Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda into the trash can once a week to help absorb odors.
45 Surprising Household Uses for Baking Soda You Need to Try!

Baking soda is an essential ingredient in whipping up fluffy pancakes, quick breads and perfect cakes. But did you know it works wonders cleaning around the house, too? This gentle, non-toxic pantry staple is a powerhouse when it comes to removing oil stains, cleaning your kids' toys, and even freshening your breath.
Whether you're diving deep into spring cleaning or tidying up an everyday mess, a box of baking soda will be your new best friend. Best part? It's a wholesome, homemade alternative to the expensive stuff you get at the store. Freshen your household inside and out with these must-know ways to clean with baking soda — and make sure you know the difference between baking soda and baking powder before you grab a box for these projects.
Trash Can Deodorizer
Stainless Steel Sink Cleaner
Make a paste of baking soda and white vinegar. Soak paper towels in the solution and wipe down the sink.
Stovetop Cleaner
Pour baking soda directly onto a grimy surface and let sit for 5 minutes. Wipe with a damp sponge, scrubbing gently, then wipe your stovetop clean with a soft cloth.
Non-Self-Cleaning Oven Cleaner
Mix 1 cup white vinegar with 1/2 cup lemon juice in a spray bottle. Spray the bottom of the oven, let sit for 10 minutes, then sprinkle baking soda on top. Let sit for 10 more minutes and wipe clean.
Fruit and Veggie Wash
Mix water, baking soda, and lemon juice together. Wipe fruits and veggies with the mixture to remove wax.
Silverware Polisher
Make a paste with 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Rub the paste onto silverware with a clean cloth, then rinse and dry.
No-Wax Floor Cleaner
Mix 1/2 cup baking soda in a bucket of warm water. Mop the floor and rinse with clean water.
Microwave Cleaner
Help remove stuck-on food by applying baking soda to a damp sponge and scrubbing the residue.
Dishwasher Cleaner
Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of your dishwasher and run as usual to help freshen and remove stains.
Garbage Disposal Refresher
Pour baking soda slowly down the garbage disposal drain while running warm tap water.
Cutting Board Deodorizer
Sprinkle a cutting board with baking soda, then scrub and rinse. Use a disinfectant for actual cleaning.
Dishrag Deodorizer
Soak smelly dishrags in a bucket of warm water and baking soda.
Sponge Cleaner
Soak smelly sponges regularly in 4 tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in 1 quart of warm water.
Soap Scum Remover
Sprinkle a wet rag or sponge with baking soda and rub on sinks and bathtubs to remove stubborn soap scum.
Shower Grout Cleaner
Make a paste of lemon juice and baking soda. Brush the paste onto grout lines with a toothbrush, let sit several minutes, and wipe off. Just make sure you're aware of which household cleaning products should never be mixed before trying any alternative version of this.
Shower Curtain Cleaner
Sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge, scrub the curtain, and rinse off with clean water.
Comb and Brush Cleaner
Soak combs and brushes overnight in a cup of warm water mixed with 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
Closet Freshener
Keep musty smells at bay by placing an open box or small glass jar of baking soda on a closet shelf.
Drawer Freshener
Fill an old sock or small cloth bag with baking soda and place it in a drawer to absorb odor.
Mattress Deodorizer
Vacuum the mattress first. Sprinkle baking soda over the surface and let it sit 30 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly.
Oil Stain Remover
To remove pesky oil stains from your driveway or garage floor, sprinkle baking soda over the stains and scrub with a stiff-bristle brush.
Lawn Furniture Cleaner
Mix 1/2 cup baking soda with 1 quart warm water. Wipe down, rinse, and allow to dry.
Grill Cleaner
Sprinkle baking soda on the grill grates and scrub with a brush. Rinse and wipe clean.
Chrome Polisher
Make a paste of baking soda and water. Wet a clean cloth with the paste, rub on chrome, and wipe off, then rinse and dry.
Bug Repellent
To keep cockroaches and ants at bay, sprinkle a line of baking soda along basement windows and doorways.
Weed Control
Generously sprinkle baking soda onto driveway and sidewalk cracks to help discourage weeds.
Litter Box Deodorizer
Mix a generous amount of baking soda into the kitty litter box to help cut down on odor.
Pet Bedding Deodorizer
To cut down on musty pet odor, sprinkle bedding liberally with baking soda. Wait at least 15 minutes and vacuum thoroughly.
Drain Cleaner
Pour 1/2 cup baking soda followed by 1/2 cup vinegar down the drain. Let fizz, then pour 6 cups of hot water down the drain.
Carpet Stain Remover
Mix 1 cup baking soda, 1 cup salt, and 1 cup white vinegar into a paste. Apply to the stain, allow to dry, and vacuum.
Rug Deodorizer
Sprinkle the rug with baking soda and let it sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly.
Toy Cleaner
To refresh your kids' toys (which are one of the dirtiest things in your home), dissolve 4 tablespoons of baking soda in 1 quart warm water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray toys, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
Small Hole Repair
No spackle? Make a paste of white toothpaste and baking soda. Fill holes in the wall with the mixture, smooth over, and allow to dry.
Water Spot Remover
Make a paste with baking soda, water, and toothpaste. Apply the paste with a soft cloth to wood and rub away rings and spots.
Vacuum Cleaner Odor Remover
Sprinkle baking soda on the carpet and vacuum it up to help remove odors inside your vacuum cleaner.
Marble Cleaner
Dissolve 3 teaspoons of baking soda in a quart of warm water. Wet a clean cloth with the mixture and wipe down marble.
Laundry Brightener
Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to a load of laundry to boost colors and help fight stains.
Air Freshener
Mix water, baking soda, and a drop of your favorite essential oil together to make a room spray.
Sterling Silver Jewelry Cleaner
To remove tarnish, line the bottom of a dish with aluminum foil (shiny side up). Dissolve 1 tablespoon baking soda in 1 cup boiling water (the solution may bubble). Place your jewelry in the dish, making sure it's touching the aluminum foil, then pour the solution into the dish. Let it sit for 2 to 10 minutes, rinse, and dry with a soft cloth — make sure the silver is completely dry before storing.
Shoe Refresher
Sprinkle baking soda inside shoes after wearing, or make sachets with baking soda and tuck them into shoes.
Mouth Freshener
To combat bad breath, mix 1 teaspoon baking soda in 1/2 glass of water. Gargle, swish, spit, and rinse.
Exfoliating Scrub
To brighten skin, mix a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part warm water. Gently rub onto the face using a circular motion, then rinse. Apply this paste to heels and elbows to smooth skin.
Foot Soak
To soothe tired, achy feet, dissolve 3 teaspoons of baking soda in a warm bath. Soak and gently scrub feet.
Chlorine Remover
Too much time at the pool? Rinse your hair with 1/2 teaspoon baking soda dissolved in 1 pint water to remove dullness caused by too much chlorine.
Toothpaste
A dab of coconut oil with baking soda can clean your teeth just as well as the bright blue stuff you'd get at the store.
Got a handy tip of your own?
Reply and let us know, we love hearing your tips.