Cleaning with baking soda can be a cheap, easy and eco-friendly way to get a sparkling clean, fresh-smelling home.
I am forever mixing
up potions and cleaning with baking soda. After all, most of us have a box or
tub of baking soda in the kitchen cabinet. If you've only ever used baking soda
in home baking cakes and muffins, you really are missing out on a fantastic
cleaning agent. Did you know that baking
soda is really effective when used around the house to keep everything from
mugs and ovens to carpets and curtains fresh and clean.
This humble white powder is completely under-rated in taking on the toughest
of cleaning tasks
and there are so many things you can clean with baking soda. It’s also one of
the best eco-friendly ways to keep everything looking good as new. So, you will
not only have your home lovely and clean, but you are doing your part to save
the planet too 😊
There are so many
things you can clean with baking soda really effectively – without the need for
store-bought cleaning chemicals. If you have a really tough cleaning job to do,
you can use baking soda when cleaning with vinegar or
when cleaning with lemon juice as these pairings make a
powerful combination.
1. Windows
If you'd rather not
use strong chemicals, using baking soda to clean windows can be an
eco-friendlier way to get a streak-free finish. 'Simply apply the baking soda
to a damp cloth and smear over the glass; then simply remove and buff it clean. Any
stubborn marks, perhaps caused by limescale or grease, can be removed by
applying the baking soda, then spraying on some white vinegar before wiping off
and buffing.
2. The Oven
I am a big fan of staying away from harsh chemicals in the
oven so use the more natural method. Simply use a homemade paste of baking soda
and water brushed onto the surfaces will help you to clean an
oven really effectively. Spray the paste with white vinegar and let it
foam to shift really stubborn grime. Repeat spraying as needed until any
baked-on food gunk can be
easily wiped away.
Baking soda is
really effective and makes the daunting task of oven cleaning a little easier.
All you have to do to get a shining oven is spray the whole oven down,
including the glass oven
door, with a water bottle so that it is damp. Pour on a thick layer of baking
soda, especially on the bottom, until there is about a quarter inch layer of
soda paste on the bottom. If any of the baking soda is still dry, I wet it
with the water bottle.
3. Carpets and
Curtains
You don’t need to spend loads of money on fancy deodorising
products. You can make up your own freshening spray for a carpet, curtains and
fabric surfaces. Fill a spray bottle, half with boiling water, two teaspoons of baking soda
and a capful of your favourite
fabric softener. Allow to sit for half an hour so all the products mix together
and then spray away. Always keep a distance of approximately 8in (20cm) when
spraying and be careful around pets and children.'
4. The Shower
Limescale is the enemy of all showers, especially if you
live in a hard water area like I do. To get rid of that scaly build-up quickly
and without fuss when you’re cleaning the bathroom, take a wet microfiber
cloth and sprinkle a small amount of baking soda and a few drops of washing up
liquid onto it.
Rub the cloth to make a soapy lather and scrub the shower
screen. For the shower tray, sprinkle some baking soda straight onto the floor,
adding a squirt of dishwashing liquid then rubbing with a wet brush. Rinse
everything with hot water and dry with a dry cloth. Shower curtains can also be
cleaned with the same cloth, personally I like to pop mine in washing machine
for a low heat quick cycle to remove any marks.
5. Cups, Mugs and China
My husband drinks a lot of tea and the cups and mugs quickly become stained and are hard to get
clean. One of my favourite
cleaning hacks is to sprinkle a small amount of baking soda onto a scouring pad
and scrub for about five minutes. It does need some elbow grease but once
finished simply rinse under the
tap and it looks as good as new. And not a bottle of bleach in sight 😊
6. Drains
This used to be one of my least favourite jobs, however
since I have been using this recipe, I don’t mind it so much. Once
a week, run some hot water down the drain – on sinks, showers and baths – then
pour in about half a cup of baking soda. Let it sit there for 15 minutes or so
and rinse with hot water. That is it….no more clogged up smelly drains.
7. Laundry
Get rid of odours on dirty clothes and keep whites white at
the same time by adding a cup of baking soda to your laundry every time you
wash. It also helps keep bright colours bright, too.
8. Tile Grout
Tiles can look
dirty and grubby if the grout has those horrible black spots caused by mould
and mildew. So, to clean grout, mix together two parts baking soda and one
part hydrogen peroxide (available at chemists and health shops). Use an old toothbrush to apply it to the grout. Leave
for 20 minutes then rinse with clean water.
9. Sinks
Keeping your sink shiny is easy peasy, and you will want to
try this tip out the next time you’re cleaning
your kitchen, simply sprinkle
some baking soda onto half a lemon and wipe all around the sink before rinsing
with water. The acid and alkaline react together to create a frothy substance
that helps dissolve grease and dirt.
10. The Fridge
I’m not proud of
this, but I am sure I’m not the only one to accidentally leave some food in the
fridge past its best. When foods start
to go off in the refrigerator, it can quickly become a bit smelly inside. By keeping a small bowl of baking soda in the refrigerator this will help to
neutralise any odours. Make sure you change it every few weeks to keep it working
efficiently.
11. Tupperware
Tupperware is so
handy for storing leftovers but when you are organizing Tupperware, have a
look to find those items that are starting to look a bit stained. Simply soak
overnight in washing-up bowl filled with hot water and a dash of baking soda.
12. The Microwave
Pop a spot of
baking soda onto a damp sponge and use it to clean a microwave. Quick and
easy and it helps get rid of odours,
too.
13. The Rubbish Bin
Cleaning with
baking soda is a really good way to deodorise smelly items. The rubbish in your
kitchen bin can that has a lingering aroma that you just can't get rid of. The
best way to tackle it is to wash out the bin with hot water and dish soap,
empty it of the dirty water then, while it is still wet, sprinkle baking soda
into it. Leave for 15 minutes then rinse and allow to dry. If the smell
persists, spray the trash can with vinegar then sprinkle on the baking soda. Allow
to sit for a few minutes, rinse and dry.
What Can You NOT Clean with Baking Soda?
Things you should
never clean with baking soda include aluminium cookware. While you can give many metals surfaces a scrub with baking
soda, use caution if you’re cleaning aluminium cookware. Also, never use it
for cleaning silver and gold if it’s antique, gold-plated serving
pieces and marble surfaces. Also avoid cleaning marble countertops and ceramic
hobs.
Did you know that baking soda also kills ant?
Yes, baking
soda does kill ants, when mixed with vinegar. Sprinkled liberally over an ants'
nest, this will help you get rid of an infestation. However, I am not advocating the killing of ants if you
can get rid of them in more humane ways, or simply by removing what tempts them
into your home.