baking soda uses

40 Surprising Uses for Baking Soda Readers Swear By

/Updated /43 Comments/in , , , /by Mary Hunt

Baking soda might be one of the most underrated problem-solvers in your home. Yes, it helps biscuits rise, but that’s just the beginning. From cleaning and deodorizing to freshening and fixing everyday annoyances, these clever uses for baking soda prove that a single pantry staple can do the work of half a dozen products for just pennies. If you like simple solutions that actually work, you’re in the right place.

baking soda uses

Some of the cleverest uses shared below come straight from Everyday Cheapskate readers… longtime subscribers who know a thing or two about stretching a dollar and solving problems with what’s already on hand.

So whether you buy it in the supermarket’s baking aisle or in bulk, here are 40 creative, practical, and budget-friendly ways to make the most of that little orange box.

What Is Baking Soda and How Does It Work?

baking soda in glass bowl with wood spoon on kitchen countertop with formula NAHCO3 sodium bicarbonate

Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, is a naturally occurring compound with the chemical formula NaHCO₃. It’s made from sodium and bicarbonate ions and refined into the familiar white powder most of us keep in the pantry.

What makes baking soda so useful far beyond baking is its alkaline nature. When it meets something acidic, like vinegar, lemon juice, or even buttermilk in biscuit dough, it creates carbon dioxide gas. Those tiny bubbles get trapped in batter, giving baked goods their lift and fluff.

That same fizzing action also makes baking soda helpful for cleaning. It loosens stuck-on grime, breaks down residue, and can even help freshen slow or smelly drains.

Baking soda is also mildly abrasive, which means it scrubs without scratching most surfaces. And because it neutralizes odors instead of masking them, it’s a favorite for fridges, shoes, trash cans… pretty much anywhere smells like to linger.

Whether it’s lifting biscuits, cleaning sinks, or freshening the air, baking soda earns its spot as one of the most versatile and budget-friendly staples you can keep around the house.

Baking Soda Safety Basics (Read This First)

Baking soda is gentle, affordable, and incredibly useful, but it’s not a free-for-all. A few simple guardrails make all the difference.

  • Avoid abrasive damage: Baking soda is mildly abrasive. It’s safe for most surfaces, but skip delicate finishes like marble, quartz, antique wood, or high-gloss coatings.
  • Go easy on skin and teeth: It works, but moderation matters. Occasional use is fine; daily scrubbing is not.
  • Never mix with acids in sealed containers: That fizz needs room to breathe.
  • Label DIY mixes clearly: Especially if you store them under sinks or within reach of kids.

This isn’t about fear. It’s about using a good tool wisely and getting great results without causing new problems.

Everyday Cleaning Hacks Using Baking Soda

ways to use baking soda around the house jetted tub enamel sink shower tile grout

Baking soda is gentle on surfaces but tough on grime. Many of the clever ideas below come straight from longtime readers who’ve discovered just how far a little orange box can go.

1. Erase Marks on Painted Surfaces

Got scuffs, crayon, or mystery smudges on baseboards and door frames? Sprinkle baking soda onto a damp, non-scratch sponge and gently rub the area. Wipe clean with a dry microfiber cloth. It works on windowsills and walls, too.

2. DIY Grout Cleaner

Mix baking soda with fresh hydrogen peroxide to create a paste (think pancake batter consistency). Working in small sections, apply to dirty grout, scrub with a stiff brush, rinse, and prepare to be impressed.

3. Refresh a Jetted Tub

To clean hard-to-reach jets, fill the tub a few inches above them, add 2 cups of baking soda, and run the jets for 10 minutes. Drain, refill with clean water, run again, and drain. The difference is noticeable.

4. Brighten a Stained Sink

EC reader Kit sprays hydrogen peroxide into her white enamel sink, sprinkles baking soda on top, and lets it sit. The result? A gleaming white sink. No bleach required.

5. Banish Coffee & Tea Stains

EC reader Peg swears by this: dampen the inside of a mug or coffee pot, sprinkle with baking soda, rub with your fingers, and rinse. Stains gone.

6. Rescue Burnt Pots and Baking Stones

EC reader Teri’s husband uses baking soda to tackle the messiest pots, pans, even stained baking stones. A little scrubbing brings them back to life.

7. Shine Stainless Steel Sinks

I use baking soda to clean my stainless steel kitchen sink. It works just as well as store-bought cleansers, without harsh chemicals. Gentle on the sink. Tough on grime.

8. Remove Sticky Glue Residue

Mix equal parts baking soda and cooking oil to make a paste. Spread over sticker gunk, let it sit for 30 minutes, then rub and wash clean. EC reader Linda saves all kinds of containers this way.

9. Deodorize Musty Dishcloths

EC reader Irene tosses smelly dishcloths into the washing machine with baking soda and hot water. After a soak, she washes them as usual. Fresh cloths. No more funk.

10. Clean Glass Bakeware

EC reader Emily sprinkles baking soda into her Pyrex, adds white vinegar and hot water, and lets it soak for a few minutes. Burnt edges wipe right off. No elbow grease needed.

11. Tidy Up Blinds and Counters

EC reader Rea uses a baking soda paste to remove fingerprints from vertical blinds, clean laminate counters, and even refresh cereal bowls. It’s her go-to.

12. Degunk the Toaster Oven

If your toaster oven has baked-on mystery gunk, cover the mess with a thick layer of baking soda. Sprinkle on just enough water to dampen it (not make soup). Let it sit overnight. By morning, it wipes right off. No harsh chemicals or fumes.

13. Restore Sticky Plastic Toys

Old dolls and plastic toys can get grimy fast. EC reader Chris uses baking soda on a damp sponge to gently rub away stickiness and dirt. Perfect for toy box rescues or thrift finds.

14. Remove Scuff Marks from Wood Floors

Skip the vinegar. Baking soda gently buffs out scuffs without harming your wood finish. Sprinkle a bit on the mark, rub with a damp cloth, and wipe clean.

Baking Soda for Personal Care and Beauty

baking soda uses toothpaste natural deodorant spray exfoliant foot soak bath

Who knew that humble box of baking soda in the pantry could moonlight as a personal care product? Here are tried-and-true ways to keep things fresh, soft, and sparkling without the long list of ingredients you can’t pronounce.

15. Natural Deodorant (DIY Spray or Paste)

Whether you’re avoiding aluminum or just love a good DIY, baking soda makes an effective natural deodorant.

Deodorant Paste

Mix about 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with a tiny bit of lukewarm water, just enough to make a thick paste. Apply gently to your underarms with your fingertips and let it dry completely before dressing. Simple, scent-free, and surprisingly effective.

Deodorant Spray

A fresh, non-toxic option you can stash in your bag or bathroom drawer:

Shake and spritz lightly, just like a commercial spray.

16. Foot Soak + Exfoliator

A warm foot soak with three tablespoons of baking soda? Heavenly. Add it to your usual foot bath and let tired feet soak. For exfoliating, mix 1 part baking soda with 3 parts water and gently scrub heels and toes. Smooth, happy feet. No spa required.

17. Gentle Skin Exfoliant

Need a quick refresh? Make a simple paste with 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water. Rub gently in circular motions on your face or hands, then rinse well. Instant freshness.

18. Manicure Prep

Before polishing, make a paste (3:1 baking soda to water) and massage it into hands, nails, and cuticles. It exfoliates while softening skin, giving your DIY manicure a head start.

19. Toothpaste

If the minty zing of most commercial toothpastes isn’t your thing, baking soda can be a simple alternative. EC reader Myrna swears by it, and reader Betty remembers using it whenever toothpaste ran out leaving teeth feeling extra clean and smooth.

It’s not fancy, but it’s time-tested and even gets a nod from dentists for occasional use. Just be gentle. Baking soda is mildly abrasive.

20. Hair Buildup Buster

EC reader Tammy Jo keeps it clever in the shower: “I mix baking soda with my shampoo to remove buildup. I keep it in an old Parmesan container and sprinkle a little into my hand every other week. My hair feels squeaky clean!”

Especially helpful if you use styling products or have hard water.

21. Soften Hands While Doing Dishes

EC reader Penny adds a few teaspoons of baking soda to dishwater to prevent dry, cracked hands. A small tweak that makes dish duty much easier on skin.

22. Costume Jewelry Cleaner

“This isn’t science-backed. Just something I’ve always done and it works!” says Reader Tracy. Place costume jewelry in a bowl, sprinkle with baking soda, and add vinegar a tablespoon at a time. Let it fizz, then settle. After five minutes, wipe clean and polish.

How to Use Baking Soda for Health and Wellness

heartburn indigestion neti pot nasal rinse bug bite insect poison ivy itching uses for baking soda

23. Poison Ivy, Insect Bites, and Stings

If you’re heading outdoors, this is one trick worth remembering. A simple paste of baking soda and water can help calm the itch and sting from bug bites, bee stings, and even poison ivy. Apply it directly to the irritated area and let it dry.

Why it helps: Baking soda can soothe irritated skin and may help reduce itching and inflammation on the surface. One reader, Wanda, swears by it for taking the sting and swelling out of bee and wasp stings almost instantly.

Note: Skip this if the skin is broken or oozing. This is for surface irritation only.

24. Heartburn and Indigestion

You don’t need a medicine cabinet full of pricey antacids. Chances are, what you need is already in your pantry. Baking soda works as a fast-acting antacid by neutralizing excess stomach acid, which can ease occasional heartburn or indigestion.

To try it, dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda in ¼ cup of water and drink it slowly. Relief can be surprisingly quick, but this is a once-in-a-while solution, not a daily habit. If heartburn is frequent, it’s worth checking in with your doctor.

25. Prone to UTIs?

If you recognize early urinary discomfort, some people find relief by reducing urine acidity. Stir ½ teaspoon of baking soda into a cup of water and drink it once.

This isn’t a cure and won’t treat an active infection, but it may ease mild discomfort at the very first hint of irritation. Persistent symptoms, fever, or pain should always be checked by a healthcare provider.

26. DIY Nasal Rinse

Skip the expensive pre-mixed packets and make your own sinus rinse at home. Mix ½ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon salt into 1 cup of warm distilled water. Distilled matters here. Tap water isn’t recommended for nasal use.

Use a neti pot or sinus rinse bottle to gently flush your sinuses. It can help relieve congestion, allergies, and that dry, stuffy nose feeling. Jennifer, a longtime reader, swears by this method and once you try it, you may understand why.

27. A Soothing Baking Soda Bath

EC reader Kathy knows how to unwind after a long day: add a full pound of baking soda to warm bathwater. The result? Soft, silky skin and a little slice of spa-level relaxation right at home.

Household Odor Fighters That Actually Work

baking soda uses clogged drain smelly trash freshen carpet or rug stinky shoes

28. Freshen Carpets

Carpets tend to hang onto smells from pets, spills, and everyday life. Sprinkle baking soda generously over the carpet, let it sit for at least 15 minutes (longer is even better), then vacuum thoroughly. Baking soda absorbs odors instead of masking them, leaving rooms smelling noticeably fresher.

29. Freshen Up Smelly Shoes

Stinky shoes? Baking soda to the rescue. Sprinkle a generous amount inside, making sure it reaches the entire interior. Let it sit overnight (or for several hours), then shake the powder into the trash.

Pro tip: Use your vacuum’s crevice tool to grab any leftover powder. No one wants surprise white socks.

30. Head Off Garbage Can Odors

Garbage cans are odor magnets. To keep smells from building up, sprinkle a small handful of baking soda directly into the trash from time to time. Even better: add some to the bottom of the can before putting in a fresh bag. It acts like an odor shield between trash days.

31. Take Care of Smelly, Slow-Running Drain

A smelly drain is no fun and a slow one is usually worse. Pour about ½ cup baking soda directly into the drain, followed by ½ cup white vinegar. The fizzing reaction helps loosen buildup clinging to the sides of the pipe. Let it sit for a few hours, then flush with a quart or two of boiling water.

This won’t fix serious clogs, but it’s a great maintenance move that helps prevent odors and minor backups.

32. Cat Box Freshness

If you share your home with a furry friend, you know litter box odor control is an ongoing job. One reader, Regina, adds ½ cup baking soda to her clumping litter every couple of days while scooping. The result? A noticeably fresher box and a happier household.

33. Freshen and Deodorize the Dishwasher

After unloading the dishwasher, sprinkle a little baking soda on the bottom and leave the door ajar for a few hours. This absorbs lingering odors and helps prevent that musty smell from taking hold. It’s simple preventative maintenance and EC reader Kathleen swears by it.

34. Backyard Weed Warrior

EC reader Judy puts baking soda to work in the yard: sprinkle it directly on crabgrass to slow its growth. She notes that it’s effective even in St. Augustine lawns, but as always, test a small patch first to protect your grass. Cheap, simple, and chemical-free.

More Surprising Ways to Use Baking Soda at Home

surprising uses for baking soda pretzels blanch green beans fleas cat on rug

35. Keep Green Vegetables Vibrant

Want green beans to stay bright and fresh-looking? Add a small pinch of baking soda to the boiling water. It helps preserve that vibrant green color though don’t be surprised if the cooking water turns a little brown. This old-school trick comes straight from EC reader Marg’s neighbor and is handy when presentation matters.

Note: Use a very light hand. Too much baking soda can affect texture and flavor.

36. Flea Fighter for Carpets

If fleas have invaded your carpets, baking soda can help, especially as part of a broader cleanup plan. Sprinkle it liberally over carpets and rugs, work it in with a broom, and leave it for a day or two before vacuuming thoroughly. EC reader Jessie swears by this chemical-free approach for drying out flea eggs and reducing activity.

This is best for light infestations or maintenance. Serious problems may need additional treatment.

37. Pretzel Perfection Hack

Traditional pretzels get their signature chew and deep color from a lye bath, but that’s not something most of us want to handle at home. Baking soda is a safer substitute, and here’s the secret: bake the baking soda first to increase its alkalinity, then use it in your dipping solution.

That extra step makes a noticeable difference in texture and color, just like EC reader Gina discovered. Homemade pretzels, leveled up.

38. Cut Acidity in Spaghetti Sauce

If your homemade spaghetti sauce tastes a little sharp, add a tiny pinch of baking soda (about ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon per 4–5 quarts.) It neutralizes excess acidity quickly without dulling flavor, saving hours of simmering. EC reader Cristina’s trick is a weeknight lifesaver.

Go slowly. Too much can flatten the sauce.

39. Smooth Out Coffee Acidity

A pinch of baking soda can make all the difference if your coffee feels harsh on your stomach. Just a tiny sprinkle helps neutralize acidity, leaving your cup gentler and smoother. EC reader Wilma swears by it daily, and Susan discovered the same trick works perfectly in a 4-cup coffee maker. No stomach upset, just a morning cup you can enjoy again.

A pinch really means a pinch. More is not better here.

40. Velvet Your Chicken for Tenderness

To keep boneless, skinless chicken breasts from turning tough, try this restaurant trick called velveting. Toss chicken pieces with about 1 teaspoon baking soda, refrigerate for 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and cook as usual.

This technique, popular in Chinese kitchens, helps meat retain moisture, even if it cooks a bit longer than planned. EC reader Sue’s tip is perfect for cautious cooks who don’t want dry chicken ruining dinner.

The Best Way to Store Baking Soda (Yes, It Matters)

Buying in bulk? Smart. But storage makes all the difference. Keep your baking soda ready for anything with a few simple habits:

  • Keep it dry: Moisture turns it into a brick, useless for cooking or cleaning.
  • Use airtight containers: Mason jars, snap-lid bins, or even repurposed Parmesan shakers work perfectly.
  • Rotate wisely: Use fresh boxes for cooking and older ones for cleaning tasks.
  • Refresh fridge boxes monthly: Once they’ve absorbed odors, it’s time for a new one.

A little organization goes a long way. Do it right, and your trusty orange box will stay versatile, effective, and frustration-free, exactly the way it should be.

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Question: There must be hundreds more non-baking uses for baking soda. Did we miss your favorite? Tell us in the comments below!

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43 replies
  1. Susan says:

    Do you have any use for baking soda in the laundry, compared to your favorites Borax/Washing Soda?
    If you use baking soda for floor grout, does it take a lot of rinsing, or leave powder residue when dry?

    Reply
    • Mary Hunt says:

      Borax/Washing soda cannot be replaced by baking soda. They are very different chemically speaking. And no, you shouldn’t need excess rinsing for the floors.

      Reply
  2. Susan H Odom says:

    I now add a pinch of baking soda to the coffee in my 4-cup coffee maker, and it no longer upsets my stomach. I can drink coffee again!

    Reply
  3. Doris says:

    We have a septic system, so I want to avoid bleach in my laundry. Arm and Hammer make Super Washing Soda. ½ cup in my washer before I add the clothes is all it takes and they come out white and bright! And it’s easy on the fabrics, too, without fading colors.

    Reply
  4. Kathy denBreejen says:

    I didn’t see anyone mention how nice bath water feels if you use a one pound box of baking soda in a nice warm soaking bath! Time to relax.

    Reply
  5. Judy Rish says:

    Baking Soda is great for killing crab grass and its cheap. Just sprinkle some on the “crab grass” where it grows. I have St. Augustine Grass and it will hurt your growth of SA.

    Reply
  6. Wanda Carter says:

    Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply to bee and wasp stings immediately after you are stung. Takes the sting out and reduces swelling almost as soon as it touches the skin.

    Reply
  7. Linda says:

    What a surprise! So many uses for baking soda. Who woulda thought? Thank you and please continue to spread the news with other tips to make our lives less complicated!

    Reply
  8. Madelyn says:

    Hi Mary
    You already mentioned this, but I was told by a jeweler to polish silver jewelry with a baking soda paste. Rub it in, rinse. Beats those horrible smelly toxic silver cleaners!

    Reply
  9. Lois says:

    You’ve noted coffee stain removal and someone else mentioned tea stains. I find tea stains much worse to deal with than coffee, and they’re especially apparent and ugly on my finest bone china tea cups. Since I always wash the china by hand I begin by routinely dipping my fingers in the baking soda box I leave open to keep the fridge smelling decent. My teacups always look pristine and the soda does not damage them.

    Reply
  10. VVamp says:

    I recently discovered the powers of Baking Soda after inheriting the family home(It came with the house :)) After using a mixture of BS and Hydrogen Peroxide on the 30 yr old tiles and grout in our kitchen saved us replacing them, I became a believer! I try Baking Soda on almost every kitchen stain, including my SS sink and anything stained with coffee(including my teeth). I have found either as a paste or wiped after sprinkling, as is or mixed with Hydrogen Peroxide or good old white vinegar some mixture will likely help. Try it on anything you believe is past hope, you may be surprised!

    Reply
  11. c says:

    You can use baking soda to clean old plastic dolls (or other toys) that have become sticky. Or to clean the crud on the toaster oven. Or remove black scuff marks from a wooden floor. Just sprinkle it on and rub until you’re satisfied that the item is clean.

    Reply
  12. Kathleen says:

    After emptying the dishwasher, I sprinkle baking soda on the floor of the washer. I leave the door ajar for a few hours to allow the washer to dry completely. The baking soda will absorb odors and prevent that mildewy smell between washes.

    Reply
  14. Donna Freedman says:

    If you have burned-on food on the floor of your oven, cover it with a thick layer of baking soda. Sprinkle on water until it’s damp, but not too soupy. Let sit overnight. The next morning it wipes right off. No chemical smell from oven cleaners, either.

    Reply
  15. Penny says:

    I really hate the dry cracked feeling of my hands when I have to hand wash dishes, so I add a few teaspoons of baking soda to the dish water to help keep my hands soft.

    Reply
  16. Linda Vacca says:

    I had a gas oil spilled on my indoor carpet. We shook a goodly amount of baking soda all over the affected area then cleaned using a rug Dr. Got even the smell 100 percent.
    Linda

    Reply
  17. Jessie L Souther says:

    Baking soda sprinkled on carpet leave for a day or two. Then again in a few days it will kill flea’s It really works.

    Reply
  18. Cristina says:

    When I don’t have hours to simmer for sweetness sometimes I put 1/8 – 1/4 teaspoon in a pot of homemade spaghetti sauce (approx 4-5 qt) to cut the acidity.

    Reply
  19. Michelle says:

    For those using baking soda as toothpaste, please just be careful! It does work wonderfully but can also cause gum recession & enamel wear if you brush too vigorously. My source? The dentist who told me to stop using it because it was causing problems in my mouth.

    Reply
  20. Tammy Jo says:

    I use baking soda mixed in with my shampoo to remove build up from conditioner and other hair products. I keep an old Parmesan cheese container with baking soda in it in the shower (great big shaker holes) and just sprinkle it in my hand with the shampoo about every other week, or as needed. My hair is squeaky clean after wards!

    Reply
  22. Jennifer Heinz says:

    Mix equal parts baking soda ans salt, then use 1 teaspoon in 1 cup of warm water in a neti pot to rinse your nose and sinuses. No paying for the little pre-mixed packets!

    Reply
  23. HALENA says:

    HOW TO CLEAN A STAINLESS STEEL COFFE CARAFE.
    I HAVE DONE THE BAKING SODA & VINEGAR DIRECTIONS – BUT TO NO AVAIL
    HELP!!!!!!
    HALENA

    Reply
  24. Kit Morse says:

    I spray hydrogen peroxide into my white enamel sink and then sprinkle on baking soda to cover it, making sure any stains are fully covered. Let sit for a bit and VOILA! Totally white sink!

    Reply
  25. Peg says:

    Baking soda removes coffee and tea stains from my Mr. Coffee & coffee mugs. Dampen the pot or mug, sprinkle in soda and spread with fingers. Rinse

    Reply
  27. Regina Kohutek says:

    I like to use baking soda in my kitty litter box! Yep, I buy a good Arm & Hammer brand of clumping litter, but I still don’t want to have the occasional whiff. So, when scooping the cat waste out every other day I add a 1/2C.of baking soda. No one can smell that I have a cat.

    Reply
    • Crystal says:

      I use baking soda in both of my cat’s litter boxes since I use fragrance-free litters. I put a layer of it down in the box with the clay litter before I add the litter. That layer helps keeps the urine order in check and helps with cleanup too. In the box with the scoopable litter, I mix a small amount of baking soda in with the litter when I change it and after scooping, if needed.

      Reply
  28. Sue says:

    This does have to do with cooking but I now “marinate” my boneless skinless chicken breast pieces so they don’t turn dry and hard when stir frying or baking.
    Just mix chicken pieces with a teaspoon of baking soda and let sit in the fridge for about 20 minutes. It’s called “velveting” – apparently chinese food restaurants do this. I tend to overcook chicken “just in case” and this keeps it from drying out.

    Reply
  29. GK says:

    To clean my dish cloths, load into washing machine, sprinkle baking soda over the cloths, use hot water and soak them 30 minutes to an hour. Rinse and spin, (only because my washer will not immediately wash after the soak cycle), and then wash with regular detergent, again in hot water. My dish cloths no longer have that yucky, musty odor, but smell nice and fresh!

    Reply
  30. Rea says:

    I use a baking soda paste to clean fingerprints off vertical blinds, the grey marks made by sliding a pan or opening a can on my laminate counter/cupboards (and food stains), and to clean stains out of my cereal bowls or other dishes.

    Reply
  31. Gina says:

    I was looking up the recipe to make homemade pretzels and the last step before baking is to use a lye solution as a final dip for the dough. Working with lye is difficult so people have suggested baking soda. The problem is baking soda does not give the best result. Solution? If baking soda is baked itself first before making the solution, the result increases the alkalinity of the baking soda and gives a better result for the pretzels.

    Reply
  32. Betty says:

    When we were younger and if we ran out of toothpaste, my mom would put some baking soda in a dish and we would dip our damp toothbrush in and use that. It actually doesn’t taste too bad and our teeth felt so clean and smooth. I still sometimes do that.

    Reply
  33. Mary Hunt says:

    Use this comment area to add your favorite non-baking use for baking soda! If we find it to be unique, useful, fun, or perhaps even astonishing (ha!) … we’ll add it to the list in the post together with your first name as contributor. We’re starting out with 14 uses. Wanna’ help see how far we can go?

    When your tip and or use makes it into the post, your comment will be deleted so as to keep this as uncomplicated as possible! And if it gets too crazy, we may have to close the comments, so hurry! Good luck …

    Reply
    • Emily says:

      Baking soda does an excellent job when combined with white vinegar and hot water for cleaning Pyrex bakeware. Sprinkle bake soda in the dish, add the white vinegar fill with hot water and let it soak 3 to 5 minutes. Those burnt on edges will wipe right off!

      Reply
    • Linda Minor says:

      Make a paste of baking soda and cooking oil. Spread on sticky glue residue for containers too good to toss. Set for half hour or so, will rub off, ready to wash.

      Reply
    • Marg says:

      Hi Mary,
      I use baking soda to clean my stainless steel kitchen sink. It works as well as a brand name cleanser in a can and is probably better for the environment. Doesn’t seem to scratch the metal. (The last time I used a powdered cleanser with bleach in it, I got little spots on my nice T-shirt and the bleach really did work. Never again.)
      Tip from a neighbour – put a good pinch of baking soda in the cooking water when boiling green beans. The beans stay greener – but the water gets a little brown.

      Reply
    • Tracy Smith says:

      I am NOT recommending this for anything other than costume jewelry (although I do use it on sterling silver). I have zero resources; this is just something I heard YEARS ago and have always done it! Place just a few pieces of jewelry in a very small bowl and sprinkle baking soda over them and then start adding vinegar just a tablespoon or two at a time, so it will fizz and then slow down (I do this several times). It’s fun to do when the grandkids are around! I only let it sit for about five minutes and then wipe dry with paper towel and then I use the Norwex microfiber cloth. Comes out very shiny and clean! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your advice and your readers’ advice as well! Iron sharpens iron!

      Reply
    • Myrna says:

      I use baking soda as toothpaste. I don’t like the mint in most brands so find this works the best as an alternative.

      Reply

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