Most of us have baking soda at home. But few people use it to clean their homes. And yet, using it could make the job a lot easier and save money at the same time. This inexpensive superhero is often used in baking and its potential as a cleaning agent tends to be underestimated. Yet, for example , according to a recent study, baking soda can be used to replace a number of specialised cleaners, clean drains, remove odours from the fridge or clean surfaces.

Scientific sources confirm that sodium bicarbonate has antibacterial properties and acts as a mild abrasive. Yet in most homes, baking soda remains in the cupboard, reserved for baking only. Why should you use it as a daily cleaning helper? And what can you clean with it?

Why baking soda is so effective

Baking soda (chemically NaHCO₃) is an edible, non-toxic, readily available substance. It works on three main levels: as a household cleaner, as an odour neutraliser and as a water softener. Moreover, the combination of simplicity and low price gives soda an advantage: it acts as an alternative to more expensive specialised cleaners. For example, MSU reports that soda can save a lot of money when buying cleaning products.

The chemical principle behind soda is, among other things, that the alkaline environment helps to loosen grease. Soda’s fine texture can then help remove a wide range of dirt, just mix it with water to create a paste that can then be used to clean virtually anything in the kitchen.

Why few people use it at home

Despite its benefits, baking soda is not commonly used as a cleaning agent. There are several reasons. Many people simply don’t associate it with cleaning, seeing it more as a baking ingredient. The second reason is that people often lack awareness of how to use baking soda and what it is specifically for.

Another factor is the competitive marketing of conventional cleaning products. Many are sold as all-purpose all-purpose cleaners. But few people realize that a bottle of bicarbonate of soda literally has the same effect. A study focusing on cleaning products reports that households often choose products with a scent, a brand name, interesting packaging. A plain box of soda is less visually appealing.

You can clean anything in your home with baking soda. Don't be afraid to experiment ━━ You can clean anything in your home with baking soda. Don't be afraid to experiment ( Source: alexander ruiz /  iStockphoto )

How to use soda?

Baking soda can be used in several ways in household cleaning:

  • Removing odours and refreshing the fridge or bin: Just put some soda on a plate and place it in the fridge. The substance then neutralizes odors by acting as a base that reacts with acidic odors.
  • Cleaning surfaces and removing stains: If you mix 4 tablespoons of soda in 1 litre of warm water, a paste is formed that can be used as an all-purpose cleaner.
  • Removing pesticides from fruits and vegetables: Soaking fruits and vegetables in water with dissolved baking soda for 12-15 minutes removes almost all observed pesticides , according to studies.