If I told you I could find one product that could be used as a deodorant, a toothpaste, an exfoliant and an antiseptic, you’d likely be impressed.

And then if you found out that same substance could be used in the kitchen to improve your favourite dishes, then clean the pots you used to cook them, leaving them grease free and shining, you’d be wowed.

I think I’d really shock you if I told you the same product could be used to shampoo your pets, clean your swimming pool, kill cockroaches, and relieve insect bites and stings. Well that product does exist and you can buy it today for a few bucks. So what is it? Baking soda!

1| Freshen up your fingers

With the invention of dishwashers, it seems the idea of washing dishes by hand is limited to larger dishes or those that have caked on food. For those of you that still use good ol’ rubber gloves, you’ve noticed the yucky smells they can emit after prolonged use. To keep your hands and gloves smelling like roses, sprinkle a bit of baking soda in them after each use. It will help to absorb any dampness, keep them fresh smelling, and will help glide them on and off with ease.

2| Cut it out

Over time, cutting boards can acquire an unpleasant smell from regular use. To freshen up your cutting board, shake about 3 tablespoons worth of baking soda onto the surface and sprinkle with just enough water to moisten it. Let it sit for about 15mins to absorb any lingering odors then rub well with a wet sponge. Rinse it clean and let it dry.

3| Radioactive Cleaning

You likely use it on a daily basis but how often does your microwave receive the TLC it needs? If your microwave is starting to smell a little rancid or has gotten so dirty you almost forgot what color it is, follow these easy steps to get it clean in no time. Add a few tablespoons of baking soda to a microwave-safe mug, filled halfway with hot water. Place it in the microwave and boil for around 5 minutes on full power. This will create steam which will condense on the inside of the microwave, loosening any food splatters and leaving it slightly damp. Take paper towels, a cloth, or a soft sponge and wipe it down. Leave the oven door open and let it air dry.

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4| Adios bad odors!

Looking for a fresh smell after you vacuum? Here’s a hint: sprinkle it with baking soda first. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes or, if possible, overnight. Baking soda acts as a deodorizer and will help remove any funky and unwanted smells from your carpet. After you’ve let the baking soda settle into the carpet, vacuum the carpet until all traces of baking soda have disappeared.

5| Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Mirror lost its luster? If you’re looking to have your mirror go from grubby to gleam, baking soda is just what you need. Sprinkle a bit of baking soda on a damp sponge or cloth and rub it over the mirror. Take a clean cloth or sponge and wipe over the mirror using fresh water. Next, use a crumpled newspaper to polish the mirror for a sparkling and smear-free finish.

6| Don’t sweat the stain

Perspiration stains are one of the most common laundry issues people face. For an easy fix, use a nailbrush to scrub the piece of clothing using a paste of baking soda and water. Let it soak for at least an hour for best results, and even longer for bad stains, then wash as normal. Since baking soda is also a deodorizer, you’ll remove the stain and the stink!

7| Let’s hear it for soleplate revival!

You may only use it to impress your boss, but a well pressed shirt and a clean iron go hand in hand. The soleplate of your iron can get marked easily and hard water build up can block up steam holes. To keep your iron in tip top shape, unplug the iron and let it cool before cleaning. Rub the plate with a paste of baking soda and water using a sponge or cloth. Don’t use anything abrasive since it will scratch! Wipe the plate clean with a damp cloth and buff dry.

8| Inked?

We’ve all been there. Your pen starts to leak onto your fingers and next thing you know, you’re walking around with a noticeable ink stain on your hand. For a quick fix, get your hands on some baking. Just rub your hands together with a mix of baking soda and water and watch the stain wash away. Baking soda will not affect your skin and is also helpful in removing paint stains.

9| Goodbye Garlic!

Garlic and onions are two very delicious and prominent cooking ingredients that unfortunately, can make your breath smell lethal. When tooth brushing isn’t enough, add the use a gargle made of ½ teaspoon baking soda mixed with water to your daily routine or post-dinner chore. The mix will help kill off any germs and bad odors, leaving your mouth fresh and clean.

10| It MUST be Gone

You sleep on it every night. But how often does your mattress get cleaned? Over time, mattresses can get a musty smell, especially if it hasn’t been used for a while. To help get rid of the funk, remove any sheets and mattress covers from the bed and dust the mattress with baking soda. Leave it overnight before vacuuming it up, and then repeat the process for the other side. If you want to help prevent the smell from returning, sprinkle baking soda on before you put the mattress cover back and make up the bed. This treatment also works great on pillows!

If you want to dig deeper and start taking your cleaning a bit more seriously then check out our E-Book Bundle! Its encompasses 3 fantastic e-books (Complete Guide to Essential Oils, My 3-Wave Cleaning System, 50 DIY Cleaning Recipes) that will get you started in the right direction for any cleaning task!

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Melissa Maker is an entrepreneur, cleaning expert, founder of Toronto’s most popular boutique cleaning service, and star of the Clean My Space channel on YouTube (but she still hates to clean!). Every week, Melissa delivers new videos dishing expert advice on cleaning products, tools, DIY substitutes, and practical, timesaving solutions to everyday problems. Melissa has appeared on the Today Show, and has been featured in InStyle, Real Simple, and Better Homes and Gardens.

5 COMMENTS

  1. Try putting a piece of bread or a crust in the dish and then pour vinegar on bread, leave overnight with lid on. It can be used in a cupboard or rubbish bin that smells, just sit it on a plate and leave overnight, the bread observed the smell.

  2. I’ve just received two sets of pillow cases that are nice except for the heavy duty, toxic smell of old perfume. I’ve washed them separately from other items twice but not helpful at all. Got a solution?

  3. I’ve been carrying a big saltshaker full of baking soda around with me on the job(I work as a domestic cleaner), because I know how useful it is. Now thanks to you I found I can also use it to polish mirrors which are always troublesome. Cheers! 🙂

  4. How do I make my bed sheets feel softer? they feel a little scratchy which makes my skin itch and I don’t have a ton of money to buy 500 thread count bed sheets

  5. Love your tips – how can I get the stank out of my crockpot? I’ve had it for about a year, and it smells like the stews that I make….but I want to cook something else and don’t want to have it smelly..thanks!!

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