9 Baking Soda Hacks That You Need To Know

Alright, let’s get real for a second—baking soda is basically the Beyoncé of household products. It cleans, it deodorizes, it even helps you bake cookies that don’t turn into hockey pucks. Yet most people only know it as “that little orange box sitting in the fridge.” If that’s you, don’t worry—you’re about to unlock a whole new level of life hacks that will make you wonder why you didn’t stock up on this magic powder sooner.

And FYI, I’ve personally tested most of these tricks (some successful, others… not so much—like the time I tried it as a face mask and looked like I’d fought a powdered donut). So, grab your coffee (or wine, no judgment), and let’s talk about 9 baking soda hacks you actually need in your life.

1. Freshen Up Your Fridge Like a Pro

Ever opened your fridge and been hit with an unholy mix of last week’s leftovers and questionable cheese? Yeah, me too.

Here’s the fix: pop an open box of baking soda in the fridge, and let it absorb all those nasty smells. No more “mystery funk” when you’re reaching for your midnight snack.

Pro tip: Replace the box every 1–3 months. If you’re anything like me and forget, just set a calendar reminder titled “Save Your Nose.”

2. Whiten Your Laundry Without Bleach

Want your whites to look like they belong in a detergent commercial? Add half a cup of baking soda to your wash cycle. It boosts the detergent’s cleaning power and makes everything look fresher.

Honestly, I once revived a sad-looking white t-shirt that had been through coffee spills, sweaty gym sessions, and one questionable nacho night. Baking soda gave it a second chance at life (unlike my houseplants, RIP).

3. Say Goodbye to Carpet Funk

Carpets are like giant sponges for odors—pets, food, shoes, you name it. But you don’t need some overpriced “miracle powder.” Just sprinkle baking soda all over the carpet, wait 15–20 minutes, then vacuum it up.

The smell? Gone. Your carpet? Fresh. Your friends? Finally willing to sit on your floor again. :)

Bonus hack: Mix in a few drops of essential oil with the baking soda before sprinkling, and boom—you’ve got a DIY carpet freshener that smells like a spa instead of your dog.

4. Unclog That Stubborn Drain

Nothing screams “adulting” like unclogging a sink at 11 p.m. Instead of pouring toxic chemicals down the drain, try this:

1. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain.
2. Follow with a cup of vinegar (yes, it’ll fizz like a science fair volcano).
3. Wait 10–15 minutes, then flush with hot water.

Ever wondered why this works so well? It’s because the fizzing reaction breaks down gunk and grease. Science class finally paid off.

5. Natural Deodorant (Yes, Really)

Okay, hear me out: if you ever run out of deodorant (or forget to buy some—been there), baking soda can save the day. Just dust a little under your arms, and it neutralizes odor.

Does it feel as smooth as your favorite roll-on? Nope. Will it stop sweat? Also nope. But if you’re in a pinch and don’t want to smell like you ran a marathon, this trick works. IMO, it’s a lifesaver when traveling.

6. Scrub Pots and Pans Without Killing Your Arms

We’ve all been there—you “accidentally” burn food to the bottom of the pan (because Netflix distracted you). Instead of scrubbing until your arm falls off, try this:

• Sprinkle baking soda on the burnt spots.
• Add a little hot water.
• Let it sit for 15 minutes, then scrub.

The gunk loosens up like magic. It’s basically a cheat code for cleaning cookware. And yes, it even works on that pan you swore you’d throw out.

7. Brighten Your Smile (Safely!)

No need to drop hundreds on fancy whitening kits. Mix baking soda with a little water to form a paste, then brush gently. It helps scrub away surface stains from coffee, tea, or that red wine you swore you wouldn’t spill.

But here’s the deal: don’t go overboard. Baking soda is slightly abrasive, so keep this to once or twice a week max. Otherwise, you’ll end up explaining to your dentist why your enamel is MIA. :/

8. De-Stink Your Shoes

Let’s be honest—our shoes can sometimes smell like they’ve been through a battlefield. Instead of buying fancy inserts, just sprinkle baking soda inside your shoes overnight.

By morning, the smell is gone, and you’re not embarrassed when you take your shoes off at a friend’s house. (You’re welcome.)

9. Rescue Your Drained Coffee Maker

If your morning coffee tastes “off,” your coffee maker probably needs a little TLC. Run a cycle with hot water and a few tablespoons of baking soda. It clears out residue and funky smells.

I did this once after realizing my coffee had started tasting suspiciously like garlic (don’t ask how). After cleaning with baking soda, it was back to smooth, fresh goodness.

Bonus: Random Little Baking Soda Wins

Because honestly, 9 hacks don’t do this stuff justice. Here are a few extra honorable mentions:

• DIY Air Freshener: Mix baking soda with a few drops of essential oil, put it in a jar, poke holes in the lid, and place it anywhere that smells questionable.
• Bug Bite Relief: Make a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to bites, and say goodbye to that relentless itch.
• Trash Can Deodorizer: Sprinkle some in the bottom of your bin. No more gag reflex every time you toss something out.

Final Thoughts

So, there you go—9 baking soda hacks that will make your life easier, fresher, and cleaner (without emptying your wallet). Seriously, this little box can handle everything from your fridge to your face, and it costs less than your fancy latte.

If you’re not already convinced that baking soda is the unsung hero of your home, just try one of these hacks today. Start small—maybe the fridge or the shoes. Once you see how well it works, you’ll join me in the “Why didn’t I know this sooner?” club.

And hey, if nothing else, at least you’ll finally have a use for that random box sitting in your pantry. ;)