Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a household staple known for its versatility. It’s not just for baking—baking soda can be used for cleaning, deodorizing, beauty care, and even health remedies.

Let’s explore 24 common uses for baking soda that prove why you should always keep a box handy.

1. Natural Deodorant

Baking soda neutralizes body odor by absorbing moisture and neutralizing acids. Simply mix with water to create a paste, and apply it as a natural deodorant.

2. Teeth Whitener

Thanks to its mild abrasiveness, baking soda helps scrub away surface stains from teeth. Use a sprinkle on your toothbrush along with toothpaste for a brighter smile.

3. Facial Scrub

For a gentle exfoliant, mix a teaspoon of baking soda with water. This helps remove dead skin cells, leaving your skin smooth.

4. Soothes Insect Bites

Apply a paste of baking soda and water to insect bites or stings to relieve itching and inflammation.

5. Natural Mouthwash

Dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in water and use it as a mouthwash. It helps freshen breath and neutralize acids that cause bad breath.

6. Laundry Booster

Baking soda enhances detergent performance by balancing pH levels in the wash, making clothes cleaner and fresher. Add half a cup to your laundry load.

7. Deodorize Shoes

Sprinkle baking soda into smelly shoes, let it sit overnight, and shake out the next morning to absorb odors.

8. Carpet Deodorizer

Sprinkle baking soda on your carpets, let it sit for a few hours, and vacuum it up. It freshens the carpet by absorbing lingering smells.

9. Clean the Microwave

A sponge dipped in a solution of baking soda and water easily removes stains and food odors in your microwave, without harsh chemicals.

10. Unclog Drains

Pour a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar down the drain. The fizzing reaction breaks up clogs, making this a great alternative to chemical cleaners.

11. Deodorize the Fridge

Place an open box of baking soda in your fridge to absorb strong odors, keeping your food fresher.

12. Clean Pots and Pans

Stubborn grease and burnt-on food can be removed by scrubbing with a paste of baking soda and water.

13. Refresh Sponges

Soak sponges in a baking soda solution to freshen them and prolong their lifespan.

14. Polish Silverware

Make a paste of baking soda and water to gently polish tarnished silver, leaving it shiny without scratching the surface.

15. Remove Coffee and Tea Stains

Stains in mugs and teapots are no match for a little baking soda and water. Scrub away those stains with ease.

16. Eliminate Garbage Odors

Sprinkle baking soda at the bottom of your trash cans to neutralize unwanted odors and keep your kitchen smelling fresh.

17. Clean Shower Curtains

Baking soda removes mildew and soap scum from shower curtains. A light scrubbing leaves them looking new.

18. Brighten Your Whites

Add half a cup of baking soda to the washing machine to boost the whiteness of your clothes.

19. Remove Crayon from Walls

Got kids? Baking soda on a damp cloth easily lifts crayon marks from walls without damaging the paint.

20. Soothe Sunburn

A bath with baking soda can relieve the discomfort of sunburn. Add half a cup to your bathwater for soothing relief.

21. Neutralize Car Odors

Keep an open box of baking soda in your car to absorb unpleasant smells from food, pets, or smoke.

22. Clean Grout

Make a paste with baking soda and water and scrub dirty grout with a toothbrush. Rinse clean for refreshed tiles.

23. Clean Your Coffee Maker

Run a mixture of water and baking soda through your coffee maker to remove buildup and stains. This keeps your coffee tasting fresh.

24. Absorb Refrigerator Leaks

Baking soda can absorb small spills and moisture in the fridge. Keep it nearby for an easy and effective clean-up solution.

Why You Need Baking Soda in Your Home

Baking soda’s affordability, accessibility, and eco-friendliness make it an essential item for every home. It’s a natural cleaner that’s gentle enough to use around kids and pets but tough enough to tackle a variety of cleaning tasks. With so many practical uses, baking soda is a true multitasker you should always have on hand.

Next time you reach for chemical-based products, consider how baking soda can do the same job without harsh ingredients. Keep a box in your pantry, bathroom, and even your car—it’s that useful!

These 24 baking soda uses show just how valuable this common household ingredient can be. Ready to try out these simple hacks?