We have discovered 20 frugal uses for baking soda in your home.
Baking soda packs a lot of punch in that tiny little box it comes in. For less than $2, you can buy a box of this powerful powder and be amazed at all it can do. Baking soda can replace many other products around your home and tackle some of your toughest jobs, so in the end it not only saves you time but money as well. If you have ever wondered about what baking soda can do for you, take a look at 20 uses for baking soda you may not be familiar with. After reading this, you will never want to be caught without a box of it again.
20 Frugal Uses for Baking Soda
1. Make your stovetop sparkle.
When pots overflow, food can become burnt and crusted on your stovetop. Clean it up with a spoonful of baking soda sprinkled over the mess. Spray some hot water over the powder and allow to sit for 30 minutes, then scrub.
2. Banish bathtub stains.
Make a paste with equal parts of water and baking soda. Apply with a scrub brush or cloth and rub on the tub in a circular motion to remove stains.
3. Get a sparkling sink.
Make a paste with equal parts baking soda and water, then add some lemon juice for extra cleaning power and a pleasant smell. Rub onto the dirty surface then rinse.
4. Remove Sticky Price labels or stickers.
A ½ a teaspoon of powder mixed with 1 tablespoon of water is all you need to create a mixture powerful enough to remove sticky labels and sticker residue.
5. No more Microwave messes.
Banish burnt-on food and splatters. Add two teaspoons of baking soda to a bowl of water and place it in the microwave for 3 – 5 minutes. Then, take a damp cloth and wipe the inside of the microwave out.
6. Clean your crockpot.
If your last meal is still sticking to your crockpot, simply fill it halfway with water and add a few tablespoons of baking soda. Set it on low temperature for about an hour and let the soda help loosen up all of the gunk.
7. Freshen your fridge.
Simply place an open box of baking soda in your fridge to help absorb offensive odors and keep your food fresh.
8. DIY Air Freshener Spray
To get your space smelling fresh, just mix 2 cups of warm water with 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 1/2 cup lemon juice. Shake it well and spray as needed into the air.
9. Make floor scuffs vanish.
Mix equal parts water and baking soda to create a paste that will work wonders on your kitchen floors. Just rub in a circular motion over the scuffs and wipe dry.
10. Make your dog smell fresh.
Mix ½ cup of baking soda with 2 cups of water. Soak his collar or a neck bandana in the mixture, dry, and then place on your dog to act as an odor-fighting agent.
11. Eliminate musty books.
If you have old musty books just sprinkle some baking soda inside the pages, allow to sit for an hour, and then shake clean.
12. Freshen your mattress.
Don’t worry about expensive odor eliminators; all you need to do is sprinkle some baking soda on your mattress on occasion to keep it fresh. Sprinkle well, allow to sit for an hour, and then vacuum up. You can even add fresh herbs if you wish for some extra scent.
13. DIY Carpet Refresher.
You can use the same concept from the mattress freshening instructions to get fresher smelling carpet as well. Just sprinkle liberally, allow to sit for an hour, then vacuum well. The odors will come right out.
14. Make your own no fume oven cleaner.
Get a cleaner oven without all of the fumes with this easy baking soda solution. Spray the inside of the oven with water, 1 cup baking soda and 1/4 cup of salt. Re-spray with water and leave to set overnight. Wipe clean.
15. Get terrific tiles.
Make your bathroom tiles shine when you mix baking soda and water to create a paste. Scrub it into grout and tiles with a toothbrush and then rinse and wipe clean.
16. Get a cleaner curling iron
Over time, hairspray can really build up on your curling iron. Rub some dampened baking soda on it and wipe clean for a like-new look and feel.
17. Make a thrifty toilet bowl cleaner.
Add one cup of vinegar and one cup of baking soda to your toilet water. Allow it to fizz and clean your toilet in the process. Then, just flush and you are all set.
18. Remove crayon markings.
Apply some baking soda to a damp sponge and scrub the area where crayon has been applied such as walls or furniture. Wipe clean. If you need a little more cleaning power, make a paste and allow it to sit for several minutes before scrubbing.
19. Soothe your skin.
Apply baking soda to a damp q-tip to dab any facial flare-ups such as cold sores or acne.
20. Take the bite out of a bee sting.
To lessen the pain of a bee sting and keep the swelling at bay, apply a paste of baking soda and water to the bite. Allow it to stay on the bite until it dries.
As you can see, these twenty ways are all great examples of how baking soda can really give you some bang for your buck. Give them a try and see what a cinch it is to use!
More Thrifty Household Hacks:
10 Household Uses for Soda Pop
These baking soda tips were originally published on December 16, 2013. They were updated on February 26, 2020.
Kim says
This is a great list! I’ve pinned it for future reference 🙂
We’ve used baking soda a lot with our son. He had pretty bad bouts of eczema when he was very young and adding a box to his bath helped calm his skin down. It has so many uses. We buy is by the bag rather than the small box.
Diane says
I recently started using it to wash my face. I was sort of appalled at the idea when it was suggested to me but it leaves my skin so incredibly soft.