25+ Practical Uses for Baking Soda

Baking soda isn’t just for baking! The many uses for baking soda include cleaning, deodorizing, and even self-care. Keep reading to discover why this simple pantry staple is a must-have in every home!

What Is Baking Soda and How Does it Work?

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is an alkaline compound that’s most commonly used as a leavening agent in baking.

It reacts with acidic ingredients (like lemon juice, vinegar, or buttermilk) to produce carbon dioxide gas, which creates lift and makes baked goods light and fluffy.

So, what is baking soda used for besides baking? The short answer: A LOT. From freshening up your fridge to removing stubborn stains, this powerhouse ingredient has dozens of practical applications around the home.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the best ways to use baking soda every day!

Uses for Baking Soda

If you’ve ever wondered about all the different uses for baking soda, you’re in for a treat! While it’s best known for making baked goods rise, this budget-friendly staple has so many practical uses beyond the kitchen.

Baking soda is one of those must-have ingredients that can do it all. And trust me—once you realize just how versatile it is, you’ll never want to buy a tiny box again! If you have access to Costco baking soda, I highly recommend stocking up on the large 13-pound bag.

Wondering, What can baking soda be used for besides cooking? You’re not alone!  Keep reading—you’re about to find out!

Baking soda isn’t just a pantry essential—it’s a natural deodorizer, a gentle cleaner, a laundry booster, and even a personal care go-to.

Unlike air fresheners that simply mask odors, baking soda neutralizes them, making it a powerhouse for freshening your home, tackling everyday messes, and even enhancing your cooking.

This simple pantry staple has dozens of surprising uses—let’s dive into all the ways you can put baking soda to work!

Baking Soda Uses in Cooking

Ever wondered what is baking soda used for in cooking? It’s more than just a leavening agent! Here are some of the best baking soda uses in the kitchen:

• Homemade Baking Powder: Just realized you’re out of baking powder and you need it for a recipe? Don’t worry, you can make homemade baking powder in seconds—using baking soda as one of the ingredients. Check out my tutorial!
• Tenderize Meat: Add ½ teaspoon of baking soda per pound of ground beef to keep it juicy and encourage better browning.
• Make Dried Beans Cook Faster: Add a pinch of baking soda while soaking beans to soften them and reduce cooking time. Learn more about cooking with dried beans.
• Peeling Hard-Boiled Eggs: Struggling with stubborn eggshells? Adding baking soda to the boiling water raises the pH, which helps loosen the shell for easier peeling. Check out my tutorial on easy-peel hard-boiled eggs—it walks you through the best method to ensure smooth, frustration-free peeling every time!

How to Use Baking Soda to Clean Your Kitchen

Looking for ways to use baking soda to clean your kitchen and beyond? Here are some of my go-to cleaning hacks:

• Deodorize the Refrigerator: Keep an open box of baking soda in the fridge to absorb odors. Replace the baking soda in your fridge every 30 days for maximum odor absorption. As it absorbs food odors, its effectiveness fades. Instead of tossing it, repurpose the old baking soda for cleaning sinks, scrubbing surfaces, or freshening drains.
• Scrub Stubborn Stains: Make a paste with baking soda and water to remove coffee or tea stains from mugs. Rinse, and wash as normal.
• Clean Your Microwave: Here’s how: 1. Steam it first – Microwave a bowl of water + lemon juice for 3–5 minutes. 2. Scrub with baking soda – Sprinkle it on a damp sponge to remove residue and neutralize odors. 3. Rinse & deodorize – Wipe down with a clean rag; pour the citrus water down your disposal to freshen. Always follow manufacturer instructions for your microwave model.
• Unclog Drains: Sprinkle baking soda down the drain, followed by vinegar. Let the foaming reaction break down blockages before rinsing with hot water. For severe clogs or plumbing issues, always consult a professional plumber.
• Scorched Pot Cleaner: Sprinkle baking soda on burnt areas, add water, bring to a boil, then scrub clean.
• Silver Polish: Line a pan with aluminum foil and add 1 tablespoon baking soda. Slowly pour in ½ cup vinegar, followed by 1 cup boiling water. Add silverware and let sit for 30 seconds (or up to 1 min. for heavy tarnish). The reaction lifts tarnish, transferring it to the foil. Rinse + dry for sparkling results!  Always spot test on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure compatibility with your silverware.
• Garbage Can Odor Control: Sprinkle baking soda at the bottom of your trash can before adding a new bag.

Baking Soda for Laundry: Freshen, Soften, and Brighten

Baking soda isn’t just for baking—it’s a laundry lifesaver, too! From brightening whites to eliminating odors and even softening fabrics, this simple ingredient can give your laundry routine a serious upgrade. Here are a few easy ways to put baking soda to work in the wash:

• Remove Odors: Add ½ cup of baking soda to the rinse cycle to eliminate musty or sour smells from clothes and towels. Forgot a load of laundry in the washer? No problem—baking soda erases musty odors in one wash!
• Laundry Booster: Add ½ – 1 cup of baking soda to the wash cycle for brighter whites and fresher clothes. Learn more about keeping whites looking white.
• DIY Fabric Softener:  Skip store-bought softeners and use baking soda instead—it helps break down detergent residue for softer laundry. My DIY fabric softener recipe uses baking soda to reduce static, deodorize your laundry (and washing machine!), and remove grease from your clothes.  

Cleaning the Bathroom with Baking Soda

Baking soda is a game-changer for bathroom cleaning! Its natural scrubbing power helps tackle grime, neutralize odors, and leave surfaces fresh—without harsh chemicals. Here are a few simple ways to keep your bathroom sparkling clean with baking soda:

• Shower and Tub Cleaner: Make a paste with baking soda and water, scrub your shower or tub, let sit for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with hot water.
• Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Pour ¼ cup baking soda and ½ cup vinegar into the bowl, let bubble, scrub, and flush.
• Tile Grout Cleaner – Make a paste with baking soda and water, scrub tile grout with a toothbrush (or other small scrub brush) using the mixture, let sit for 15-20 minutes, then wipe away and mop with hot water to remove any residue.

Personal Care Uses for Baking Soda

Baking soda isn’t just for cooking and cleaning—it can be part of your beauty and wellness routine too!

• Face Exfoliant: Make a gentle paste with baking soda and water, then very gently exfoliate damp skin before rinsing. If you have sensitive skin or ongoing skin concerns, consult a dermatologist before using.
• Mouth Rinse & Canker Sore Relief: Dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 cup of warm water, then swish and gargle to freshen breath and soothe mouth irritation. This is not medical advice—consult your doctor if you experience frequent or persistent issues.
• In the Bath: Add ½ cup of baking soda to warm bath water, make my Lavender Eucalyptus Bath Salts, or my DIY Bath Bombs for a skin-soothing soak. The bath salts and bath bombs both contain baking soda.
• Toothpaste Substitute: Ever go to brush your teeth only to realize you’re out of toothpaste? If you have baking soda, you’re covered—just sprinkle a little on your toothbrush. Bonus: it naturally whitens teeth and freshens breath! Always follow your dentist’s recommendations for oral care.
• Ease Heartburn: Stir ½ teaspoon of baking soda into ½ cup of water for occasional relief. This is not medical advice—always consult your doctor, especially if you experience frequent heartburn.

What Else Can Baking Soda Be Used For?

Baking soda’s versatility doesn’t stop at cooking, cleaning, and laundry—it’s also a handy tool for freshening up your home, car, and even your shoes! Here are a few extra different uses for baking soda around the home:

• Fun for Kids: Baking soda is perfect for fun experiments with the kids! Try making a classic volcano by mixing it with vinegar for a fizzy eruption. Always supervise children during science experiments, and ensure proper safety precautions are followed.
• Household Carpet Freshener: Sprinkle baking soda on carpets, let sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum.
• Freshen Up Your Car: Sprinkle baking soda on upholstery and floor mats, let it sit for a few hours to absorb odors, then vacuum it up. For extra freshness, wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth. You can also keep a small dish of baking soda in your car or trunk to help neutralize lingering smells!
• Deodorize Smelly Shoes: Place cheesecloth bags filled with baking soda inside shoes overnight.
• Soothe an Itchy Bug Bite: Got an itchy bug bite? Mix a little baking soda with water (or vinegar for extra relief) to create a quick DIY paste. Dab it on the bite, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse—it helps calm the itch and reduce irritation! This is not medical advice. Consult a doctor if irritation persists or for severe reactions.
• Freshen Pet Bedding: Sprinkle baking soda over your pet’s bedding, let it sit for 15 minutes to absorb odors, then vacuum it up for a fresher, cleaner space.

More Kitchen Tips to Try

Love discovering simple kitchen hacks? From keeping your cast iron in top shape to sharpening knives like a pro, these tips will make cooking easier and more enjoyable. Check out these helpful kitchen tricks next:

• How to Season a Cast Iron Pan – Learn the best oils, cleaning methods, and rust prevention tips.
• How to Use an Electric Knife Sharpener – Keep your knives razor-sharp with these step-by-step instructions.
• How to Open a Stubborn Jar – 6 foolproof methods to pop open those tight lids!
• How to Fill Muffin Tins the Easy Way – A game-changer for bakers of all levels!

Who doesn’t love a good kitchen tip? Looking for more kitchen tutorials? Check out the entire Kitchen Tips and Tricks archive for lots of great ideas!

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