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Most of us already know that a teaspoon of baking soda in the batter will make the muffins rise, but who knew that a pinch of it mixed with scrambled eggs will make them fluffier or added to water will make steamed vegetables stay green?

Aside from cooking, however, everyone knows that an open box of baking soda in the fridge will absorb strong odors. But did you also know that baking soda in the bath water can relieve itchy skin caused by bug bites or poison ivy? And that pouring a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of hot vinegar down a stopped-up drain will unclog it? Baking soda also can be used to polish tarnished silver, remove rust stains, extinguish a grease fire, freshen toothbrushes and clean dishwashers and coffee makers. Add it to kitty litter and the laundry to help freshen and deodorize. Sprinkle baking soda on a wet sponge to scrub residue off a cast-iron skillet. A dusting of it around pet food bowls will keep ants away too.

Baking soda is a great natural solution for a number of gardening problems including fungus, compost odors, and stubborn weeds. Knowing how to use it for different purposes is key, but first, can you use baking soda to get rid of weeds?

This ordinary baking soda functions as an herbicide on young and actively growing weeds in lawns and gardens. It works just like salt when killing weeds by extracting water from plant cells, which results in dried foliage. So, use it on sidewalk and driveway cracks as a non-toxic weed killer.

Here are the top 20 uses for baking soda

1. Remove stains in bathrooms: Sprinkle a little baking soda on a damp sponge and scrub the tub, sink, tiles, and fixtures. Rinse and wipe off the residue, then dry.
2. Dissolve grease and gunk: Add 2 tablespoons baking soda to soapy dish water, and soak pots and pans covered in baked-on food. Then scrub pots and pans with a sprinkle of baking soda on a damp sponge.
3. Clean the microwave: Sprinkle baking soda on a sponge and gently clean the inside of your microwave. If that doesn’t work, boil a cup of water in the microwave; the steam will loosen stubborn food stains.
4. Remove coffee stains: Say goodbye to coffee and tea stains on mugs and pots by washing them with a solution of ¼ cup of baking soda and 1 quart warm water. If stains remain, soak overnight in the solution, or sprinkle baking soda on a sponge and scrub.
5. Wash walls: Apply baking soda to a sponge, and gently scrub off crayon art, food stains, and scuffs from walls.
6. Remove floor scuffs: A little baking soda on a damp sponge will make floor scuffs disappear.
7. Neutralize carpet smells: Sprinkle baking soda onto the carpet or rug, let set overnight (or for as long as you can stand it), and vacuum.
8. Remove food stains from the oven: Spread baking soda on the bottom of your oven, spray with water or white distilled vinegar, and let set overnight. Then scrub and rinse.
9. Boost laundry detergent: Add ½ cup baking soda to liquid laundry detergent to brighten and freshen clothes.
10. Deodorize refrigerators: Store an open box of baking soda in the back of your fridge, which will neutralize odors.
11. Freshen drains: When a foul odor rises from you sink, pour ½ cup baking soda down the drain, followed by warm tap water.
12. Get rid of funky smells in sponges: Soak your sponge in a quart of water mixed with 4 tablespoons baking soda. If the sponge still stinks, place it in the dishwasher during your next cycle.
13. Freshen musty closets: Place an open box of baking soda on a closet shelf.
14. Fight fire: If a small grease fire breaks out, douse the flames in baking soda. Heated baking soda emits carbon dioxide that smothers flames. Leave the area and call the fire department immediately if the flames get out of hand or you feel unsafe.
15. Fight bad breath: Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda with 8 ounces of water. Swish (don’t swallow), and spit.
16. De-stink your trashcan: Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of smelly trash cans to cut the smell.
17. Shine teeth: For an every-so-often whitening boost, add a sprinkle of baking soda to your toothpaste, and brush.
18. Gently exfoliate: To remove dead skin cells and revive a healthy glow, make a baking soda paste (3 parts baking soda to 1 part water), and gently rub on your face or body in a circular motion. Rinse and dry.
19. Soothe bug bites: Make a paste of baking soda and water, and dab on the swollen areas.
20. Substitute for dry shampoo: Sprinkle a little baking soda onto your hair roots and brush, to cut the grease.

A couple of cautions about baking soda, though: Its magic powers fade with time, so check the expiration date on the box. Most important, don’t mix it with other cleaning products. The chemical reaction could be toxic.

Laura Goguet
Community Manager