I’ve spent the past three years learning about conventional cleaning products and progressively ridding my home of as many as I can. If you take any time to research natural cleaners you’ll soon find that baking soda is a major ingredient in the toxic-free cleaning world!
So many of the cleaners I make myself contain baking soda. We’ll discuss some of those here as well as some other uses I’ve discovered for this basic ingredient. Check out more of my natural cleaning recipes that don’t call for baking soda: All Purpose Cleaner, Linen Spray, Natural Febreeze Spray, Liquid Dish Soap, and Dusting Spray. Each of those recipes is made of basic ingredients that are non-toxic and safe for the entire family!
The following uses for baking soda just scratch the surface of possibilities within the home. There are so many more uses out there, so I encourage you to do some more research and make the most out of this pantry staple item!
Did you know that baking soda can be used for so much more than baking? Well, it certainly can! This basic pantry staple is a natural and inexpensive cleaning option for all types of places within the home. In this blog post you’ll find 5 ways I personally utilize baking soda in my home, but also know there are so many more than listed here! I’ll also discuss the reasons I choose to use natural cleaners in my home. Oh, and a few more natural cleaning recipes are listed at the very end. Now let’s learn more about utilizing baking soda in the home!
Why I Use Natural Cleaners in My Home
- Peace of mind. I want to know exactly what the ingredients are that I use in my home. This cleaner consists of basic items that are safe for every member of the family. Say good-bye to those long lists of ingredients that no one knows how to pronounce (much less know what they are).
- Toxicity. Conventional products contain some extremely harsh chemicals. The kinds that you don’t want your children messing with. If our children shouldn’t touch them…why is it “OK” to spray them all over the surfaces of the home?
- Cost. This cleaner costs so much less to make than purchasing a cleaner from the grocery store.
1. Natural Laundry Detergent Powder
Looking for a powder laundry detergent that is free from harsh chemicals, gentle on sensitive skin, and safe for infants? Would you also like an inexpensive detergent option that isn’t too much trouble to make? This is the product you need! My All Natural Laundry Detergent Powder is made of 3 basic ingredients. Double or triple it to make enough detergent to last months! This product eliminates odors, removes stains, and whitens. This is all I’ve used for many months now and I am very pleased with the results.
Read more about my Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent Powder right here!
2. Stain Remover for Carpets
Carpet cleaners don’t have to be expensive or filled with endless ingredients in order to be effective. And spot treatments for carpets and rugs can be made in your own home! You may even find that these ingredients are already in your kitchen cabinets.
Read more about my Carpet Cleaner recipe and process right here!
3. Shower Cleaner
I use baking soda for two main purposes in the shower: as a scrub/soak on tough soap scum and floor stains and a cleaner for plastic shower curtains.
The bottom of our shower takes the greatest beating, so each week (give or take a little) I like to sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on those problem spots, spray with my All-Purpose Spray, and allow it to soak for 30-45 minutes. My all-purpose spray contains vinegar which reacts to the baking soda and thus breaks down scum and grime. After allowing the solution to soak, I return and scrub the areas, spraying with more all-purpose spray as needed. All of that grime and soap scum scrub right away!
This is the easiest way I’ve found to clean a plastic shower curtain: remove the curtain, place in a large sink or bathtub, sprinkle about 1/3 cup of baking soap over the curtain (be sure that the most stained portion is in the sink if you can’t fit the entire thing), add 1/2 cup of vinegar atop the baking soda, fill the sink or bathtub with water until the shower curtain is submerged, allow to soak for 1 hour, drain the sink or bathtub, and wipe the problems spots of the curtain until clean.
4. Deodorizer
Baking soda does a fantastic job of deodorizing spaces and items. Sprinkle a small amount inside shoes and notice a huge difference in minutes! Cover the bottom of your cat litter box with baking soda before adding any kitty litter. The baking soda will work to soak up odors until it’s time to clean the box out again.
Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over carpets or rugs, allow to sit overnight, and vacuum away the next morning.
Just placing an open box of baking soda in certain spaces does wonders as well! In the refrigerator, laundry room, back of the car, or a musty closet. That one box will last for up to three months before needing a change.
5. Fire Extinguisher
Did you know that minor grease fires can be extinguished by baking soda? Well, they can! Pouring small amounts at a time over a pan fire should stifle the flames quickly. It gives me great peace of mind to know that I have an entire jar full of baking soda to access if a fire was to ignite.
More on Natural Cleaning
- All Natural Febreeze Spray
- Natural Laundry Detergent Powder
- Non-Toxic Toilet Bowl Cleaner
- DIY Non-Toxic Dusting Spray
- DIY All Natural Linen Spray
- DIY All Purpose House Cleaner
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