Few household products have earned a reputation quite like baking soda. For more than a century, this simple white powder has been found in kitchens, bathrooms, and cleaning cupboards around the world. From baking fluffy cakes to freshening refrigerators and tackling stubborn stains, baking soda has become one of the most versatile products you can own.
Recently, it has also become the subject of countless online health claims. While baking soda has a few legitimate uses in certain situations, it isn’t something that should be consumed every day by most people, as regular use may not be appropriate and can even be harmful for some individuals. The safest and most reliable benefits come from its many practical household uses.
Let’s explore 15 of the most useful ways people use baking soda.
1. Natural refrigerator deodorizer
An open box of baking soda helps absorb unwanted refrigerator odors.
Replace it every 1–3 months for best results.
2. Freshens carpets
Sprinkle lightly over carpets.
Leave for 15–20 minutes.
Vacuum thoroughly.
3. Removes kitchen odors
A small bowl placed near the sink or trash can can help reduce lingering smells.
4. Cleans sinks
Mixed with a little water, baking soda forms a gentle paste that helps clean stainless steel and ceramic sinks.
5. Freshens shoes
Sprinkle a small amount inside shoes overnight.
Shake it out before wearing.
6. Helps clean ovens
A paste of baking soda and water is a popular homemade cleaner for baked-on grease.
7. Cleans cutting boards
Its mild abrasive texture helps remove food residue from many cutting boards.
8. Deodorizes trash cans
Sprinkle a little in the bottom of the bin before inserting a new bag.
9. Cleans grout
A soft brush and baking soda paste can help freshen tile grout.
10. Removes coffee stains from mugs
A gentle scrub with baking soda often lifts stubborn stains.
11. Freshens drains
Combined with hot water (and sometimes vinegar as a separate step), baking soda is commonly used to help freshen household drains.
12. Cleans outdoor furniture
It can help remove dirt from many plastic patio surfaces.
Always test a small area first.
13. Freshens reusable containers
A soak with warm water and baking soda can help reduce lingering food odors.
14. Laundry booster
Many people add a small amount to the wash to help freshen clothes.
Always follow your washing machine manufacturer’s instructions.
15. Household cleaning paste
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons baking soda
- Enough water to make a thick paste
Directions
Mix until smooth.
Apply to washable surfaces.
Gently scrub with a sponge or soft cloth.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Can you drink baking soda every day?
Although baking soda is sometimes used under medical guidance for specific purposes, it’s not recommended as a daily health drink for most people. Regular consumption can increase sodium intake and may not be safe for people with high blood pressure, kidney disease, heart disease, or certain other medical conditions.
The bottom line
Baking soda is one of the most versatile, affordable, and useful household products available. From cleaning and deodorizing to freshening shoes and removing stains, it has countless practical applications around the home. While it does have limited medical uses in certain situations, its greatest strengths are in the kitchen and around the house—not as a daily health supplement.
Sometimes the simplest products aren’t the ones with the biggest health claims—they’re the ones that quietly make everyday life cleaner, fresher, and a little easier.
For more surprising health insights, check out why Celtic Sea Salt is gaining popularity or discover the ancient benefits of drinking Ginseng Tea every morning.
