The Benefits and Uses of Bicarbonate of Soda
Bicarbonate of soda, often called baking soda, sits in cupboards across the country. People reach for it when baking cakes, but its uses go far beyond the kitchen. This simple white powder can clean, freshen, and even help personal care. See how bicarbonate of soda can become an everyday problem-solver around your home.
Bicarbonate of soda is a fine white powder made from sodium bicarbonate. You can buy it in supermarkets but usually only as small pots for baking, it’s more economical when cleaning to buy online in bulk.
Although safer, still keep baking soda away from children and pets. Never mix any cleaner with vinegar or bleach.
Anything in excess can harm aquatic life, so use sparingly. If adding essential oils, only use a few drops (and not for pregnancy/nursing, allergies or near babies/pets).
Avoid use on aluminium or delicate fabrics. Use with plastic-free cleaning cloths/sponges/scourers and Fair Trade rubber gloves – all can be purchased from SEEP.
Reliable Multi-Purpose Cleaner
Bicarbonate of soda makes a strong, gentle cleaner for most surfaces. It’s non-toxic, so it works well where you cook or eat. Mix it with water to scrub ovens, sinks, and stained counters. It breaks down grease and lifts dirt without scratching.
A sprinkle on a damp sponge will clean tiles, shine taps, and remove built-up grime on cooker hoods.
Fresh Laundry Booster
Adding bicarbonate of soda to laundry gives whites a boost and brightens colours. It softens water, helping detergents work better. Pour half a cup in with your usual powder or liquid. It removes odour from clothes, towels, and even trainers.
For tougher smells, mix it with water and soak items before washing. Bedding comes out fresher and towels feel softer.
Simple Carpet and Upholstery Freshener
Spills and stains on carpets or sofas do not always mean professional cleaning. Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the affected areas and leave it for fifteen minutes or longer, then vacuum it up.
It helps lift stains and removes trapped smells from pets, smoke, or food. This works on mattresses and car seats as well.
Natural Air Freshener
Bicarbonate of soda neutralises odours rather than covering them up. Place an open container in the fridge, wardrobe, or bathroom. It absorbs bad smells and keeps the air fresher.
For a quick fix, mix it with a few drops of your favourite essential oil and set it out in a small bowl. Change it every couple of months for best results.
Soothe Stove Tops and Cookware
Burnt-on food on pans or stoves can be tough to shift. Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda, then add a splash of warm water. Wait ten minutes, then scrub with a sponge or cloth.
The residue lifts off without strong fumes or scratching. Stainless steel, enamel, and even glass cookware come up shiny again.
Clean Drains and Remove Blockages
Pouring a cup of bicarbonate of soda followed by vinegar can clear slow drains. Wait five minutes, then flush with hot water. It helps break down fat and food, leaving pipes smelling fresh. This method also clears drains in bathrooms or utility rooms, where hair or soap scum cause blocks.
Deodoriser for Shoes and Kit Bags
Sweaty shoes and kit bags gather smells, especially in sports gear. Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda inside and tap out the powder the next day. It soaks up odour and moisture, keeping shoes and bags fresher between washes. This works for gym lockers, pet beds, and sports helmets too.
Fridge and Freezer Cleaner
Old food and spills in fridges and freezers leave behind sticky smells. Mix bicarbonate of soda with a little water to create a paste. Wipe down shelves, drawers, and seals. Rinse with a clean sponge and dry. Stains vanish and stubborn odours disappear, making your fridge smell just as clean as your food tastes.
Gentle Silverware Polish
Tarnished silver spoons, jewellery, or ornaments shine again with a simple paste of bicarbonate of soda and water. Rub on with a soft cloth, rinse, and buff dry. It removes tarnish but does not scratch or erode the metal, so family keepsakes stay gleaming.
Microwave Cleaner
Fill a bowl with water and add two tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda. Microwave on high for five minutes. The steam loosens food particles, making it easy to wipe down.
Never heat up baby or pet food in microwaves.
Fire Extinguisher for Small Grease Fires
If a small grease fire starts while cooking, pour baking soda on the flames. It cuts off oxygen and helps put out the fire. Never use water on a grease fire.
Clean Coffee and Tea Stains
Mix a bit of baking soda in water and scrub mugs or teapots stained with coffee or tea. The stains come off with a small amount of effort thanks to the gentle abrasion.
Freshen Dustbins
Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of your kitchen or bathroom bin to stop smells before they start. Replace with fresh powder every week for best results.
Remove Sticky Residue
Tackle stubborn sticky residues from labels, tape, or glue by making a paste with baking soda and a bit of oil. Rub gently until the residue lifts, then wash clean.
Fill is sold in glass boxes with cardboard refills.
