Baking soda has a very long history of being used as a cleaner. This history goes as far back as ancient Egypt where it was initially used in mummification, to keep bodily odours at bay, and was then used as a multi purpose cleaner. They then made it into soap, toothpaste and a rudimentary mouthwash due to its antiseptic qualities. Baking soda was found to be a very versatile substance and still is today. In this blog post we thought we’d explore some of the ways that baking soda can be used around the house to keep everything clean and fresh.

Cleaning Dishes

A Handy Stand By

Keep a little bowl of dry soda close to the sink. If you encounter a stubborn stain, just dip your brush, sponge or cloth in the soda and scrub. The stain will we be gone in seconds. This can be used on both crockery and pans but make sure not to use it on non-stick finishes!

End that Sinking Feeling

For eco friendly dish washing, that’s also super effective, try this great trick. Add a tablespoon of baking soda to a sink filled with hot water and squeeze the juice of half a lemon in too. If you prefer to use dish soap add some baking soda in to the water as well to boost its action. This is a great tip for dealing with really greasy washing. 

Up to Your Elbows in Hot Water?

Keep your rubber gloves smelling fresh by sprinkling in a little baking soda in them after you’re done washing. Not only does this keep them fresh but it also absorbs any dampness and makes them easier to put on next time

Odor Removal

Fridge (Odor) Magnet

Things like strong cheese can be delicious, but carry a lingering smell. To combat these odours in your fridge you can use an open container of baking soda to absorb them and eliminate other stale odours. Make you sure stir the baking soda once in a while and replace it every couple of months or you might find the baking soda starting to smell. 

Clean out your Thermos 

To clean your thermos of stains or stale smells add a teaspoon of baking soda to it then fill it with hot water. Wait at least half an hour to let it soak and then rinse well with cold water. If you’re not using it immediately, allow it to dry with the lid off.

Anywhere Anytime Air Freshener 

Fill a small bowl almost to the top with baking soda and a few drops of your favourite essential oil. Place the bowl anywhere in the house that needs a bit of freshening. You can even pick a bowl that goes with the décor of the room it’s in, just make sure to replace the baking soda every couple of months.

Furniture

Back to White

White and light furniture can often lose it its gleam and shine really quickly. Make it look new again by wiping it down with a solution of 2 tablespoons of baking soda in 2L/2 pts/ 1qt warm water. Make a thicker paste of just water and baking soda to remove tougher black marks.

Dry Clean Your Three Piece Suite in Fifteen minutes!

To give any fabric upholstery new life, sprinkle the dry surfaces generously with baking soda and wait. After around 10 to 15 minutes the powder should have refreshed the fabric and can just be vacuumed up. 

Rust Buster

Sometimes metal furniture will begin to rust. To combat this, and remove rust, wipe the affected area with a paste made of a tablespoon of baking soda and a few drops of water. Afterwards, you can polish it with a piece of tin foil and a damp towel. Make sure you dry the area carefully with kitchen paper after.

This post is based off extracts from our book Baking Soda by Diane and John Sutherland, Liz Keevil and Kevin Eyres (ISBN: 9781786645371). This title is part of our House and Home series which is packed with tonnes of expert advice. You can order it from our website here or on Amazon here.