8 Ways To Clean Your Home with Baking Soda
Since its inception, baking soda has been essential product for kitchens and good housekeeping. Baking soda is a type of salt that is made of natural compound sodium carbonate and carbon dioxide. It is so versatile it can be used in baking, cleaning, medicine, personal hygiene, and even to remove tough grease and grime.
We gathered 8 of our favorite techniques and baking soda cleaning remedies to keep your home and kitchen spotless.
KITCHEN
1. Countertops- Unfortunately, laminated countertops and tables are not stainproof and occasionally are going to get coated with a few stains or two. Abrasive cleaning chemicals may alter the appearance of your counter tops or leave behind residue when dry. Combine 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar, 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 gallon of warm water creating a milky paste. With a sponge, apply the mixture to spruce up surfaces. Be sure to protect your hands with rubber gloves.
2. Stove- Food buildups, grease and fatty oils can make a nasty mess for your stove tops or ovens. When burnt, the buildups hardens which makes it tougher to remove. To clean, first make sure appliances are turned off and is cool to the touch. Next, if you have a gas stove or dual fuel stove, remove the grates and reflector pads. Set them aside in a stainless steel sink or plastic tub to soak in a warm soapy water. Sprinkle baking soda onto of your stovetop and let sit for about 5 minutes. Fill a bucket with 1 gallon of hot water, add 1/2 cup of plain white vinegar. With a microfiber cloth, dip first into the bucket then begin wiping down your stovetop. Repeat this step until your stovetop is spotless. Remove your soaking grates and reflector pads and wipe down with the rest of your bucket solution. Place your stove top pieces back into place and admire your newly polished equipment. Cleaning steps can be applied to non self-cleaning ovens.
3. Refrigerator- There is nothing worse than a refrigerator odor. Although it is recommended that every 3 months you give your refrigerator or freezer a deep clean, a weekly routine cleaning can go a long way. For restaurants and institutional kitchens, Arm & Hammer Fridge-N-Freezer Baking Soda Deodorizer, is the best solution to fighting food odors and keeping foods tasting fresh. The fresheners functions as a filter, absorbing pungent meals or ingredients.
BATHROOM
4. Shower- Get rid of soap scum from shower walls and replenish your bathroom sanctuary. A baking soda and water paste will clean stuck on gunk in the shower. Use a 50/50 vinegar and water solution to clean tiles, shower head and shelves. Apply solution with a microfiber cloth or use a recyclable spray bottle to attack specific spots.To get in between tiles groves, use a sponge or brush to removes built up dirt and dust.
5. Drains- Refresh your drains before and after a long bath to ensure a clean experience. Pour 1 cup of baking soda followed by 1 cup of plain white vinegar. Wait 5 minutes, then flush drain with 2 cups of hot water.
HOUSECARE
6. Carpet- Remove lingering particles, allergens and odors from your carpet by vacuuming them up with baking soda. Simply scatter baking soda over your carpet and let sit for about 1 hour. This gives the baking soda time to absorb odors and deodorize the fabric. After, vacuum the carpet and enjoy fresher air.
7. Walls- Have your walls been redecorated by mini Picassos? Treat crayon creations and wall scuff marks with this inexpensive baking soda quick fix. Dip a damp microfiber cloth into baking soda and lightly scrub the marks. Use a magic eraser if you need to apply extra strength.
8. Pets- As much as we love our pets, hair shedding and pet odor can be difficult. Shake baking soda on fabric furniture to get rid of pet odors in the home. Leave it on for 20 minutes then vacuum it up. Apply this step to eliminate doggy odors in your car. Baking soda is also a great neutralizer for cat litter and cleaning up pet accidents.
