Cleaning with baking soda, tips and uses

What is baking soda?

If you’ve ever wondered – what is baking soda, the answer is quite simple. In terms of its chemical composition, Baking soda is essentially sodium bicarbonate and is a component of the naturally occurring mineral natron that usually exhibits as a white crystal-like solid. In its natural mineral state it is referred to as nahcolite and deposits are usually found in the vicinity of mineral springs. To describe its appearance, baking soda visually resembles a white powder, and has a distinctive salty taste. It is an alkaline substance that has long been renowned for its various applications across diverse fields including cooking, cleaning and medicine.

Baking soda may also be commercially manufactured as an application of the Solvay process, which refers to the reaction that occurs between Sodium chloride, carbon dioxide, and ammonia in the presence of water. Over the past few years, cleaning with baking soda has gained particular credibility due to its low toxicity, cleaning efficiency and cost effectiveness. (One box of baking soda is significantly cheaper than virtually any commercial cleaner.)

Simple Tips for cleaning with baking soda in the kitchen

Baking soda can play the part of an all-purpose cleaning agent in the kitchen. Simply dust some of this powder over a clean damp cloth before wiping any surface that needs cleaning. Follow up with a cold water rinse.

Place an open box (or jar) of baking soda on a refrigerator shelf. It is a powerful deodorizer and can absorb any bad smells originating from your fridge. (Replace this jar every 2-3 months for the optimal benefits.) You may also use a baking soda solution to cleanse and rejuvenate the interior surfaces and shelves in your fridge.

With its powerful odor absorbent qualities, baking soda is an ideal choice to deal with strong garbage odors. Spread a layer at the bottom of your garbage cans every time you change the garbage bags to prevent unpleasant smells from developing.

Sprinkled Baking soda can prove to be an effective solution in extinguishing grease fires. 

Washing out plastic food containers with a combination of baking soda and hot water will help remove any lingering odors that are present. If you are dealing with a stubborn odor, you can leave the soda solution in the container overnight.

Formulate a silver polishing paste that utilizes 3 parts of baking soda to 1 part of water. Apply this paste to any pieces of silver cutlery before rinsing away with warm water. Use a clean cloth to dry each item.

It may also be used to eliminate grease stains and scuff marks from almost any type of floor including no-wax floors. Simply dust the stain with baking soda before wiping away with a slightly warm, wet cloth. 

Baking soda can also prove to be an effective cleaner in dealing with cooking utensils that have burnt food residues stuck to the bottom. Sprinkle this powder on the stain before filling the utensil with hot water. Let this mixture rest overnight before scrubbing away the loosened deposits.

If your chinaware has developed hard set coffee stains, baking soda is the ideal way to eliminate them. Sprinkle some powder directly on these stains and wipe away gently with a slightly wet sponge. Rinse well.

A baking soda paste consisting of 3 parts powder and 1 part water can prove to be highly beneficial in dealing with hard to remove fruit juice stains from a kitchen counter top. Apply this paste to these stains before wiping away with a damp sponge.

In order to add a sparkling effect to your dishes and cutlery and to remove any food or grease stains, you can intensify your normal dish washing liquid by adding 2 tablespoons of baking soda.

A solution of 1 quart warm water and 1/4 cup of baking soda can help dissolve difficult tea (tannin) stains from teapots. Immerse the teapot in this solution overnight before washing as usual.

Keep Your Bathrooms Sparkling with Baking Soda

In order to deodorize and unblock your bathroom drains, use a quarter cup of baking soda. Follow up by pouring a cup of boiling water down the drain. You can repeat this treatment on a weekly basis to ensure trouble-free drains.

Combs and hairbrushes can be sanitized by placing them in a diluted solution of baking soda. (1 tablespoon soda to a quart of warm water)

Baking Soda can be used as general bathroom cleaner in order to remove any stains that may have developed. Combine 3 parts of baking soda with 1 part of water. Apply the paste to the bathroom walls or any other stained surface. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing and wiping down the walls.

Baking Soda: The All Purpose Home Cleaner

Sprinkling baking soda on a carpet prior to vacuuming is an effective method of getting rid of odors caused by spilled food stains and pets. Allow the powder to rest for at least 15 minutes before you vacuum. If necessary, you can repeat the process to get rid of persistent odors.

If you want to remove marks and stains from a wall without damaging the underlying paint, you may sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge before applying directly to the stain. Remember to scrub gently to avoid any damage to the paint.

Sprinkling a layer of baking soda at the bottom of an ashtray will ensure that your house is free from the smell of stale smoke.

Adding a layer of baking soda to your pet's litterbox can prove to be effective in neutralizing any strong odors that are present.

Making a paste with baking soda and water (3:1 ratio) can prove to be an excellent cleaner that is suitable for removing dirt and other residues that are trapped inside your dishwasher or washing machine drum.

To get rid off that wet dog smell and to keep your pets clean, you can dust their fur with baking soda before brushing it out.

Baking soda is also a good option when you are dealing with any type of liquid spill on a carpet. In such cases, you should try and remove as much of the liquid as possible using absorbent paper towels. Sprinkle baking soda across the stain and let it rest for as long as possible. You can use your vacuum cleaner to get rid off any residue.

Cleaning your kid's toys requires the use of a safe non-toxic cleaner. Mix 1/4 cup of baking soda with a quart of warm water. You can either apply this mixture to the toy or immerse the toy in this solution. Finally, wash down the toy with clean water.

If your microwave oven has stains or if there are burnt bits of food stuck to the interior surfaces they must be removed before any unpleasant odors start to develop. Mix baking soda and water in a microwave safe dish. Place it in the oven and cook at high until it starts to boil. The steam released by this process should be able to loosen dried bits of food and dissolve any stains. You should be able to simply wipe them off with a damp sponge.

Cleaning out hard set stains from insulated thermos flasks can be quite tricky. However, this task may be simplified with the use of baking soda. Simply add the requisite amount of this powder into the flask. Pour in boiling water, close the flask securely and shake vigorously. This is a quick, effective method to remove these stains.

Rejuvenate Your Laundry with Baking Soda

Baking soda can prove to be a cost effective replacement to expensive laundry detergents. Simply replace 50% of your wash detergent with an equal quantity of baking soda and run your regular wash program.

If your clothes are stained with grease, you can apply a paste made with baking soda and water directly to the stain. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before washing as usual. Alternatively, you may choose to add the baking soda directly to your wash load. This method of stain removal can also prove to be effective when dealing with any crayon marks that are present on your clothes.

Sprinkling baking soda in a Baby diaper pail can help deodorize them before they are washed. 

It can also help enhance the whitening effect delivered by standard chlorine bleach. Simply pour in half a cup of baking soda with your white clothes, while using the recommended amount of bleach.

Sprinkling baking soda at the bottom of a laundry hamper will prevent clothes from developing any unpleasant odors.

Pour in 1/2 cup of baking soda during the rinse cycle to rejuvenate towels and sheets and give them the best cleaning. This also helps add an extra degree of softness to your linens.

Ideas for Outdoor cleaning with baking soda 

Baking soda is ideal for getting rid of any grease stains on and around your barbecue or outdoor grill.

In order to clean charred bits of food stuck to a grill you can spray on a baking soda solution to these residues. Allow this solution to work for a few hours. This should loosen these burned on bits and they can be easily wiped away.

Most of your patio furniture can be kept in prime condition by using a cleansing solution made up of a quart of warm water that has a quarter cup baking soda dissolved in it.

If you have a backyard pool that has been affected by infestations of mildew, it can be sanitized with a combination of warm water and baking soda.

In order to maintain the freshness of any camping gear and to prevent stale odors developing, ensure that you dust them with baking soda after each trip. You can use this method to ensure that your gym bag does not develop odors.

A thick paste of baking soda and water can be used to eliminate any form of corrosion from your automobile battery cables. Coat the cables with this paste and leave for 10 minutes. Wash thoroughly with clean water.

The typical garage is filled with grease and motor oil stains. Apply baking soda to these stains and rub vigorously with a firm, wet brush to remove them.

A dilute solution comprising of 1/4 cup of baking soda dissolved in a quart of warm water can be very effective as a car cleaner. It may be safely applied to tires, windows, seats, floor mats, and any chrome parts.

Power cleaning with baking soda and vinegar

There is little doubt that cleaning with baking soda and vinegar can prove to be a potent, environment friendly option. This is a safe, non-toxic, and cost effective solution that is a great option for most households.

Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink - Before you start, rinse the sink with clean water. Sprinkle a small quantity of baking soda across the sink surfaces. After scrubbing the surfaces, make sure you rinse the sink with water. Apply a baking soda paste (baking soda + water) to the caulk and rim of the sink. You can scrub these with a non abrasive brush or old toothbrush before rinsing away. Soak a few paper towels with virgin white vinegar and use these towels to line the sink. Let this sit for about 20 minutes before removing and rinsing the sink. 

You can then move on to cleaning out the garbage disposal. Measure out 1/2 a cup of baking soda and pour this into the drain. Add a full cup of 100% white distilled white vinegar to this. Fill a kettle with water and bring to a boil. Empty out this boiling water into the drain. You can then pour out 2 cups of ice cubes and 1 cup of rock salt down the drain. Switch the disposal unit on to make sure they go down. Finally, Cut a lemon into 2 halves and allow each half to go down the garbage disposal.

Cleaning the Bathroom - Combining baking soda and vinegar can also help you formulate a potent bathroom cleaner that can help keep your bathroom sparkling and free from mildew and soap scum deposits.

Combine 1 2/3 cups of baking soda with 1/2 cup of liquid soap in an open dish. Add 1/2 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of undiluted white vinegar. Mix together with a fork until the baking soda is completely dissolved. You may now transfer this solution to a 16 ounce spray bottle. Shake the bottle vigorously to ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Spray this solution across any surfaces that require cleaning. You can then scrub these surfaces thoroughly with a non-abrasive sponge. Wash away all traces of the cleanser with clean water.

Carpet Cleaning - If you are dealing with stubborn carpet stains you can sprinkle baking soda directly on the affected areas. You can then spray 100% distilled white vinegar over the baking soda. Scrub gently with a regular soft bristled carpet cleaning brush. Let this cleaning mix rest until the area is completely dry. Follow up by vacuuming the area. (A similar method can be used to remove stubborn stains from clothes as well.)