If there’s one thing every home needs in the cleaning cupboard, it’s baking soda. That humble white powder sitting in the back of your kitchen shelf? It’s a cleaning hero in disguise. Forget fancy sprays and harsh chemicals — baking soda can handle most messes for a fraction of the cost.
1. It’s cheap, safe, and easy to find
You can buy baking soda (or bicarbonate of soda, as it’s usually labelled in the UK) in any supermarket. It costs pennies and lasts ages. Unlike some cleaning products that come with warning labels and fumes strong enough to knock you out, baking soda is gentle. You can use it around kids, pets, and food areas without worrying.
2. It tackles smells like a pro
Got a musty fridge? Sprinkle some baking soda in a small bowl and pop it inside. It’ll soak up bad odours within hours. Smelly trainers? Shake a spoonful inside and leave overnight. Rinse or tap it out the next morning — fresh as new. Even carpets and upholstery benefit. Just sprinkle lightly, let it sit for a bit, then vacuum. Goodbye mystery smells.
3. It’s brilliant for scrubbing
Baking soda’s gentle grit makes it perfect for removing grime without scratching surfaces. Add a splash of water to make a paste and use it on kitchen counters, sinks, or oven doors. It cuts through grease like a dream. You can even use it to polish stainless steel or clean up burnt pans. Just sprinkle, scrub, and rinse. That’s it.
4. Great for the bathroom too
Soap scum, limescale, toothpaste splatters — baking soda sorts them all out. Mix it with a bit of vinegar for a fizzing deep-clean. The chemical reaction helps lift dirt and freshen drains. Pour half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of white vinegar down the plughole, let it bubble for a few minutes, then flush with hot water. Cheap, easy, and surprisingly satisfying to watch.
5. It keeps laundry fresh
Add a scoop of baking soda to your usual detergent and you’ll notice the difference. It helps neutralise odours, soften water, and brighten whites. It’s especially good for gym clothes or towels that have gone a bit sour. You can also use it for a pre-soak — dissolve a few tablespoons in warm water and leave clothes for an hour before washing.
6. Safe for the environment
Many commercial cleaners are packed with chemicals that end up in the water system. Baking soda, on the other hand, is completely natural and biodegradable. It’s one of the easiest switches you can make if you’re trying to live a bit greener. No toxic residue, no fancy packaging, no guilt.
7. A clever Baking Soda substitute if you run out
If you’ve run out of baking soda and need something similar, try citric acid. It’s another natural cleaner you can find in the baking aisle. It works brilliantly on limescale, rust, and soap residue. You can dissolve a spoonful in hot water to wipe down tiles or run it through your kettle to remove build-up. Just be careful not to use it on marble or natural stone — it’s a bit stronger than baking soda.
8. One product, endless uses
The best thing about baking soda? It’s endlessly versatile. You can use it in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, and even the garden. It freshens bins, scrubs ovens, cleans sinks, and deodorises fridges. It’s the one product that actually does what it promises — no marketing fluff, just results.
So next time you’re about to reach for a chemical cleaner, stop. Grab that box of baking soda instead. It’s cheap, natural, and it works. Once you start using it, you’ll wonder how you ever cleaned without it.