When I first started making my transition to a natural diet,  natural cleaners and toxic-free personal care products, I was amazed by how few ingredients I really needed for both my health and my cleaning products. I also began to notice those few “super” team-players that seemed to show up everywhere: Coconut oil in many of my beauty products, lemons for added zing in my cleaning products, vinegar, castile soap, etc.

But none seem to bring as much versatility as simple baking soda. There are so many uses for baking soda!

Best of all? It’s cheap!

Sodium bicarbonate, the “official” term for baking soda, helps regulate pH. If baking soda mixes with either an acid or an alkaline substance it has a neutralizing effect on it. Baking soda is perfect for neutralizing acidic odors and maintaining a neutral pH which is perfect for doing things like boosting your laundry detergent’s power. It also has a gentle abrasive ability to help scrub.

Baking powder is made of baking soda but also contains cream of tartar and cornstarch.

If you’re in a pinch- baking powder can be substituted for baking soda by tripling the amount of baking powder.

In a nutshell, the uses for baking soda are many: It deodorizes, neutralizes, and cleans all without the toxic mess of most commercial products. Often associated only as a primary leavening agent in baking, this article will open your eyes to the vast range of uses for baking soda!

38 Of My Favorite Uses for Baking Soda

In this article, we’re going to take you through 38 uses for this miracle compound. When you start seeing all the uses for baking soda, you’ll be happy with not only its versatility but with how much money you can save by not buying other products!

We are going to break down these uses into three categories – personal care, cleaning, and other uses in the home. You can start using baking soda as an alternative to so many things around the house, so let’s get started by looking at how:

Uses for Baking Soda: Personal Care

Baking soda has a wide range of applications for personal care. In fact, baking soda is likely already an ingredient in some personal care products that you already use. Going straight to the source is an efficient way to achieve similar effects at a much lower cost!

1. Freshen your breath

No need for your toothbrush! Mix 1 tsp of baking soda in a glass of water. Rinse your mouth, spit, and rinse. An easy mouthwash that neutralizes odors. Baking soda has a neutral pH so it is perfect for neutralizing acidic odors that may develop in your mouth!

2. Polish your teeth

You have probably already heard of a baking soda paste for teeth whitening purposes. Many toothpaste brands advertise baking soda as a primary ingredient.

Therefore, many people will use baking soda as a natural toothpaste. There is some concern, however, that baking soda can be too abrasive for everyday use (although there are plenty of people who swear by it). But even using it from time to time to help polish and whiten teeth is simple and effective.

I’ll add a little baking soda to my normal homemade toothpaste every few weeks when I want a little boost.

3. Make your own deodorant

Some people will just sprinkle on baking soda as a natural deodorant. For my sensitive skin this is too much, but it is a key ingredient in my deodorant recipe that I love.

4. Gently exfoliate

Here’s a simple way to gently get rid of dead skin: Mix 3 parts of baking soda with 1 part water. Rub gently in a circular motion and then rinse clean. We suggest using a damp cloth or damp sponge to apply.

5. Relieve Skin Irritation

Add a cup of baking soda to bathwater to soften your skin and relieve skin irritations.

6. Relieve heartburn and more

Baking soda is a safe antacid. Heartburn is caused by acid reflux, which is when stomach acid flows upward from the stomach. Antacids will decrease the amount of acid in your stomach, and thus offer a safe way to treat symptoms of heartburn.

7. Relieve insect bites

Make a simple paste of water and baking soda and apply it as a salve onto the affected area. This is a great form of relief from annoying bug bites and stings.

8. No ‘Poo (shampoo that is)

Many swear by the simplicity of baking soda as shampoo that’s finished off with an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse. Learn more about ‘No Pooing here. But also keep in mind how this might affect the pH of your scalp.

9. Keep your brushes and combs clean

Baking soda is great to help naturally remove oils, build-up, and residue on your combs and brushes. Simply soak in a solution of water and baking soda (about 1 tsp of baking soda to a cup of water). Rinse and dry thoroughly.

10. Relieve Diaper Rash

Put two tablespoons of baking soda in your baby’s bathwater to help relieve rashes. Soak the baby’s bottom for 5-10 minutes to help get rid of stubborn diaper rash.

11. Pamper your feet

Soaking your feet in a baking soda solution will help soothe and soften tired feet. Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda into a small tub of warm water and soak.

Uses for Bicarbonate of Soda: Sparkling Clean

Baking soda has powerful applications for cleaning your home. It is great for cutting through stubborn grease and oil, and also acts as a natural deodorizer due to its neutral pH which cuts through acidic odors. These two factors make it ideal for many common applications around the house, and even for purposes that you haven’t even thought of. Let’s check some out:

12. Easy DIY soft scrub

Simple hack for removing grime? Sprinkle some bicarbonate of soda on your tubs, sinks, or tile then wipe with a clean damp washcloth. Add a few drops of lemon juice for a delicious smell! Rinse and dry. You can also make a paste by mixing water and baking soda beforehand.

13. Simple Floor Cleaner

This is best on tile floors. Use 1/2 cup baking soda in a bucket of warm water to help mop and clean floors. Do not use baking soda as a cleanser on hardwood floors.

14. Cut grease naturally

Add a heaping scoop of baking soda to your normal dish soap and let soak for a while. Baking soda helps cut grease and makes it easier to clean.

15. Simple Air Freshener

Ironically, most air fresheners on the market are full of toxic chemicals that you shouldn’t breathe. Luckily, you can make this super easy air freshener using baking soda and a few drops of your favorite essential oils.

16. Easy Microwave Cleanup

Sprinkle some baking soda on a damp cloth and gently scrub away any microwave mess. Cleans and deodorizes.

17. Polish Silver Flatware

Another simple paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water can be rubbed onto silver flatware with a clean cloth or sponge. Rinse and dry. And bask in the shine!

18. Baking Soda Oven Cleaner

Sprinkle baking soda over the bottom surface of your oven. Spray with a water bottle to dampen the baking soda. Let this mixture sit overnight and then scrub in the morning. Rinse thoroughly.

19. Clean Crayons from Walls

Any parent can tell you how difficult it is to clean crayon marks off walls. A simple solution is to apply baking soda to a slightly wet cloth and rub lightly. Wipe off with a clean, dry cloth.

20. Boost Your Laundry Detergent

Adding baking soda to your laundry helps soften the water making clothes cleaner, fresher, and softer! Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your laundry to make your detergent go further. Simply use this new formula in your washing machine to see superior results.

21. Soak Cloth Diapers

Dissolve 1/2 cup of baking soda into 2 quarts of warm water and soak the diaper thoroughly before going through the wash for a better clean.

22. Remove oil and Grease

Sprinkle baking soda on top of oil and grease stains in your garage. Scrub with a wet brush. The baking soda effectively cuts through the oil and grease which makes it easier to remove any stubborn stains.

23. Deodorize The Refrigerator

Place an open box in the back of your refrigerator to help neutralize odors. Baking soda is great at absorbing bad odors and freshening the air in your fridge. Just be sure to change the box every couple of months.

24. Unclog Drains

Forget the Drano. Use baking soda and a cup of vinegar to unclog your drains. First, pour a pot of boiling water down the drain. Then, pour a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar down the drain. Wait 5-10 minutes and Voila!

25. Deodorize Garbage Cans

Simply sprinkle some baking soda on the bottom of your trash cans to help keep bad smells away. Baking soda is great for any place in your home where there might be an unpleasant smell.

26. Carpet Deodorizer

Sprinkle baking soda on your carpet and let sit overnight. Sweep up what you can and then use a vacuum to suck up the rest. You can also add baking soda to upholstery for the same desired effects.

27. Freshen Coat Closets

Place an open box on the shelf in your closet to keep odors at bay and freshen the air and fabrics.

28. Absorb Toilet Odors

Add a cup of baking soda to the toilet and leave it for an hour before flushing. It will clean the toilet and absorb the odor.

29. Deodorize Cutting Boards

You really want to make sure your cutting board is clean to avoid any buildup of hazardous bacteria. Simply sprinkle the cutting board with baking soda, scrub, and rinse.

30. Deodorize Garbage Disposals

To help eliminate odors slowly pour baking soda down your drain while simultaneously running warm water.

31. Deodorize Litter Boxes

Cover the bottom of the pan with baking soda, then fill as usual with litter. To freshen between changes, sprinkle baking soda on top of the litter after a thorough cleaning.

Uses for Baking Soda: For a happier home

The uses for baking soda don’t stop at personal care and home cleaning, there are a variety of other applications for baking soda around the house.

32. Remove Odors from Your Hands

Simply rub your hands with baking soda and water to get rid of strong odors like garlic or onion.

33. Keep Flowers Fresher Longer

Keep cut flowers fresh longer by adding a teaspoon of baking soda to the water in the vase.

34. Neutralize Gassy Beans

Sprinkle a teaspoon of baking soda in the water when you soak beans to prevent gassy issues and improve digestion.

35. Produce Wash

Mix a quarter of a cup of baking soda in a sink full of water. Wash your fruits and veggies in the solution, then rinse with clean water. To remove most pesticides, allow produce to soak for 12-15 minutes.

36. Keep Ants Out

Mix up equal parts of baking soda and salt together. Then, sprinkle the mixture wherever you see the ants coming in.

37. Clean Gym Clothes

If you’ve ever left the gym with a smelly gym bag or gym shoes, then you can relate to this one. Simply sprinkle some baking soda into your shoes or into your entire bag to absorb unwanted odors. When you’re ready to use, just knock the baking soda out of there.

38. Clean Windshields

If your windshields are leaving streaks, then it might be time to clean them. Use baking soda to rub the windshields clean and get rid of anything that has become stuck to them.

Conclusion

As you can see, the uses for baking soda are truly quite expansive. It might seem like there is no limit to what this compound can achieve. It can help with cleaning, eliminating odors, and even substitute for some personal care items you use already.

Once you are familiar with how to use baking soda to clean and deodorize, you will surely think of some other uses as well. As we all know, you don’t always know where a mess is going to come from until it happens. So keep some baking soda on hand. It’s a great, inexpensive, natural way to solve many problems you run into on a regular basis.

There you go! 38 useful uses for baking soda. What’s your favorite use for baking soda?