Thrifty Thursday: 30 Alternative Uses for Baking Soda
Here's a little secret for you: Right now, at this very minute, it is highly likely that you have a few multi-use miracle workers hanging out in your kitchen cabinets. Sure, you break them out for cooking and baking regularly, but why not show them a little love in between those moments, too? We've already shared the many ways you can use vinegar around the house and save money (and the environment) as a result. Now it's baking soda's time to shine!
At just a couple of dollars a box, a little can go a long way - in the kitchen and out.
Uses for Baking Soda
In the Kitchen
Fridge Deodorizer
Keep an open box of baking soda in the refrigerator door and it'll absorb unpleasant food odors to keep it smelling fresh. Replace every couple of months!
Diswasher Cleaner
It's easy to forget that appliances built to clean occasionally need cleaned themselves! Make some of these baking soda dishwasher cleaners and use monthly to keep your dishwasher smelling and looking its best.
Metal Pan Fixer-Upper
Metal baking pans have caked on gunk or looking a little rusty? Baking soda to the rescue! Try this solution to get them sparkling again. You might also consider this DIY soft scrub.
Garbage Disposal Refresher
Toss a little baking soda and lemon (or other citrus) peel down the disposal and let it run to kill off even the worst odors.
Oven Cleaner
Additionally, lemon and baking soda can team up to work wonders on your oven, too. Give this natural solution a try next time you clean it.
Dish Soaker
Short on time? Let baking soda work its magic on your dishes! Try these DIY dish cleaning bombs.
Fire Stopper
Keep a box of baking soda close to the stovetop as it can put out grease fires. If you see flames, douse them with baking soda.
In the Bathroom
Comb Cleaner
Get rid of product and oil build up on brushes and combs by soaking them in a sink filled with 1 teaspoon baking soda and warm water.
Drain Unclogger
Water taking forever to drain from your tub or sink? Unclog them with this solution. Toilet refusing to flush properly? Try this baking soda fix!
Toilet Freshener
Freshen the commode and leave it sparkling, too, with this homemade toilet bowl cleaner.
Tile + Grout Scrubber
This baking soda-based DIY tile and ground scrub cleaner will leave your floors and tub looking brand new.
Health + Beauty
Pedicure Treatment
Adding baking soda to warm water makes for a great at-home spa treatment. Go extra fancy by adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil(s) to the mix, too.
Toothpaste
Run out of toothpaste? A little baking soda mixed with water will work in its place!
Deodorant
If you're in a pinch or have sensitive skin that reacts poorly to regular deodorant, just pat a little baking soda on your underarms to help prevent odors.
Body Scrub
Mixing three parts baking soda to one part water will result in a great exfoliant to use on your face, hands, elbows, knees, and feet. You can also mix a bit in with your regular body wash for added exfoliating.
Clarifying Shampoo
If your hair is in need of a really thorough cleaning (product build up, unpleasant smells), sprinkle some baking soda into your shampoo and wash like normal.
Pick-Me-Up
Need an extra boost in the morning? Give these DIY shower bombs a try!
Itch Stopper
Stop bug bites from driving you crazy and treat with this homemade anti-itch cream while they heal.
Sunburn Calmer
Too much fun in the sun? Relieve the burning that comes with it by applying a mixture of equal parts baking soda and water to the area.
Upset Stomach Reliever
Drink a glass of water mixed with 1 teaspoon baking soda to relieve an upset stomach.
Miscellaneous
Carpet + Rug Cleaner
Sprinkle a little baking soda over rugs and carpets before vacuuming for added freshness.
Stain Remover
Managed to get a little oil on your shirt? Apply baking soda to the area, let sit for several minutes, and the stain should lift considerably. For tougher stains, whip up this stain treater and apply before washing.
Laundry Freshener
If a load of laundry needs cleaned and freshened extra well, mix a quarter cup of baking soda into the wash cycle (along with detergent.)
Sweater Scenter
Try making these DIY scented sachets to place in closets and drawers to keep them smelling fresh.
Mattress Cleaner
When is the last time you deep cleaned your mattress? Use this strategy to get it super clean and smelling fresh.
Sneaker Refresher
Stinky sneaks? Sprinkle baking soda inside your shoes to get rid of gross odors. Be sure to shake it out before wearing them!
Flower Life-Extender
Keep your flowers fresher longer by adding a teaspoon of baking soda to their water.
Outdoor Oil Stain Eraser
Oil stains on your driveway or in your garage? Sprinkle them with baking soda, then scrub with water and a brush and watch them disappear!
Hubcap Renewer
Baking soda and dish soap can take washing your car to a whole new level!
Goo Goner
Save big money and make your own Goo Gone with this solution.