9 Brilliant Uses for Baking Soda You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner

Michele Baker
Oct 4
3 min read

Baking soda—also known as sodium bicarbonate—is one of those humble pantry staples that quietly performs miracles across your home. From fluffing up your favorite baked goods to tackling stubborn grime, this inexpensive white powder deserves a permanent spot in your kitchen and cleaning arsenal.

Here are nine powerful ways to use baking soda, backed by expert tips from trusted sources.

muffins raised with baking soda — *Image courtesy of Sofia livarinen and Pixabay*

Boost Your Baking Game

Baking soda is a leavening agent that helps baked goods rise by producing carbon dioxide when combined with an acid like lemon juice or buttermilk. It’s essential for recipes like cookies, muffins, and quick breads. It also contributes to browning and caramelization, giving treats that golden finish and rich flavor.

👉 Learn more from Food Network

use baking soda for a sparkling clean sink — *Image courtesy of Fede and Pixabay*

Use Baking Soda to Scrub Your Sink Sparkling Clean

Its mild abrasiveness makes baking soda ideal for cleaning stainless steel sinks, stovetops, and countertops without scratching. Just sprinkle it directly onto the surface, add a splash of water or vinegar, and scrub away.

👉 Cleaning tips from Clean Mama

Deodorize Your Fridge

Got funky fridge smells? Place an open box of baking soda inside to absorb odors. It neutralizes acidic and basic scent molecules, keeping your fridge fresh.

(Pro Tip: expired soda, even though it won't work for baking, can still be used for cleaning and deodorizing!)

👉 Odor-fighting advice from Real Simple

baking soda keeps laundry fresh — *Image courtesy of Monfocus and Pixabay*

Freshen Up Laundry

Add half a cup of baking soda to your laundry to boost detergent performance and eliminate odors. It helps balance pH levels, which softens water and enhances cleaning—especially useful for gym clothes, towels, and pet bedding.

Baking soda might also enhance the smell if you add laundry-safe scents to the wash cycle.

👉 Laundry hacks from Better Homes & Gardens

Treat Powdery Mildew in the Garden

For an easy garden rescue, mix 1-½ Tablespoons of baking soda with 3 Tablespoons of vegetable oil in a gallon of water and spray on affected plants. This changes the leaf pH, making it less hospitable to fungal spores.

👉 Gardening tips from Better Homes & Gardens

brush your teeth with baking soda — *Image courtesy of Sarah Chai and Pexels*

Whiten Your Teeth (Gently)

Baking soda is a common ingredient in natural toothpaste thanks to its ability to remove surface stains and neutralize acids in the mouth.

While dentists recommend that using baking soda shouldn’t replace brushing with a high quality fluoride toothpaste, occasional use can brighten your smile.

👉 Oral care insights from Family Dentist

*Image courtesy of Tima Miroshnichenko and Pexels*

Clean Coffee and Tea Stains

Ever wonder how restaurants and hotels keep their coffee and tea dispensers so clean? Pro cleaners know!

Fill stained mugs or carafes with warm water and a tablespoon of baking soda. Let sit for 30 minutes, then scrub. The gentle abrasiveness lifts stains without damaging ceramic or glass.

👉 Kitchen cleaning tips from The Maids

use baking soda and vinegar in the drain to break down grime — *Image courtesy of Karolina Grabowska and Pexels*

Unclog and Deodorize Drains

Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain followed by half a cup of vinegar.

These chemical opposites (one basic, the other acidic) will react immediately. Let it fizz for 10–15 minutes, then flush with hot water. This powerhouse combo breaks down grime and neutralizes odors.

👉 Eco-friendly cleaning from Clean Mama

Remove Pesticide Residue from Produce

Washing fruits and vegetables with baking soda is an effective way to reduce pesticide residue. A study published in the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry" found that soaking apples in a solution of baking soda and water for 12–15 minutes removed significantly more pesticide residue than plain water or bleach solutions (and didn't leave behind the smell of bleach).

To try it at home: mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda into 2 cups of water, soak your produce for 10–15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. This method is especially helpful for items with edible skins like apples, grapes, and berries.

👉 Scientific backing from Harvard Health and ScienceDaily

Final Thoughts

From your kitchen to your garden, baking soda proves it’s more than just a baking ingredient—it’s a multitasking marvel. Whether you're cleaning, deodorizing, or gardening, this simple compound delivers powerful results with minimal effort.