Baking soda, often overlooked as a simple baking ingredient, has proven itself a multi-purpose household powerhouse, finding uses in everything from cleaning and deodorizing to personal care and minor health remedies. Experts say that understanding how to leverage its properties can save time, money, and reduce dependence on harsh chemical products.
According to The Spruce (Nov. 9, 2025), baking soda’s mildly alkaline nature allows it to neutralize acids and odors, making it a natural deodorizer for refrigerators, carpets, shoes, and trash bins. Simply sprinkling a thin layer of baking soda and leaving it for several hours can absorb unpleasant smells, leaving surfaces fresh and neutralized.
Good Housekeeping emphasizes its use as a gentle abrasive cleaner. When mixed with a small amount of water, it can scrub sinks, stovetops, and bathroom tiles without scratching surfaces. Combined with vinegar or lemon juice, it forms a natural effervescent cleaner that unclogs drains, removes grime, and disinfects countertops.
Beyond cleaning, baking soda has personal care applications. Healthline reports that it can whiten teeth, act as a mild exfoliant for skin, and soothe minor irritations like insect bites or sunburns. For laundry, adding a half-cup of baking soda to the wash cycle can brighten clothes and reduce odors without the need for harsh chemicals.
Experts caution that while baking soda is versatile, moderation is key, particularly in skin or oral applications, to prevent irritation or enamel damage. Still, its low cost and environmental friendliness make it an appealing alternative to commercial products.
Baking soda has also found use in kitchen hacks, such as keeping cut fruits fresh, preventing eggs from cracking in boiling water, or tenderizing meat. Its applications extend even to fire safety, where sprinkling it on small grease fires can smother flames, demonstrating the ingredient’s versatility beyond the kitchen.
Industry insiders say that the renewed interest in eco-friendly living and sustainable home practices has led to a surge in baking soda-based solutions. Online communities, lifestyle blogs, and YouTube tutorials are increasingly dedicated to creative ways of using this inexpensive powder for everyday problems.
With its affordability, safety, and wide range of applications, baking soda has earned a reputation as a must-have item for every household, capable of replacing dozens of chemical-based cleaners and products while promoting a safer and greener living environment.
Sources
The Spruce — “Baking Soda Uses and Hacks for Every Home,” Nov. 9, 2025
Good Housekeeping — “Top Baking Soda Tricks You Need to Try,” Nov. 9, 2025
Healthline — “Baking Soda Safety and Household Applications,” Nov. 9, 2025
Reader’s Digest — “15 Incredible Baking Soda Tricks You Didn’t Know About,” Nov. 9, 2025
