10 things I clean with baking soda instead of store-bought products

Baking soda is one of the cheapest and most versatile items you can keep in your home. It costs a fraction of what you'd spend on specialized cleaners, and it handles more surfaces and problems than most bottles under your sink.

The mild abrasiveness helps scrub without scratching, and its natural deodorizing ability makes it perfect for tackling smells. Swapping it in for store-bought products not only saves money but also keeps your routine simpler and less cluttered.

Kitchen Sink

Store-bought powders and sprays for sinks add up quickly, but baking soda does the same job. Sprinkle it directly into the sink, scrub with a damp sponge, and stains or odors disappear.

It's safe on stainless steel and porcelain, and you don't have to deal with the strong chemical smell that comes with many cleaners.

Stovetop

Grease and burnt-on food can make stovetops hard to clean. Baking soda works as a gentle abrasive that lifts grime without scratching the surface.

Mix it with a little water to form a paste, spread it over the mess, and wipe it clean after a few minutes. It leaves the stovetop looking fresh without buying specialized degreasers.

Oven

Instead of harsh oven cleaners, baking soda handles built-up residue safely. Mixing it with water into a paste and letting it sit overnight loosens stuck-on grease.

Wiping it out in the morning saves you from the fumes and high price of chemical sprays. It's a method that works consistently without damaging the oven.

Refrigerator

Odor-control sprays for fridges are unnecessary when baking soda does the same job. Keeping an open box inside absorbs lingering smells before they spread to other food.

You can also make a quick paste with water to scrub shelves and drawers. It's food-safe, which makes it a better option than harsh chemical cleaners.

Cutting Boards

Cutting boards pick up stains and odors over time. Sprinkling baking soda over the surface and scrubbing with a damp cloth lifts both.

It's especially useful for boards used with onions, garlic, or raw meat since it removes smells that soap alone doesn't handle.

Bathroom Sink

Instead of buying separate bathroom cleaners, baking soda handles stains and soap scum easily. Sprinkling it on the surface and scrubbing with a sponge makes sinks look new again.

It's non-toxic and safe to rinse away, so you don't have to worry about chemical residue where you wash your hands and face.

Toilet

Toilet cleaners can be expensive, and many are overly harsh. Baking soda combined with a little vinegar foams up and breaks down stains naturally.

Scrubbing afterward leaves the bowl fresh without chemical fumes. It's cheap, effective, and safe for septic systems too.

Shower and Tub

Hard water stains and soap buildup make showers tough to clean. A paste of baking soda and water works on tile, grout, and tubs without scratching.

It's a safer alternative to bleach-based cleaners and doesn't leave behind residue or strong smells. Regular use keeps buildup from getting out of hand.

Carpets

Instead of carpet sprays or powders, sprinkling baking soda over the surface before vacuuming freshens the fibers. It absorbs odors trapped deep down without leaving anything behind.

It's especially helpful for homes with pets since it neutralizes smells instead of masking them. A quick vacuum afterward pulls it right back out.

Trash Cans

Trash bags don't stop all odors, and sprays only cover them up. A layer of baking soda in the bottom of the can absorbs smells before they spread.

You can also scrub the can with baking soda and water to clean it fully. It's an inexpensive way to keep odors from taking over your kitchen or garage.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.