Baking soda is one of the most useful substances in the average home, and can be used for so much more than baking. When it comes to cleaning your home, there are many ways that baking soda can safely and effectively used, such as the following:
For unblocking drains
There’s nothing worse than a sink full of dirty, backed up water due to a clogged drain, the smell alone is enough to make you reach for the bleach. But what if you could blast through that blockage with two items from your store cupboard?
Simply mix a half cup of baking soda with two cups of vinegar, pour it down the drain, rinse it with boiling water and hey presto, you’ve got an unblocked drain and an empty sink again!
For cleaning your oven
In just three simple steps, you could wave goodbye to a greasy oven:
- Combine a half cup of baking soda with three tablespoons of water to make a paste
- Spread the mixture all over the inside of your oven
- After leaving it overnight, take a damp rag or sponge and wipe away the paste for a shiny, clean oven!
For eliminating dishwasher mold and mildew
Dissolve a few tablespoons of baking soda into a cup of water and pour it into the bottom of the dishwasher before running a cycle. Do this monthly to help keep your dishwasher clean and bacteria free.
For cleaning shower curtains
If your shower curtain is covered in moldy spots and it won’t go inside your washer, try cleaning it with a mixture of baking soda and water combined to form a paste. Pop it in the tub, cover it in the paste and lightly scrub it remove mold, soap scum and grime.
For cleaning grout
Dirty grout is the bane of many a bathroom, but with baking soda, lemon juice and a toothbrush, you can reclaim your grout and your bathroom!
- Combine baking soda and lemon juice to make a thick paste
- Smear the paste over the grout
- Grab a toothbrush and scrub the grout
- Wait for around 5 minutes and rinse the grout with warm water
For cleaning your sink, tub and vanity
Safe to use on the majority of vanity tops and bathtubs (check by cleaning a small area first), simply sprinkle baking soda onto a damp sink or tub, and scrub until the stains and grime disappear.
For refreshing your carpet
A deodorant made using baking soda can help freshen up smelly carpets and rugs, and even get rid of stains. All you need to do is sprinkle baking soda over your carpet, wait for 10 minutes and then vacuum it – and the stains – away! You can also use the same technique for furniture, pillows and cushions.
While baking soda does make a wonderfully powerful cleaning agent, if you prefer to stick to baking with it (and who could blame you, quite frankly!), then simply hire a cleaning service to help you get your home clean, tidy and smelling fresh.
