20 Ways to Transform Your Expired Baking Soda into Household Heroes
Baking soda is a versatile household item found in most homes, useful for more than just baking. Like many products, baking soda can expire or lose its potency over time. Instead of tossing out your old box of baking soda, consider these 20 clever ways to make the most of it and discover what to do with old baking soda.
1. Deodorize Your Refrigerator
One of the best uses of old baking soda is deodorizing your refrigerator. To absorb and neutralize odors, place an open box or container of baking soda in the back of your refrigerator. Replace it every 30 days to ensure maximum freshness.
2. Clean Your Oven
If you’re wondering how to use expired baking soda, consider cleaning your oven. Make a paste of baking soda and water (approximately 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water), apply it to the oven walls, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Using a sponge or towel soaked in warm water, scrub away any stubborn baked-on food and grease.
3. Freshen Your Carpets
Thinking of disposing of old baking soda? Get it and use it to freshen up your carpets. Sprinkle baking soda over carpets, paying special attention to high-traffic areas or odor-causing regions. Allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes (or longer if the stink is greater), then vacuum thoroughly to absorb the odor and leave the carpets fresh.
4. Unclog Drains
Pour a cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar down a clogged drain. Let the mixture fizz and work its magic for about 10-15 minutes. Flush with hot water to help dissolve the grease, hair, and other junk creating the clog.
5. Clean Your Microwave
To make a paste, combine 1 tablespoon baking soda and 1 cup water. Apply the paste to the inside of your microwave with a sponge or cloth, focusing on any stubborn stains or food residue. Wipe clean with a damp cloth to remove stains and eliminate odors.
6. Whiten Your Teeth
Dip a damp toothbrush in baking soda (you can sprinkle a little baking soda directly onto the toothbrush) and brush your teeth gently for about 2 minutes. Baking soda’s moderate abrasive properties aid in the removal of surface stains and plaque formation. Rinse thoroughly with water afterward to avoid leaving baking soda residue in your mouth.
7. Exfoliate Your Skin
Combine baking soda with a small amount of water (enough to form a paste) to create a gentle exfoliating scrub. Apply the paste to moist skin in moderate circular strokes, focusing on the elbows, knees, and heels. Rinse with warm water to get smoother, softer skin.
8. Neutralize Odors in Shoes
Sprinkle baking soda inside shoes to absorb and neutralize odors. Leave it in overnight to work its magic, then shake out the excess baking soda before wearing your shoes again.
9. Clean Your Jewelry
Cleaning jewelry is a great application for expired baking soda. Make a paste of baking soda and water (enough to produce a thick consistency) and gently scrub the jewelry. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or cloth to apply the paste to jewelry, focusing on tarnished areas or hard-to-reach crevices. Rinse well with water, then dry with a soft cloth to restore brightness and eliminate tarnish.
10. Deodorize Your Trash Can
Put baking soda at the bottom of your garbage can to absorb odors. You can also place an open box or container of baking soda inside the trash can to help keep it smelling fresh.
11. Freshen Your Laundry
If you have some old baking soda in the fridge, you can use it in your laundry. During the wash cycle, combine 1/2 to 1 cup baking soda with your laundry detergent. Baking soda helps regulate pH levels in the water, enhances your detergent’s cleaning power, and neutralizes odors trapped in fabrics. It’s particularly effective for removing smells from gym clothes, towels, and pet bedding.
12. Extinguish Small Fires
Have baking soda on hand as a safe and effective fire extinguisher for minor kitchen fires (like grease). Sprinkle it over flames to smother and extinguish them. Always follow up with proper fire safety procedures and equipment.
13. Soothe Insect Bites and Sunburns
To make a paste, combine baking soda and a tiny amount of water. Apply the paste directly to insect bites or sunburned skin to help reduce itching, inflammation, and discomfort. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with cool water and patting dry.
14. Clean Your Grill
Sprinkle baking soda onto grill grates, focusing on stubborn grease and food residue areas. Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes to help dissolve the grease and make cleaning easier. Scrub the grill grates with a brush or scrubbing pad, then rinse thoroughly with water.
15. Absorb Moisture in Your Home
Place an open box or container of baking soda in damp areas of your home, such as the bathroom, laundry room, or basement. Baking soda absorbs excess moisture from the air, helping prevent mold and mildew growth and keeping your home fresh and dry.
16. Remove Coffee and Tea Stains
Looking for a remedy to remove coffee or tea stains? You can use the old baking soda! Make a mixture of baking soda and water, then gently scrub mugs and teapots to remove stubborn stains without harming the surface.
17. Freshen Upholstered Furniture
Apply baking soda on the upholstery, allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes, then vacuum to eliminate odors and freshen the fabric.
18. Clean Stainless Steel Appliances
Pour baking soda on a moist cloth and gently scrub stainless steel surfaces to remove fingerprints and smudges.
19. Polish Silverware
Add a thick paste with baking soda and water to silverware with a soft cloth, then rinse and buff to restore shine.
20. Control Garden Pests
To effectively dispose of baking soda, consider adding it to get rid of pests in your garden. Sprinkle baking soda around plants prone to pests like cabbage worms or ants to deter them without using harmful chemicals.
By finding creative uses for old baking soda, you not only extend its life but also contribute to reducing waste and saving money on household products. Next time you consider throwing out expired baking soda, try one of these practical solutions instead!