda, you can significantly cut down on plastic and packaging waste, supporting a more sustainable household7.

Conclusion

Baking soda’s versatility is unmatched among household staples. It can clean, deodorize, freshen, and even support personal care routines—all without the toxic ingredients found in many commercial products. By integrating baking soda into your daily life, you can simplify your cleaning arsenal, save money, and create a healthier home for your family and pets while also benefiting the environment147.

Whether you’re scrubbing your oven, freshening your laundry, or soothing a sunburn, baking soda proves time and again that sometimes the simplest solutions are the best.