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10 Surprising Baking Soda Uses for Everyday Home Cleaning

10 Surprising Baking Soda Uses for Everyday Home Cleaning

Baking soda is a staple for tackling fridge odors, but its real magic shines in these overlooked household applications. As cleaning experts with years of hands-on experience, we've tested these methods ourselves—they deliver reliable results every time.

Here are 10 game-changing uses for baking soda:

10 Surprising Baking Soda Uses for Everyday Home Cleaning

1. Remove Tape Residue

Create a thick paste with baking soda and water. Rub it onto tape remnants on windows, then wipe away with a damp sponge for a clean finish.

2. Extinguish Flames

Keep a box of baking soda handy in your kitchen. Toss it on stovetop flames to safely smother small grease fires.

3. Eliminate Cockroaches

Mix equal parts sugar and baking soda in a shallow dish. Roaches are drawn to the sugar, but the baking soda proves fatal when ingested.

4. Remove Grease Stains from Carpet

Sprinkle baking soda liberally on greasy carpet spots and let it sit for about 1 hour. Gently rub with a damp sponge or brush, then vacuum up the residue.

5. Absorb Moisture

Place an open container of baking soda in your tool cabinet to draw out excess moisture and prevent rust on saws, hammers, pliers, and more.

6. Maintain Pipes

Weekly maintenance: Pour 1 cup baking soda followed by 1 cup white vinegar down your kitchen sink drain to prevent clogs and buildup.

7. Clean a Shower Door

Sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge, scrub your shower door, and rinse with warm water for a sparkling, streak-free shine that lasts.

8. Clean the Oven or Barbecue Grill

Sprinkle baking soda directly on oven interiors or grill racks. Let it sit overnight, then scrub off grime with a wire brush and hot water.

9. Get Rid of Stubborn Hand Odors

Scrub hands with warm water and a handful of baking soda to neutralize persistent smells from garlic, fish, or onions.

10. Remove Musty Smells from Books

Add baking soda to a plastic bag with damp-smelling books and seal for a few weeks. Or sprinkle inside pages directly to banish odors.

If you don't have baking soda at home, you can find some by clicking here.