To a non-homesteader, baking soda, also called bicarbonate of soda or bicarb, may be just another item in your kitchen that rarely gets used. But a homesteader knows that baking soda can be used for some recipes and even for cleaning your kitchen.

Here are 25 suggestions on how to use baking soda around your homestead.

Cleaning around the kitchen

Use baking soda to get rid of mug stains and grease on your range hood or stovetop.

Coffee mug stains

Remove coffee mug stains by wiping the mug with a wet cloth then rubbing the inside of the mug with baking soda. If the stains are stubborn, soak the mugs overnight in hot water with juice from a lemon wedge and baking soda.

Grey or black cutlery markings on china 

Dab a damp sponge in baking soda and rub the marks on china or porcelain plates gently to rub out grey or black cutlery markings.

Enamel cookware

Combine baking soda and water to make a paste and apply it to stains. Let it sit for an hour. Leave the paste inside the pot and fill it with water. Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon until it dissolves and bring to a boil. Boil for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse and wash as usual.

Refrigerator freshener

After cleaning the refrigerator, keep it smelling fresh with an open box or an open container filled with baking soda.

Freezer cleaning tip

After you clean the freezer with a soapy solution and all food particles have been removed, use a solution of baking soda and warm water to do a quick rinse wipe.

Add at least two tablespoons of baking soda per quart of water. Doing this will help get rid of the soap residue and freshen up your freezer. When you’re done, wipe the inside of your freezer with a cloth until dry.

Teapot rinse

To clean a grimy teapot, fill it with boiling water, squeeze the juice from a wedge of lemon (1/4 lemon) and toss in the peel. Add 1/8 cup of baking soda. Leave the mixture in the teapot and let it soak overnight. Rinse well in the morning.

Thermos freshener

Put a large teaspoon of baking soda in a thermos bottle and fill it with boiling water. Close the cap for a couple of hours. Any adhering material should loosen and come off. Rinse the bottle before using.

Grimy roasting pans

Sprinkle baking soda generously on the roasting pan then pour hot water until it’s about an inch or two deep. Let the mixture soak for a couple of hours. If the dirt is stuck, boil the mixture for several minutes then rinse carefully.

Crockpot soak

Soak the crockpot in warm water and baking soda before scrubbing for easier cleanup. You can also make a paste and apply it to any stains, then let it sit for a few hours. Spritz with water and scrub the paste to remove the stains. This method works best on crockpot sauce stains.

Cast iron cookware scrub

Use baking soda as a scouring powder to clean or remove rust from cast iron cookware.

Messy stovetop 

To clean a dirty stovetop, generously sprinkle baking soda around the top of the stove. Carefully spray hot water or boiling hot water to dissolve the baking soda without making it run all over. Let the mixture soak for about 30 minutes then scrub clean.

Grease buildup on the range hood

If the grease buildup inside your range hood is stubborn, make a thick paste with baking soda and water. Take a hot, soapy wet cloth and scrub the grease with the paste in a circular motion. Try to wipe off as much of the grease as possible and rinse the cloth in a bucket of hot, soapy water.

Reapply the paste on the cloth and repeat until most of the grease is removed. Once the majority of grease buildup is gone, wash the range hood with hot, soapy water to get rid of all the paste. Wipe down with a degreaser if needed.

Tips for cleaning the bathroom

Use a bit of baking soda to clean water stains in your bathtub and sink.

Bathtub cleaner

Make a paste using baking soda and bleach, then apply the mixture to a wet sponge and scrub off the grime when wiping the tub down.

DIY sink scrub

Make a grimy stainless steel sink shine by sprinkling baking soda around the sink and scrubbing it down with a damp sponge.

Clogged drain flush

If you have a clogged drain, remove as much liquid as you can from the backed up sink. Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, then pour one cup of household vinegar. Plug the drain with the sink stopper and let sit for half an hour. After 30 minutes, unplug the sink and pour a kettle full of hot water on top to flush the drain.

Toilet bowl freshener

Drizzle one cup of baking soda into the toilet and pour one cup of vinegar. Let the mixture fizz for 10 minutes then use a toilet brush to scrub the toilet.

Using baking soda to clean the rest of your home

Use baking soda to clean stains on the floor or to keep vases and suitcases smelling fresh.

Floor scuff and stain remover

Combine baking soda and a bit of water to make a paste, then apply it to a wet sponge and scrub out scuff marks on the floor.

DIY air freshener spray

Mix two cups of hot water, 1/8 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of lemon juice and pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Shake to dissolve and spray in the air as needed.

DIY vase odor buster 

If you have musty-smelling vases at home, pour a solution of water and baking soda into the vase and let the mixture stand for several hours. Rinse and wash well. If the vase still smells musty, repeat the process.

Freshen up musty books 

If you have books that got damp or are musty, sprinkle some baking soda on the pages and set them aside to air out. If there’s mildew on the pages, rub the soda into the spots and lay the books out to bleach in the sun.

Cleaning up sticky residue from stickers and labels

Mix baking soda with water to make a paste then rub it gently into the residue, then wipe off the paste with a warm wet cloth.

Cleaning water stains

Try lifting watermarks or water stains from wooden surfaces by making a paste with a few drops of water. Rub into the stain then wipe off.

Luggage freshener

Freshen up musty trunks and suitcases by sprinkling baking soda inside and closing the case. Let it sit a day or two, then clean up the baking soda with a vacuum.

Stock up on baking soda and use this handy ingredient to keep your homestead clean and smelling fresh.

Sources:

TipNut.com 1

TipNut.com 2