10 Surprising Ways to Use Baking Soda for a Sparkling Clean Home

Bicarbonate of soda cleaning works best when you choose dry powder, paste or a diluted solution for a compatible material, then remove every trace of residue.

Cleaning is my second favourite use for baking soda (after, you know, baking). Baking soda (also known as bicarbonate of soda) is an extremely versatile and natural cleaner. You can use it in a ton of ways around your home.

Thanks to its abrasive nature, it can help you scrub away dirt and grime. It’s also great against oils and other organic stains. As if that weren’t enough, it’s also a natural deodoriser. But let’s dig deeper into how you can use baking soda for cleaning.

Key Takeaways

• Bicarbonate can contribute mild alkalinity, light abrasion and odour absorption, but those are three different jobs.
• Dry powder, paste and diluted solution behave differently; the material and residue decide which form is appropriate.
• More powder, pressure or contact time can increase scratching, residue and moisture problems rather than cleaning performance.
• Fabrics, paint, natural stone, aluminium, valuable silver, decorative china and appliance components need stricter compatibility checks.
• Bicarbonate does not replace a labelled disinfectant, material restoration, mould remediation, appliance repair or plumbing work.

Bicarbonate of soda cleaning: powder, paste or solution?

Form	Where it may fit	Main limit
Dry powder	A small, contained odour-absorption or light scouring task where every grain can be removed.	Loose powder can remain in fibres, seams, motors and ventilation paths.
Water paste	A local greasy or sticky deposit on a compatible hard surface that tolerates mild abrasion.	A thick or dried paste can scratch, leave a white film or trap moisture at joins.
Diluted solution	A light wipe on a washable surface where less abrasion is preferable.	It still needs full removal and can leave alkaline residue as the water evaporates.
Neither	Unknown finishes, natural stone, aluminium, delicate fibres, damaged coatings, valuable objects and appliance internals.	Use the maker’s approved product or specialist route instead of experimenting.

Bicarbonate is mildly alkaline and only slightly soluble in water. Its grains can provide abrasion before dissolving, which explains both the cleaning value and the risk to gloss, coatings and delicate surfaces. Odour absorption may reduce some smells, but a reduced smell does not prove that the source, contamination or moisture problem has gone.

Baking soda is a simple and effective way to deal with mould in your home

Mould is a nasty problem to have. Unfortunately, it’s exceptionally common in many London homes. The good news is that baking soda offers a simple and effective solution so you won’t have to use harsh chemicals to deal with it.

Wait, baking soda is a fungicide? Yup. On top of being a natural and safe alternative to chemical mould removers, baking soda has mild abrasive properties that can help scrub away mould and mildew. And, as I’ve already mentioned, it’s a natural deodoriser which can help get rid of musty smells.

To use baking soda for mould removal, start by mixing equal parts soda and water to create a paste. Then, apply the paste to the mouldy area and scrub gently with a scrub brush or sponge. I’d put on gloves before this step if you’re squeamish. Finally, rinse the area thoroughly with dry it completely.

But removing the mould is just half the battle. To prevent it from returning, you can also use baking soda as a natural mould inhibitor. Simply sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the affected area and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it up.

By using baking soda, you can easily and safely deal with mould in your home, helping to keep it clean and healthy. However, if you’re having frequent mould issues, you may want to look into other solutions.

Mould boundary: bicarbonate may help remove light surface residue from a compatible washable material, but it should not be treated as a proven fungicide or a substitute for correcting condensation, leaks or damp. Do not spread dry powder over a mouldy area, disturb extensive growth or scrub a porous material that cannot be rinsed and dried fully. Recurring mould, a strong damp smell, damaged plaster or growth covering a substantial area needs moisture diagnosis and appropriate specialist advice.

Using baking soda to remove tea and coffee stains

No matter how careful you are, spills are inevitable so you have to be prepared. To clean tea and coffee stains using baking soda, you can follow these steps:

1. Start by mixing equal parts baking soda and water to create a paste.
2. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes to allow it to work its magic.
3. Scrub the stain gently with a scrub brush or sponge.
4. Rinse the area thoroughly with water and dry completely.

Alternatively, you can also sprinkle baking soda directly on the stain and then scrub it with a wet sponge or cloth. It’s nothing complicated.

Note: Test this solution on an inconspicuous area to make sure it won’t damage the surface or fabric.

For tough stains, you may need to repeat the process a few times to completely remove the stain. If this doesn’t work, there are more options for coffee or tea stain removal.

Some blogs recommend trying a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar as a natural stain remover. However, this is not as good a cleaning solution as most people make it out to be.

Stain boundary: a white cup mark on glazed ceramic, a drink spill on carpet and a stain on dyed fabric are different problems. Check the material and care label, remove excess liquid first and avoid rubbing or repeated wet paste on fibres. Bicarbonate can leave white residue inside carpet, upholstery and seams, and heat can set some stains. Move to the dedicated stain method or professional extraction route when colour transfers, the filling becomes wet or the mark spreads.

Using baking soda to remove grime and odours from kitchen cupboards

Kitchen cupboards don’t get a lot of love. There’s plenty that can go wrong in an average cooking session and they get the short end of the stick. To top it off, we don’t like cleaning them too often, so the situation can get bad, fast. 

If it’s been a while since the last time you’ve cleaned your cupboards, here’s what you can do:

1. Start by removing all items from the cupboards and wiping down the surfaces with a damp cloth to remove any loose dirt or debris.
2. Mix a solution of equal parts water and baking soda to create a paste.
3. Use a sponge or scrub brush to apply the paste to the cupboards, scrubbing in a circular motion to lift dirt and grime.
4. Rinse the cupboards with a damp cloth until the mixture is gone and then dry out the surface with a dry, clean cloth.

Note: Don’t do this if you have wooden cupboards. There are other solutions for that. Test the mixture on an incospicuous area before you proceed.

If you want to know more about cleaning your kitchen cupboards, here’s a more detailed guide.

Cupboard boundary: do not assume that every non-wood door is compatible. Painted, foil-wrapped, laminated and high-gloss fronts can react differently at edges and joins. Patch-test the weakest visible area, keep paste away from seams and hinges, use minimal moisture and remove the white residue before drying.

You can use bicarbonate soda to clean your ceramic hob

Baking soda is one of the crucial ingredients for cleaning your ceramic hob in an easy, cost-effective, and natural way. If you’re looking for a powerful tool to help you out, you’ve found it. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to clean your ceramic hob.

Note: Don’t use baking soda for ceramic hob cleaning on its own. You will scratch your hob.

Hob boundary: switch the appliance off, let it cool and follow the hob manufacturer’s instructions. Loose powder and dry scrubbing can mark glass-ceramic surfaces. Apply only an approved damp method, keep residue away from controls and stop if the surface becomes hazy or catches the cloth.

Make your silver sparkle again

There are different ways to use baking for silver cleaning. Here’s the most popular one:

1. Mix a solution of 2 cups of warm water and 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
2. Place the silver items in the solution and let them soak for a few minutes.
3. Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub the silver, paying extra attention to any areas with tarnish or discoloration.
4. Rinse the silver thoroughly and dry it with a clean cloth.

For tougher tarnish, you may need to soak the silver for longer or use a stronger solution of baking soda and water. If this doesn’t work, there are other options for cleaning your silver you can try.

Silver boundary: identify the object before soaking or rubbing it. Silver plate, oxidised finishes, jewellery with stones, glued components, antiques and collectible pieces may be damaged by abrasion, prolonged moisture or an unsuitable bath. Stop when a dark finish, plating or fine detail begins to change, and use a jeweller or conservator for valuable or uncertain items.

The natural way to clean your microwave with baking soda

To clean your microwave using baking soda, you can follow these steps:

1. Unplug your microwave.
2. Remove any large pieces of food or debris from the microwave.
3. Mix a solution of equal parts water and baking soda in a small bowl.
4. Dip a sponge or cloth in the solution and use it to wipe down the inside of the microwave, including the walls, ceiling, and turntable.
5. Rinse the sponge or cloth and use it to wipe down the microwave a second time, removing any remaining dirt or grime.
6. Dry the inside of the microwave with a clean cloth.

For tougher stains or odours, you can try using a stronger solution of baking soda and water or adding a few drops of lemon juice to the mixture for extra cleaning power.

If this doesn’t work, there are other ways you can clean your microwave without breaking the bank.

Microwave boundary: the appliance manual controls the method. Apply a damp solution to the cloth rather than pouring it into the cavity, and keep liquid and powder out of vents, controls, door mesh and the waveguide cover. Lemon adds fragrance and acidity, not guaranteed extra cleaning power. Stop using the appliance after sparks, damaged coatings, electrical smells or door damage.

Baking soda for a clean and shiny stainless steel sink

You can use baking soda to clean your stainless steel sink. Here’s how:

1. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the surface of the sink.
2. Use a damp sponge or cloth to scrub the sink, working the baking soda into a lather.
3. Rinse the sink thoroughly with water and dry with a clean cloth.

To unclog your sink using baking soda, you can follow these steps:

1. Start by pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain to help loosen any debris that may be causing the clog.
2. Next, pour some baking soda into the drain.
3. Pour white vinegar after the soda and wait for the fizzing to stop.
4. Pour another pot of boiling water down the drain to help flush out any remaining debris.

Drain boundary: do not follow this sequence after bleach, acid, caustic soda or another drain cleaner, and do not pour boiling water into pipework unless its material and fittings permit it. Bicarbonate and vinegar produce brief fizz but do not reliably remove a solid or deep blockage. A recurring slow drain, standing water, leaks or sewage smell needs the obstruction and plumbing fault addressed rather than repeated household mixtures.

Simple, easy, and eco-friendly.

Use baking soda for a sparkling clean shower

To scrub the shower using baking soda, you can follow these steps:

1. Start by wiping down the shower walls and floor with a damp cloth to remove any loose dirt or debris.
2. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the surfaces of the shower.
3. Use a scrub brush or sponge to scrub the shower, working the baking soda into a lather. Pay extra attention to areas with soap scum or hard water stains.
4. Rinse the shower thoroughly with water and dry with a clean towel.

For tougher stains or areas of built-up grime, you can try using a mixture of baking soda and water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the affected areas and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing and rinsing as usual.

Shower boundary: identify the wall, tray, sealant and fitting materials separately. Bicarbonate can leave film in texture and grout, while abrasion may dull acrylic, coated glass, polished metal and natural stone. Use a soft tool, keep paste away from damaged sealant and rinse every treated surface fully.

Deodorise your cutting boards

To deodorise your cutting boards using baking soda, you can follow these steps:

1. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the surface of the cutting board.
2. Use a damp sponge or cloth to scrub the baking soda into the cutting board’s surface.
3. Rinse the cutting board thoroughly with water and dry it with a clean cloth.

For cutting boards with particularly strong odours, you can try soaking the board in a solution of baking soda and water for a few hours before rinsing and drying.

Cutting-board boundary: follow the board manufacturer’s washing instructions. Do not soak wood, glued boards or a board with cracks because prolonged moisture can distort it and remain in damaged areas. Bicarbonate may reduce an odour, but it does not prove that a food-contact surface has been sanitised.

Restore the lustre of your china

Cleaning your china with baking soda is really easy. Simply follow these steps:

1. Mix a solution of 2 cups of warm water, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and a few drops of dish soap.
2. Dip a soft cloth or sponge in the solution and use it to gently scrub the china, paying extra attention to any areas with stains or discoloration.
3. Rinse the china thoroughly with warm water and dry with a clean cloth.

This should work especially well for coffee and tea stains. 

China boundary: keep bicarbonate away from gilding, metallic decoration, crazed glaze, hand-painted detail, repairs and valuable or antique pieces unless a specialist confirms the method. Use the least abrasive maker-approved wash for decorative tableware and stop if colour, gloss or detail changes.

When to stop using bicarbonate

• Stop when gloss turns dull, colour transfers, a coating softens or the cloth begins to catch.
• Do not add more powder or pressure when the residue is no longer responding.
• Move to manufacturer or specialist advice for valuable, delicate, electrical, porous or already damaged items.

How Samyx Cleaning can help

A cupboard ingredient is not always the efficient choice when residue sits across several rooms and materials. A one-off clean can cover accessible household surfaces agreed in advance, with the method selected for the material rather than one recipe used everywhere.

Samyx Cleaning does not present deodorising as disinfection, scrub unknown finishes, repair appliances or plumbing, or promise restoration of etched, scratched or permanently stained material.

Frequently asked questions

Important: Follow the product label and the material or appliance manufacturer’s care instructions over general guidance. Patch-test where compatibility varies, use stated protective equipment, ventilate when required and remove loose powder, moisture and residue completely. Never mix cleaning products, especially bleach with acids, ammonia or another cleaner. Stop after discolouration, dulling, scratching, swelling, fibre change or coating damage, and seek manufacturer or specialist advice for delicate, valuable, unknown or damaged items.

Conclusion

Baking soda is a natural and effective cleaning agent. It can be used in a variety of ways to keep your home sparkling clean. Whether you’re looking to remove mould, clean tea and coffee stains,  freshen up kitchen cupboards, and more, baking soda’s got you covered.

With its gentle abrasive properties and natural deodorising power, it’s a versatile and  eco-friendly choice for all your cleaning needs. So the next time you’re looking for a quick and easy way to get your home sparkling clean,  reach for some baking soda and see the magic for yourself. And of course, as always, if you need a hand, we’re never more than a phone call away.