2.28.2025

12 clever ways to clean with baking soda

Although there is no shortage of fantastic cleaning products, from all-purpose sprays to vacuum cleaners , that will have your house sparkling in no time, some of the most reliable all-purpose products include baking soda and baking soda.

What is the difference between baking powder and baking soda?

Although baking soda (also known as sodium carbonate or sodium carbonate) doesn't get as much attention as sodium bicarbonate (also known as sodium bicarbonate), it is a different type of chemical compound that has a variety of uses around the home.

The main difference between the two is that baking soda can be used for both cooking and cleaning, while baking soda can only be used for cleaning and washing. Baking soda also has a more crystalline texture, while baking soda has a more powdery texture. You should also wear gloves when handling baking soda as it is a stronger alkali that can cause skin irritation.

How to clean with baking soda

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Like baking soda, Arm & Hammer is the most popular brand of baking soda and is usually found in the linen section of most grocery stores. But its uses go far beyond freshening up dirty clothes. According to cleaning experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute, there are a dozen household items you can clean with baking soda:

1. Stains

    For heavily soiled clothing, use a full cup of baking soda with the usual amount of detergent at the start of the wash cycle. You can also pre-treat stains with a paste made from 4 tablespoons of baking soda and ¼ cup of warm water. Using rubber gloves, gently rub the paste onto the wet stain and wash as usual.

    RELATED: The Best Stain Removers for Clothes

    2. Soap foam

    Because baking soda is a natural water softener, it can help remove stubborn soap scum in areas like toilets, tiles, sinks, and bathtubs (but don't use it on fiberglass). To clean these areas, dissolve half a cup of baking soda in a quart of warm water, scrub well, and rinse well.

    person cleaning bath with rubber gloves

    Connecting Images // Getty Images

    3. A greasy stove, oven, range hood or exhaust fan

    To remove stubborn grease and grime from surfaces, mix a solution of 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 quart warm water and apply with a damp sponge. Remove the burners and allow them to soak in the solution for at least 30 minutes before rinsing and drying.

    4. Kitchen utensils

    To clean heavily soiled pots and pans, sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge, scrub, and then rinse well. Alternatively, you can make a paste of two parts baking soda and one part water and apply it to the stained areas. Leave it on for 30 minutes, then rub in and rinse.

    RELATED: How to Clean Stainless Steel Pans

    5. Plastic trash cans

    To clean a smelly trash can, dissolve 1/2 cup of baking soda in a quart of warm water, wash the surface, rinse, and allow to dry.

    trash for recycling on a doorstep for collection

    Peter Dazeley // Getty Images

    6. Small appliances

    If your toaster or food processor is covered in grease or simply needs a refresh, clean the exterior with a solution of ½ cup baking soda dissolved in a quart of warm water.

    7. Garden furniture

    Plastic and wrought iron furniture can be revived with a solution of half a cup of baking soda in a gallon of warm water. Simply wipe plastic furniture with a cloth or sponge. For wrought iron, scrub with a stiff-bristled brush, hose down, and allow to dry.

    8. Garden tools

    If shovels, lawn mowers, and other garden tools have seen better days, you can scrub them with a damp, stiff-bristled brush containing baking soda. Once the tools are clean, hose them down and allow them to air dry.

    shovel, hoe and garden trowel

    Hannah Yelverton // Getty Images

    9. Grills and grilling utensils

    If your grill is covered in grease, use a damp, stiff-bristled brush with baking soda to scrub the grates, then rinse well. You can also soak grates and tools in a solution of 1/2 cup baking soda in a gallon of warm water before rinsing and drying.

    10. Shower curtains

    Remove mold from your shower curtain by soaking it in a solution of baking soda and water, then rinsing and drying thoroughly.

    RELATED: How to Clean a Glass Shower Door

    11. Silver jewelry

    To remove tarnish, cover a bowl with aluminum foil and then fill it with hot water and a small amount of baking soda. Allow the crystals to dissolve, then add your silver jewelry and let it soak for up to 15 minutes. Once bubbling stops, rinse and buff with a soft, lint-free cloth until completely dry.

    RELATED: How to Clean Jewelry

    12. Concrete floors

    Apply a paste of baking soda and water to spilled oil and grease, leave it overnight, then scrub with a damp brush, rinse with a hose, and dry.

    garage with concrete floors

    Don Mason // Getty Images

    Headshot of Brigitt Earley

    Brigitt is an author, editor and stylist with almost 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics such as home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertainment, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce and more.

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