Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is one of the most versatile household products you can own. For generations, people have used it for cooking, cleaning, deodorizing, and a variety of beauty routines. It’s inexpensive, easy to find, and surprisingly effective for many everyday tasks.
However, while baking soda has many practical uses, it’s important to use it correctly. Because it is alkaline and mildly abrasive, it isn’t suitable for every skin type or every surface. This guide shares 13 safe and practical ways to use baking soda around your home and in your beauty routine.
What Is Baking Soda?
Baking soda is a naturally occurring alkaline compound known as sodium bicarbonate. It works by:
- Neutralizing odors
- Gently scrubbing surfaces
- Absorbing moisture
- Helping lift stains
- Reacting with acids to release carbon dioxide (making baked goods rise)
1. Natural Deodorizer
You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- Small open container
Steps
- Fill a small bowl or jar with baking soda.
- Place it in the refrigerator, shoe cabinet, or bathroom.
- Replace every 30–60 days.
Benefit: Helps neutralize unpleasant odors instead of simply masking them.
2. Gentle Hand Scrub
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- A few drops of water
Steps
- Mix into a soft paste.
- Gently massage onto hands for 20–30 seconds.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Apply hand cream afterward.
Tip: Avoid using on irritated or broken skin.
3. Freshen Hair Brushes
Ingredients
- Warm water
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
Steps
- Remove loose hair from the brush.
- Soak the brush for 15–20 minutes.
- Rinse and allow it to dry completely.
4. Remove Odors from Shoes
Steps
- Sprinkle 1–2 tablespoons of baking soda inside each shoe.
- Leave overnight.
- Shake out the powder before wearing.
5. Refresh Carpets
Steps
- Sprinkle baking soda evenly over the carpet.
- Leave for at least 30 minutes.
- Vacuum thoroughly.
This can help reduce lingering odors.
6. Clean Kitchen Sink
Ingredients
- Baking soda
- Damp sponge
Steps
- Sprinkle baking soda onto the sink.
- Gently scrub using a damp sponge.
- Rinse well.
7. Deodorize Trash Cans
Steps
- Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda in the bottom of the trash can.
- Replace every few weeks.
8. Freshen the Refrigerator
Steps
- Place an open box or bowl of baking soda on a refrigerator shelf.
- Replace every 1–2 months.
9. Clean Coffee and Tea Stains
Steps
- Mix baking soda with a small amount of water.
- Apply to stained mugs.
- Gently scrub.
- Rinse thoroughly.
10. Remove Food Odors from Hands
After handling garlic, onions, or fish:
Steps
- Wet your hands.
- Rub a small amount of baking soda between your palms.
- Rinse with water.
- Wash with soap if needed.
11. DIY Foot Soak
Ingredients
- Warm water
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
Steps
- Fill a basin with warm water.
- Stir in baking soda.
- Soak feet for 15–20 minutes.
- Dry thoroughly.
- Apply moisturizer afterward.
Note: This may help soften rough skin but is not a treatment for fungal infections or other medical conditions.
12. Clean Stainless Steel
Steps
- Make a paste with baking soda and water.
- Apply using a soft cloth.
- Wipe gently in the direction of the grain.
- Rinse and dry.
13. Freshen Laundry
Steps
- Add ½ cup of baking soda to your regular laundry detergent.
- Wash as usual.
This may help neutralize odors and improve cleaning performance.
Beauty Tips: Use with Care
Although baking soda is commonly used in DIY beauty treatments, it isn’t suitable for everyone.
Avoid Using Baking Soda:
- As a daily facial cleanser
- On broken or irritated skin
- On sunburned skin
- On sensitive skin without a patch test
Because baking soda has a high pH, frequent use on the skin may disrupt the skin’s natural protective barrier and lead to dryness or irritation.
Safety Tips
- Always perform a patch test before applying to the skin.
- Avoid contact with the eyes.
- Store in a dry place.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Do not inhale large amounts of baking soda powder.
- Never use baking soda as a substitute for prescribed medical treatments.