Cheap and Effective Uses for Baking Soda

by Chantal King

If you’re only using baking soda to absorb smells in the fridge and bake sweet goodies, you’ve only scratched the surface of what baking soda can do and how it can help you save. Why not give some of these uses a try?

Say the words “baking soda,” and I bet one thing comes immediately to mind: that open orange box in the fridge.

“Sodium Bicarbonate” has been around for centuries. The company Arm & Hammer® has been around for 150 years. We grew up knowing you’re supposed to keep a box in the fridge to help absorb unpleasant odors. Yet there are many more uses for the versatile white powder with the humble name.

In the Litter Box

About six months ago, I started sprinkling about half a box into the cat litter box. Even though I diligently clean it daily, there used to be a lingering odor. Now, there is absolutely none.

Even my mother-in-law, who dislikes cats, said, “I can’t smell anything anymore! Your house smells so clean!”

On the Carpet

I also sprinkle a light dusting on the carpet before I vacuum it. I let it sit for about half an hour. Then I vacuum as usual. The baking soda eliminates all odors that are trapped in the fibers.

You can also spot clean stains by adding a little water to a teaspoon of baking soda and gently rubbing the stain. Rinse with clean water.

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On the Bedding

When airing out our feather duvet and comforters on the deck railing, I sprinkle a little baking soda over the surface. Then, I firmly beat the fabric until all the powder is gone.

You can also vacuum it up. This fluffs up the filling and keeps the bedding smelling fresh for an excellent night’s sleep.

Down the Drain

Try adding a tablespoon down your sink drains and disposals. After a few minutes, run warm water.

In the Garbage

You can also deodorize smelly diaper pails and garbage cans. I leave an old jar lid with two tablespoons of baking soda in the bottom under the plastic bag.

In the Freezer

In addition to deodorizing the fridge, you can put a box in the freezer. I have a few plastic spice “jars” with the plastic piece with holes covering the opening. I fill them half-full with baking soda and keep one in the fridge and one in the freezer. Once a month I replace the baking soda. I use the “old” baking soda to freshen our drains (see “Down the Drain above.)

I keep a box in our van as well as the coat closet.

Under the Hood

Corrosion can clog up the posts and cables of your car battery, making it weaker. A paste of baking soda and water and an old toothbrush will clean it right up. Dry everything thoroughly when done.

In Your Mouth

You can also use baking soda as an antacid. Simply add 1/2 teaspoon to four ounces of water and let it completely dissolve.

My dad even adds a pinch to his toothpaste every day to keep his pearly whites sparkling!

And Yes, in Your Baked Goods

Don’t forget about baking! Before the advent of specialty flours with self-rising properties added, baking soda was and still is a staple for breads, cookies, and cakes.

The Best Thing About Baking Soda

The best thing about baking soda is its price. It is very affordable. Yet where you purchase it is important.

If you find it in the laundry aisle, you will pay double. If you spot it in the checkout lane in the dreaded “impulse buys,” you are looking at triple the price for the same size box. Instead, pick it up in the baking aisles or buy it in bulk at Walmart or your warehouse club.

The secret is out. Baking soda is a very inexpensive cleaner and deodorizer for your home and beyond. It is also environmentally safe; in fact, it can be ingested in safe amounts. You can’t get much healthier than that!

I predict that we will see many more cleaning and deodorizing products on the market as more and more people discover the many amazing uses of baking soda.

Reviewed January 2024