Cleaning with Baking Soda – 7 Surprising Benefits

If you haven’t yet discovered the magic of baking soda (a.k.a. bicarbonate of soda), it’s high time you did! This humble household staple isn’t just for baking your favourite cookies or cakes. It’s also one of the most versatile and affordable cleaning tools in your arsenal. Whether you’re dealing with stubborn stains, foul odours, or dirty tiles, cleaning with baking soda can help make your home sparkle without the need for harsh chemicals.

What is the Difference between Baking Soda & Bicarbonate of Soda? 

Essentially, there is no difference. They are both the chemical: Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃). Bicarbonate of soda can be a bit of a mouthful and it can have a global inference, but we will use both phrases interchangeably. If you live in the UK, Australia, or some other countries, you’ll likely use Bicarbonate of Soda, whereas North Americans refer to it as Baking Soda. However, do not confuse baking soda with baking powder, which combines bicarbonate of soda and cream of tartar.

What is Baking Soda? 

Baking Soda is an alkaline powder – a naturally occurring compound found in mineral deposits around the world. It is both naturally mined and synthetically produced. When mixed with water it has a pH of around 8.3. Subsequently, it is useful in neutralizing acids by raising the pH. 

People commonly use it in cooking and baking—specifically as a levelling agent in baked goods. However, it also neutralizes acidic flavours. Yet it is a versatile product used in cleaning and household tasks and for health and personal care.

Why Cleaning with Baking Soda Works So Well. 

You can use baking soda for more than just baking. It can be a versatile cleaner with several benefits. The chemical properties of bicarbonate of soda are what make it so effective. It is a mild alkaline base that helps neutralize acids which are useful in removing stains and deodorizing. Thus making it safe for pets, kids and the environment.

Only mildly abrasive, it is useful for scrubbing without a lot of damage or scratches. Yet it is non-toxic and natural. In washing for example, it helps break down dirt.

Precautions and Limitations – Cleaning with Baking Soda Safely and Effectively.  

It’s important to know how to use baking soda safely and effectively. So before we get into its effectiveness, we feel we should mention the precautions and limitations of it. We suggest you avoid using baking soda on:

Aluminum
Marble
Granite
Natural Stone
Delicate Fabrics

Also, do not mix bicarbonate of soda with other cleaners or bleach.

Being mildly abrasive can be good, but it depends. Wherever you use baking soda, you may wish to test it somewhere out of sight first. Either way, caution needs to be exercised on:

 Window glass and mirrors
 Glass stovetops
 Hardwood floors

Cleaning with baking soda may be fine on these surfaces, but do a small, out-of-the-way test first. Now let’s get to the top benefits of cleaning with baking soda.

Baking Soda as a Deodorizer.  

For carpets and upholstery, cleaning with baking soda acts as an excellent deodorizer and stain pre-treatment. Sprinkle a generous amount over the affected area, allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes (or longer for deep odours and stubborn stains), then vacuum thoroughly. This process helps to absorb odours and lift grime, leaving fabrics fresher. Check out our other upholstery cleaning hacks.

Freshens Mattresses – Mattresses absorb sweat and smells from pets, spills and general body odours. After stripping the bed, vacuum it. Sift bicarbonate of soda over the whole mattress. Let it sit for half an hour (or longer if particularly odorous). The bicarbonate of soda will absorb moisture and neutralize smells. Afterwards vacuum off the powder and if possible, leave it to air in sunlight. Check out our other mattress cleaning hacks.

Freshen Air Vents – While professional furnace and vent cleaning is essential, bicarbonate of soda can contribute to air freshness between deep cleans. Placing a small, open container of bicarbonate of soda near a return air vent can help neutralize circulating odours, improving overall indoor air quality.

Kitchen Freshener – One tablespoon of baking soda can be used with two cups of distilled water and 5 drops of essential oil to make a kitchen freshener – Check out our other kitchen freshener hacks.

Deodorizes Microwaves – One cup of water mixed with two teaspoons of baking soda cooked for 3 minutes in the microwave can help neutralize microwave smells. – Check out our other microwave cleaning hacks. 

Deodorizes Fridges – Just place a cup of baking soda at the back of the fridge to help absorb unpleasant smells. – Check out our other fridge cleaning tips. Bicarbonate of soda is also great for smells in garbage cans and shoes. 

Whitens and Brightens Surfaces. 

Laundry – For towels and whites, add baking soda to the laundry load. It helps make detergent more effective, making whites, whiter. It softens the water which can soften fabrics. It can also help colours stay more vibrant and less dull. When running the washing machine empty of clothes, bicarbonate of soda clears out residue and tackles machine odours. 

Sinks and Tubs – The mild abrasiveness of bicarbonate of soda helps clean sinks and tubs by scrubbing away dirt and soap scum without risk of scratching. Rinse the surface first to remove any debris. Then liberally sprinkle over the damp surface. Let it sit for 15 minutes to absorb odours and soften any mess. Using a sponge, cloth or soft brush work in a circular motion to scrub away any grime. Then rinse and wipe dry. 

Drains – Baking soda can also be put down the drain for minor clogs. Use 1/2 to 1 cup of baking soda. Then pour down 1 cup of vinegar. Cover with a plug. Wait 30 minutes then flush with hot water. 

Baking Soda as a Stain Remover. 

Restoring Tile and Grout – Over time, tile and grout needs cleaning. Tiles can accumulate dirt and lose their original lustre. To restore their appearance, create a paste using baking soda and a small amount of water. Apply the paste to grout lines, let it sit for a few minutes, then gently scrub with a brush. Rinse the area clean to reveal revitalized surfaces. 

Coffee Pot Cleaning – A bicarbonate of soda and water mix removes the glass staining on the coffee pot. Coffee grinders can also be cleaned by grinding baking soda. – Check out our other coffee pot cleaning hacks. 

Dishwasher Cleaning – Baking Soda may help deodorize the dishwasher. Check out the video: how to deep clean your dishwasher by the HomeKeeping Channel. 

Baking Soda as a Gentle Abrasive on Surfaces. 

Before attempting these suggestions below please read our Precautions and Limitations Section above. 

Hardwood Floor – For hardwood floor cleaning, a solution of bicarbonate of soda on a damp cloth can help remove scuff marks and minor spills without damaging the finish. However we suggest testing an inconspicuous area first just in case. Check out our other hardwood floor cleaning tips. 

Window Cleaning – For streak-free window cleaning, dissolve two tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda in a bucket of warm water. Use this solution with a microfibre cloth for a clear, brilliant shine.

Window Track Cleaning – A bicarbonate of soda paste using a toothbrush can help clean window tracks.

Stovetop Glass – Firstly the stovetop must be cool before cleaning. Once it is, spray with white vinegar. Then shake baking soda over the sprayed vinegar. Next using a towel soaked in hot water and wrung out, cover the baking soda/vinegar mix. Leave for 15 minutes. Then remove and wipe with a soft cloth. Once again spray with vinegar to smooth out streaks. ⚠️Some caution here. Southern Living lists 9 things you should never clean with baking soda. They say its too abrasive, so be careful and don’t rub. 

Cuts Through Grease and Grime. 

The Kitchn offers an oven cleaner recipe for naturally cleaning with baking soda and vinegar. Dang Good has a Cleaning with Baking Soda and Vinegar Hack too. However many say that mixing the two doesn’t work and that baking soda and vinegar isn’t the power cleaner many promote. Yet others believe the chemical reaction that occurs helps dislodge dirt and grime. 

Baking soda’s alkaline properties help breakdown grease and dissolve acids. It also works better if mixed with water and dish soap. Lightly scrub the offending area. It is a great absorbent on grease and oil spills as well as pet accidents on carpets. It naturally deodorizes and absorbs moisture. On carpets blot the excess, then cover with the powder. Let it sit and dry. Then vacuum up. You might want to check out our 12 carpet cleaning hacks or ways to keep carpet smelling fresh.

⚠️ Always test first and avoid using on aluminum or marble. 

Tackles Bathroom Residue Buildup. 

Soap Scum – Combine 4 parts bicarbonate of soda with 1 part vinegar to produce a scouring paste to remove soap scum. 

Mildew – Bicarbonate of soda is a mild, natural safe disinfectant which absorbs moisture. Use as a spray with 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 2 cups of water. Apply to the area, lightly scrub and rinse. 

Hard water stains – Bicarbonate of soda is useful for removing calcium and magnesium deposits by creating a paste with equal parts bicarbonate of soda and with either water or vinegar. Martha Stewart has an interesting article on how to remove hard water stains from every surface.  In addition, a paste with lemon juice and baking soda can be used to dissolve hard water deposits.  

Unexpected Uses of Cleaning with Baking Soda. 

Silverware (not antique) – Line an aluminum pan with foil – shiny side up. Top with hot water. Add 1/2 a cup of bicarbonate of soda and 1/2 cup of salt. Submerge the silver. Wait 10 minutes. The mixture chemically reacts to remove the tarnish. Now remove (when safe – i.e. water is no longer hot) then rinse and dry. Then use some silver polish to buff to a smear-free shine. 

Deodorizes Shoes – Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda into each shoe. let it sit for a few hours or overnight to allow the odour to be absorbed. Vacuum out the loose powder before wearing. 

Paving Slabs – Dr. Oetker suggests mixing one part baking soda to two parts white vinegar in a bucket. After letting the mixture sit for a bit, spread it across the the slabs with an ‘old’ mop. Not sure what the reasoning is behind it being an ‘old’ mop! Leave it on for about half an hour. Then scrub with a scrubbing brush and hose off. ⚠️ We would suggest testing an inconspicuous area first. 

Affordable Eco-friendly Household Product At Hand. 

A natural household ingredient that is eco-friendly and cost effective. Cleaning with baking soda offers significant economical benefits. It is an environmentally friendly choice, minimizing the introduction of harsh chemicals into your home and walkways. Additionally, its affordability makes it an inexpensive alternative to other specialized cleaning products, providing significant savings.

National Bicarbonate Of Soda Day. 

National Bicarbonate of Soda Day – also referred to as Baking Soda Day – falls annually on December 30th. To celebrate this day, share your cleaning with baking soda stories or baking masterpieces on social media using the hashtag: #BicarbonateOfSodaDay. The origins of this day are mostly unknown. However, CooksInfo highlights the day’s inclusion in a list of ‘silly food holidays’ by Emily Nunn of the Chicago Tribune in 2004.

Similarly, we don’t know why December 30th was chosen, except that it falls after Christmas and before the new year, suggesting it serves as a reminder to restock this useful household staple.

Finally – From Pantry Staple to Dang Good Cleaning. 

Cleaning with baking soda isn’t just about getting your home looking pristine. It’s about making your cleaning routine simpler, more affordable, and more eco-friendly. Whether you’re tackling carpets, upholstery, tile and grout, or hardwood floors, this simple ingredient does it all!

And while cleaning with baking soda is great for day-to-day use, there are some tasks that might require a little extra muscle. That’s where (if you live in and around Calgary), you contact Dang Good Carpet and Furnace Cleaning! Call Dang Good at 403-984-3680 for those hard-to-reach or more stubborn cleaning jobs. Whether it’s deep-cleaning carpets or regularly cleaning your furnace and ducts, or addressing your hardwood floors, we can take care of it.

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