Baking soda is a low-cost, versatile ingredient that can help you tackle a variety of household issues. Also known as sodium bicarbonate, it’s not only a common ingredient in cooking but also a powerful, safe cleaning agent. Affordable, non-toxic, and safe for the whole family, baking soda is one of the most useful products to keep at home.

Thanks to its mild abrasiveness and excellent cleaning properties, baking soda is effective in removing dirt, neutralizing odors, and keeping household items fresh. Here are ten practical ways to make the most of it:

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1. Eliminate Shoe Odors

Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda inside your shoes and leave it overnight. It naturally absorbs moisture and neutralizes unpleasant odors, leaving your shoes smelling fresh by morning.

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2. Remove Food Odors from Plastic Containers

Plastic containers often retain smells from leftover food. To clean them, add a teaspoon of baking soda, a little water, and shake well. Then wash with dish soap and rinse thoroughly. The lingering odors will disappear.

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3. Freshen Laundry

When doing laundry, add a spoonful of baking soda along with your regular detergent. It boosts cleaning power, neutralizes odors, and leaves your clothes smelling fresh without the need for strong chemical additives.

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4. Clean Your Sink

Sprinkle baking soda across the surface of your kitchen sink and scrub with a brush. This removes grease, grime, and stains while also neutralizing odors from the drain. You can use the same method for bathroom sinks or tubs.

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5. Clean Your Microwave

Dampen a cloth with water and sprinkle a little baking soda on it. Use it to wipe down the interior of your microwave. Stubborn stains and odors will be removed, making it easier to keep your microwave hygienic.

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6. Descale Your Kettle

Over time, kettles accumulate mineral deposits that are difficult to remove. Fill the kettle with water, add a few tablespoons of baking soda, and let it sit overnight. For faster results, boil the baking soda solution, let it cool, then rinse. The deposits will dissolve, leaving your kettle clean.

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7. Sanitize Cutting Boards

To remove bacteria, leftover food, and odors, sprinkle baking soda on your cutting board. Scrub directly with a halved lemon — the combination of baking soda and citric acid effectively removes stains and leaves the board fresh.

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8. Clean the Toilet

To remove buildup and odors, sprinkle baking soda all over the toilet bowl, then pour white vinegar on top. The fizzing reaction helps loosen grime. Leave it for an hour or more, scrub, and flush. Your toilet will be sparkling clean and odor-free.

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9. Neutralize Refrigerator Odors

Place a small bowl of baking soda in your fridge. It naturally absorbs odors, keeping your refrigerator smelling fresh even when it stores strong-smelling foods like cheese or leftovers. Replace the bowl every couple of months for best results.

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10. Wash Fruits and Vegetables

Sprinkle baking soda directly on fruits and vegetables, then soak them in water for about 10 minutes. It helps remove dirt, pesticides, and other residues. For firmer produce such as apples, pears, or oranges, gently scrub the surface with baking soda before rinsing.

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Extra Tips:

• Baking soda can also be combined with other household ingredients like vinegar or lemon for stronger cleaning power.

• Keep a small box in your kitchen, bathroom, and fridge — it’s a simple, cost-effective solution to many everyday problems.

• Its non-toxic nature makes it safe for families with children or pets, unlike many chemical cleaners.

With just a simple box of baking soda, you can save money, protect your health, and simplify many household chores.