8 Awesome Uses of Baking Soda for Cleaning

From the kitchen to the bathroom to the garage, discover the surprising ways people clean with baking soda - and they actually work!

We all know that baking soda is an essential ingredient in making fluffy pancakes, quick breads and perfect cakes. But did you know that it also works wonders for cleaning the house?
Whether you're diving into spring cleaning or cleaning up an everyday mess, a box of baking soda will be your new best friend. And the best part? It's a healthy, homemade alternative to the expensive stuff from the supermarket. Refresh your household inside and out with these easy must-know ways to clean with baking soda.

1. Boost potency of dishwashing liquid

Looking for a stronger dishwashing detergent? Try adding 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of baking soda to your usual amount of dish detergent and watch it cut through grease like a hot knife.

2. Make your own dishwashing detergent

The dishwasher is fully loaded, and you realize you're out of powdered dishwashing detergent. What do you do now? Make your own by mixing 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of baking soda with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of borax. You may be so pleased with the results that you switch for good.

3. Deodorize your dishwasher

Eliminate odors in your automatic dishwasher by sprinkling 1/2 cup (125 ml) baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher between rinses. Or add half a can of baking soda and run the empty machine through the rinse cycle.

4. Clean your refrigerator

To remove odors and dried-on stains in your refrigerator, remove the contents, sprinkle some baking soda on a damp sponge and scrub the sides, shelves and compartments. Rinse with a clean, damp sponge and then place a fresh packet of baking soda inside.

5. Clean your microwave

To remove splatter from inside your microwave, place a solution of 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of baking soda in 1 cup (250 ml) of water in a microwave-safe container and heat on high for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the container from the microwave and wipe the wet inside with a damp paper towel.

6. Remove coffee and tea stains from china

Don't let those pesky coffee or tea stains on your good china spoil another special occasion. Remove them by dipping a damp cloth in baking soda to form a stiff paste and gently rubbing your cups and saucers. Rinse them and then dry them.
7. Clean a thermos

To remove residue from the inside of a thermos, mix 1/4 cup (50 g) baking soda in 4 cups (1 l) of water. Fill the thermos with the solution - if necessary, go over it with a bottle brush to loosen everything up. Let the thermos soak overnight and rinse it out before using.

8. Freshen a sponge or towel

If a kitchen sponge or dish towel takes on that distinct sour smell, soak it overnight in 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of baking soda and a few drops of antibacterial dishwashing liquid dissolved in 2 cups (500 ml) of warm water. The next morning, squeeze out the remaining solution and rinse with cold water. It should smell as good as new.