Baking soda is a versatile powerhouse that every family, especially preppers, should stock up on for everyday use and emergency situations. This simple and affordable ingredient can be used for baking, cooking, cleaning, personal hygiene, first aid, and so much more.
With over 40 surprising uses, from putting out small fires to soothing insect bites, baking soda is a must-have in your prepper pantry. Discover the surprising ways this affordable, long-lasting staple can help you stay prepared for whatever comes your way.
Cleaning with baking soda
1. homemade magic eraser
Instead of spending money on pre-made magic erasers, you can make your own. Use a damp sponge, dip it into a small amount of baking soda and gentle scrub those tough stains. So far I have been able to remove crayon drawings, coffee stains and various shoe scuff marks around the house.
2. kitchen cleanser
A wet cloth with a bit of baking soda can help keep most parts of your kitchen clean. From the thick goopy stuff to the grease splatter – a little scrub with a baking soda and sponge can help. To make it smell a bit better I do add a few drops of a lemon scented essential oil.
For tougher cleaning – spray with vinegar first then use your baking soda sponge to scrub.
3. remove refrigerator odors
Since I was a kid, keeping a box of baking soda in a refrigerator was a must. Place a small box in the fridge, make sure to note the date on the box, and it will help absorb some of those yucky leftover smells. Change the box every 2-3 months.
4. remove sticky jar labels
Fill a small pot with water and 1.4 cup of baking soda. Place jar with label in the pot and set to a medium heat. Let sit for about 15 minutes and remove. When cool enough you should be able to scrape off all the label paper and glue.
5. appliance cleaning
- Washing machine – put a small box of baking soda in the washer and run on your hottest and longest cycle. For extra cleaning benefits, run a second was with 2-3 cups of vinegar. I do both of these steps quarterly.
- Dishwasher – sprinkle a full box of baking soda in the bottom of your dishwasher. Add 3 cups of vinegar in a bowl on the top rack. Run dishwasher with the hottest cycle. I do this every 3 months.
6. deodorize garbage can
Place a thin layer of newspaper at the bottom of your garbage can. Sprinkle baking soda on top of the paper. The newspaper will absorb any moisture that might leak and the baking soda helps deodorize the smell. This stays in the garbage can below your bag. I change mine out every 1-2 weeks.
7. refresh rugs and carpets
Those store bought powders use way too many chemicals and the scents are often overwhelming. Make a safer home for your kids – and pets by using baking soda to clean carpets and rugs. Sprinkle a light coating and let rest for 15-20 minutes. Vacuum your carpet or rug as normal. Some like to add essential oils to have a scent – but I find it can remain as a remnant in the carpet which I do not like. I just use plain baking soda.
8. mattress refresher
Most do not think about how yucky a mattress can be! But, you can do the same method as we did for the rugs and carpets with your mattress to help give it a refresh boost.
9. refrigerator and freezer cleaner
You already know baking soda is a great odor absorber in the fridge, but it is an effective cleaner as well. Create a strong paste of baking soda and vinegar. Use a sponge to clean making sure to clean all tubes, crevices, trays etc. If you find mold, treat it with mild bleach solution first. When that is dry you can clean with the baking soda and vinegar again.
10. air freshener
Use a small container of baking soda with 10 drops of your favorite essential oil and place them out of reach of pets and kids around the home. A small canning jar or an inexpensive glass salt shaker work great if you don’t want to leave an open bowl around. I happen to use these adorable coconut bowls since they add some kind of decor element.
11. drain cleaner and deodorizer
To keep your drains clean pour a cup of baking soda into your drain and follow it up with a cup of vinegar. Let it sit for an hour or so. Then I will use a toothbrush or longer brush to clean as far inside the sink drain I can go. Doing this every few months can really help minimize any chance of fruit flies or gnats wanting to invade.
12. cat box deodorizer
A sprinkle of baking soda in the cat’s litter box can help neutralize those powerful urine odors.
13. stored clothing and linens
If you store winter or summer wear on the off season, a light sprinkle of baking soda can help prevent musty odors.
14. oven cleaner
A thick paste of water and baking soda can remove a lot of that oven grease and sediment. Spread a thin layer on the areas you want to clean then spray the layer with some vinegar. Let sit for a couple of hours. Use a damp sponge to clean areas. Make sure you remove all of the baking soda and vinegar.
15. pots and pans
Baking soda can be great at scrubbing the baked on grease on your cookie sheets or pots and pans. This should not be used on non-stick pots and pans. Below are two options for cleaning pots and pans with baking soda.
- Create a thick paste and allow to set on surface. Scrub with warm water vinegar spray. Wash in sink and let dry.
- Sprinkle baking soda into the pot/pan with at least 3″ of water. Set on stove and allow to simmer for 15 min. Wash in sink and let dry.
16. kitchen grease fire
This tactic works best on small fires. Using a lid to put out the fire should be your first attempt, and a fire extinguisher your second. But baking soda can be an alternative. Sprinkle a small amount on a flame and it should extinguish it or at least lessen the intensity.
17. laundry cleaning booster
Add a quarter cup of baking soda to laundry to remove excess orders and give an extra cleaning boost.
18. clean microwave
Similar to how you clean the oven or other appliances, spritz the microwave with vinegar, then sprinkling baking soda in it to let it do the scrubbing. Use a sponge or wet cloth to remove all residue.
19. pet bed deodorizer
Sprinkle baking soda on any pet beds you have. Let sit for an hour or so and then vacuum. You can give it a shake outside too to make sure all remnants of the baking soda are gone from those hard to vacuum nooks and crannies.
20. stainless steel cleaner
Use a thin past on your stainless steel appliances and give them a gentle buff. Wipe with a dry cloth to remove all remnants.
21. remove hairspray buildup
If your floors are sticky from hairspray, there is a solution using baking soda. Create a loose watery paste of baking soda and water. Spread mixture on the floor and allow to set. Use a plastic scrubber or a mesh cloth to scrub away build up. Wash floors as you normally wood when you are done.
If it is not working, you may need something stronger. I would try a borax paste if you have years of buildup.
22. homemade washing soda
If you want to make homemade laundry detergent, but cannot find washing soda, you can actually make your own. Heat 2-3 cups of baking soda on a baking sheet at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 1-1.5 hours. Stir at the halfway point. When you see a complete change in texture from white fluffy to white flat – your washing soda is ready. Let cool and then on to making your homemade baking soda.
As you can see, baking soda is incredibly versatile! It is one the reasons it is in our must have preparedness items list!
Baking soda for health care and beauty
23. sunburn or itch relief
Create a thin paste and apply to the affected area to help with sunburns or itchy patches. Alternatively, put a half cup of baking soda in a warm bath and soak in it for similar results.
24. heartburn relief
If you are experiencing acid reflux (and not a chronic condition), mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda into 8 oz of water. Mix to allow baking soda to dissolve and drink to help neutralize the acid causing the discomfort.
25. scalp refresher
Remove buildup on scalp with 1 tablespoon baking soda to shampoo. Shampoo as normal, but do a good massage. Follow up with a rinse of apple cider vinegar to restore the shine.
26. homemade deodorant and toothpaste
There are a lot of recipes out there for homemade deodorant, most use baking soda as a main ingredient. This is because it is a great odor killed. I no longer use commercial deodorant and only use my own.
DIY toothpaste is another option and includes baking soda as an active ingredient. It took a few months, but I use the following homemade toothpaste recipe for our family.
27. diaper or heat rash relief
Being in moist, unclean conditions leaves your body at risk for rashes and fungus to grow. Baking soda as a paste can bring relief to those rashes. It absorbs moisture, works as a fungicide, and brings relief. As a powder on its own, it can give you relief from sweating and feeling a bit more fresh.
28. exfoliator
Use a 2:1 ratio of coconut oil to baking soda to use for a skin exfoliator for your hands and feet. Or, put a tablespoon in your body wash during your shower as an all over exfoliant. Be wary here as baking soda can effect the pH of your skin. Be gentle at first and watch for signs of skin irritation.
29. shoe deodorizer
Put baking soda and a few drops of your favorite essential oil in an old sock. Tie off the end of the sock and place inside a shoe that is being stored. It helps absorb moisture and smells, adds a fresh scent, and keeps your shoe area smelling nicer. If you have a problem with smells, you can sprinkle baking soda directly into your shoes. This is great for those sports kids with the stinky cleats!
30. body deodorizer
Sprinkle a little baking soda on your stinky parts when you are hot and sweaty for a quick refresh.
31. dry shampoo
Give your hair a quick refresh by putting a few teaspoons of baking soda into the palm of your hand. Massage it into your scalp and it will absorb oils that are building up. Once you are done massaging, comb out the remnants. Start with small amounts until you find what works for you. You can always add more, but you can’t remove the extra on your head if you use too much!
32. hand cleaner
Make a paste of baking soda and water and scrub your hands with it. This will work as a cleaner – and exfoliator. Be sure to use a moisturizer after to keep your skin softer.
33. foot fungus
While a cornmeal tea soak will probably work better in the long run, using baking soda in the same fashion will help relieve tired feet and help prevent toe/foot fungus from growing.
34. acid neutralizer
Always check with your doctor before trying at home health remedies. A small amount of baking soda has been known to help with ulcer pain and UTI’s. The baking soda will act as a neutralizer to help with pain and discomfort – but will not solve the underlying issue.
It’s also been suggested it can be helpful to those with kidney problems to help kidneys manage acids that it can’t do well on it’s own. Some have stated it has helped with lactic acid issues after heavy exercise and with cancer treatment to help lower the pH of the body. Because I am not a doctor, nor do I play one on the web, please talk to your health care provider and do your own research on these claims.
Uses for baking soda in the outdoors
35. car interior refresher
A simple sprinkle of baking soda on car mats, carpets and fabric seats can help minimize odors.
36. clean patio furniture
Use one cup of baking soda, mix with water and vinegar until a paste is formed. Then use the paste on your outdoor furniture with a gentle brush. Rinse thoroughly with water to make sure all paste is removed.
37. help extinguish grill fires
Baking soda works very well for extinguishing grill fires. Create a 1/4 cup baking soda solution and keep it handy in a spray bottle. Spray the solution at the base of large flames to help reduce the flame. Once it is better under control, close the grill to completely put out the fire.
38. goat bloat treatment
One of the Mom With a Prep readers has goats and told me baking soda is a great way to regulate the digestive system of a goat. Learn more about using baking soda for goats at Prairie Homestead.
39. natural fungicide
Baking soda can be an effective fungicide that can help remove mildew and remove plants that may have fungus. Definitely test a small amount of spray on plants before doing too much though as some plants may not be as hardy as others and can handle it. Try not to get any spray on surrounding ground either.
To make a fungicide solution, mix 1 tablespoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon dawn dish soap and 1 gallon of water.
40. dry shampoo for pets
Sometimes pets are just stinky – and yes, we are looking you dogs! If Fido is smelling more like Cheetos than flowers, baking soda can help. If life is too busy you can sprinkle a small amount into your dog’s fur and give them a gentle rub. Then you can comb out the excess baking soda.
I usually do a wet wipe too just to get out any extra the comb may have missed. While you can use this for any animal – I would use caution with a cat, maybe a suit of armor? Do not use baking soda any where near your pets face – you do not want them breathing it in.
41. clean windshields
Create a thin paste of 1 part baking soda to 4 parts water. Make sure the baking soda is fully dissolved to prevent scratching of car windshields or paint. The paste will help remove gunky buildup – like dead bugs! Use a small amount on windshield or headlights and rub in circular motion with a gentle sponge. Do not rub hard! A gentle scrub should be enough. Wipe off with a wet sponge and hose to remove all the residue.
Storing baking soda
Moisture from the air can be easily absorbed by baking soda so it is important that you store it safely to help it last long and keep its properties. Below are two options I typically use to store it.
- Long term storage – If I am not using the baking soda right away I prep it for some long term storage. If it is a plastic container of baking soda, I will just leave it in that container and store in a dark closet. If I get boxed baking soda I will empty it into a freezer zip top bag (making sure all air is removed) and place that bag in an airtight container. If I need a small amount because my daily stash is gone I can scoop what I need and keep the rest in storage.
- Daily use – I will add the baking soda to a small airtight container and store in my pantry.
How do I know if baking soda is still good?
To determine if your baking soda is still good, pour a 1/4 cup into a bowl and add some vinegar. If your baking soda bubbles, it is good – no bubbles means it is old.
Old baking soda should not be used for baking or for making self-care products,, but it can still be useful for cleaning.
Do you use baking soda for any other uses not listed here? Leave a comment and let us know!