Why clean with baking soda? Baking soda is a natural substance that is safe for the environment and safe for use in the home. Many people are concerned about the chemicals found in common household cleaning products and are looking for ideas for alternatives. Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is a natural product that can be used for more than just baking.
Making the switch to green cleaning means substituting harsh chemical-laden products for non-toxic cleansers, thereby reducing risk of exposure from harmful residues left on surfaces and from inhalation.
Benefits of Cleaning With Baking Soda
Baking soda neutralizes acids and breaks down proteins. It is especially effective for cutting through dried-on grease and for combating stains. Bicarbonate of soda neutralizes acidic scent molecules, which makes it an effective deodorizer.
- Baking soda has a finely gritty texture so it can be used for scouring while still being a gentle cleaner
- It has antiseptic and disinfectant properties
- It is fragrance free, suitable for those sensitive to perfumes
- It is environmentally friendly
- Sodium bicarbonate is safe to use on most surfaces
- Baking soda is inexpensive
Using Baking Soda in the Kitchen
Baking soda can be used for cleaning in the kitchen, as a whitening and deodorizing agent.
- Vinegar and baking soda can be combined for use as a drain cleaner
- Baking soda can be dissolved in warm water and used to remove tea and coffee stains from mugs
- It effectively cleans stove tops and stove rings, without harming enamel
- Sodium bicarbonate can be used to scour kitchen sinks
- It can be used as a gentle scrubber to remove sticky or hardened spots from window glass
- Baking soda removes scuff marks from doors and walls
- It can be sprinkled in the trash can to eliminate odors
- It is an effective agent to deodorize cupboards, under the sink, in the fridge or in the freezer, then can be used later for cleaning window sills, counters and floors
Cleaning With Baking Soda: All-in-One Bathroom Cleanser
The bathroom is an area that poses risk of exposure to toxic chemicals. A tub that has been cleaned with chemical cleaning agents may retain residues, which then come into contact with the skin of the person who bathes. The stall, when sprayed with harsh cleaners, may give off fumes that are inhaled when someone showers.
- Bicarbonate of soda can be used to scour and deodorize toilet basins
- It cleans sinks and polishes taps
- Baking soda is a good scrubbing agent for the bathtub
- It can be used to scrub the bathroom floor
Cleaning With Baking Soda--in the Laundry Room
Baking soda has a number of uses in the laundry room.
- Baking soda can be used to enhance a detergent's effectiveness, which results in better cleaning of clothing items.
- A paste of baking soda (baking soda and water) can be applied to remove stains from collars and clothing.
- Baking soda can be sprinkled on a damp cloth, then wiped over enamel on washers and dryers to keep them sparkling.
Cleaning With Baking Soda--General Use in the Home
- Baking soda can be sprinkled on the bottom of kitty litter trays to curb odors
- Baking soda helps to combat the musty odor in older books
- Dishwasher odors can be eliminated by sprinkling inside of dishwasher with baking soda
- Boots and shoes can be freshened using baking soda to curb odors
- Baking soda can be sprinkled over carpets to freshen
For those making the switch to natural cleansers, cleaning with baking soda can lead to a safer home environment.
* Caution: baking soda is not recommended for cleaning aluminum
Reference
Baking Soda: Over 500 Fabulous, Fun and Frugal Uses You've Probably Never Thought Of, Vicki Lansky, Book Peddlers, March, 1995
Make Your Own Environmentally Friendly Tub Cleaner
Melody Rhodes - M. Rhodes is author of the Bedbug Books. She's been published in Canada, U.S. U.K. & NZ and has won awards for her poetry/prose.
Join the Conversation