Versatile Household Uses for Baking Soda

Baking soda isn't just for cooking and deodorizing refrigerators anymore. A box of baking soda can replace many other products you'd pay a lot more for. As a mildly abrasive cleanser, it's safer than other cleansing scrubs. It works especially well on soap scum, or for cleaning stone cookware that would absorb the heavy fragrances of dish soap.

Because baking soda isn't a detergent, a small dusting on a wet sponge is perfect for cleaning appliance surfaces that can't be immersed and are difficult to rinse, like a blender base or hand mixer. It works wonders on coffee makers.

Slow-running drains can often be improved by pouring in a quarter cup of baking soda followed by a cup of white vinegar. This is especially effective for disposals that have been clogged by vegetable peelings.

Arm & Hammer has recognized its use as a carpet deodorizer and created products specifically designed for carpets and fabrics. But anyone sensitive to strong fragrances will still prefer the unscented original. For pet accidents and other spills on carpets, baking soda poured on the spot will absorb the liquid and dry into a cake. It's important to allow the soda to dry and scoop it up before vacuuming to prevent caking inside the vacuum cleaner.

Baking soda is the key element to a trick for cleaning tarnished silver instantly. Place a sheet of aluminum foil in the bottom of a glass casserole dish and heat a pot of water. Put your silver on top of the foil and sprinkle with baking soda. When the water boils, pour it into the dish, and you'll be amazed by the results. This isn't ideal for keeping silver shining over time, as it will tarnish more quickly than after polishing, but it's perfect for that necklace you haven't cleaned for months when you just have to wear it tonight.