Usage Tips for Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)
Baking soda is an incredibly versatile product for natural cleaning, personal care, and even outdoor maintenance. Below you’ll find practical ways to use it throughout your home and beyond - all while respecting your health and the environment.
In the Bathroom
Clean beauty accessories:
Soak brushes, combs, nail tools, or curlers overnight in 1 litre of hot water mixed with 4 tablespoons of baking soda. Rinse in clear water the next morning.
Dishwashing:
In the dishwasher: Before starting the wash cycle, sprinkle baking soda directly on dishes. It reduces bad odours and boosts your detergent’s effectiveness. Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to your usual detergent.
By hand: To remove tea or coffee stains from cups, sprinkle a little baking soda on a sponge, scrub gently, and rinse.
Laundry and fabrics:
Natural fabric softener: Add ¼ glass (about 2 tablespoons) of baking soda to ¾ litre of water during the rinse cycle.
Stain remover: Soak stained textiles for several hours in warm water with 2 tablespoons of baking soda before washing.
Whitening effect: Add 1–2 tablespoons of baking soda to your detergent to revive whites and brighten colours.
Deodorizing laundry: Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to rinse water or the fabric softener compartment to remove lingering odours and prevent limescale buildup on textiles.
For Household Cleaning
Floors:
Wash with a solution of 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 2 litres of hot water. You can add a small amount of natural soap for extra cleaning power.
Kitchen:
Oven: Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda with water to form a paste. Apply it to the oven walls, leave overnight, and wipe clean the next day.
Refrigerator: Clean the inside with 2 tablespoons of baking soda diluted in 1 litre of warm water to neutralize odours.
Worktops and tiles: Apply the same solution with a damp sponge and rinse.
Metals:
To clean chrome, stainless steel, or silver, make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply gently with a cloth or sponge, then rinse.
Remove labels and glue:
Soak the container in warm water, then rub any remaining glue with a baking soda paste until clean.
Barbecue and oven racks:
Make a powerful cleaner by mixing 250 ml of baking soda with warm water. Apply, let sit for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse.
Cream cleanser (multi-surface):
Combine 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 3 tablespoons of water to create a thick paste. Use it with a sponge to clean enamel, sinks, bathtubs, and tiles.
Pipes and drains:
Pour a mix of 250 g of baking soda and 250 g of salt into the drain. Rinse with boiling water to clean and deodorize pipes effectively.
Deodorizing Uses
General deodorizer: Sprinkle baking soda in bins, shoes, carpets, or fridges to neutralize bad odours.
Refrigerator: Place a small open jar filled with baking soda inside and replace it monthly.
Carpets and rugs: Sprinkle baking soda evenly, leave for 15 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly.
Outdoor & Vehicle Use
Car cleaning:
Sprinkle baking soda on car mats or seats, let sit for 15 minutes to absorb odours, then vacuum. It won’t scratch car surfaces or windows.
Exterior cleaning:
Use to clean outdoor furniture, garden tools, and BBQ grills.
Camping:
Deodorize and clean equipment, coolers, and portable toilets. After each use, sprinkle baking soda to reduce odours and moisture buildup.
Other Practical Uses
Cooking:
Add a pinch of baking soda to the cooking water for legumes (such as beans) to make them more digestible.
Swimming pools:
Baking soda helps stabilize water pH, keeping it clear and balanced.
Pipes & Drains (deep cleaning version):
Mix 250 g of baking soda with 250 g of salt and pour it down the drain. Add hot water after a few minutes for optimal effect.