6 Simple Ways to Use Baking Soda (That Don’t Involve Cooking!)
If you’ve ever looked for a natural way to clean the “tough stuff” like your oven or stovetop, chances are you’ve reached for this. It’s one of those simple ingredients that quietly does it all—and it’s been doing it for generations. I love that it helps me keep my home clean and fresh without relying on harsh chemicals.
Over the years, I’ve discovered just how versatile this little white powder really is. From scrubbing and deodorizing to soothing and whitening, baking soda can be used in so many easy, practical ways around the home. It’s proof that living naturally doesn’t have to be complicated—you just need to know where to start.
Here are six of my favorite ways to use baking soda in everyday life.
1. Grease? Grime? No Problem!
I’ve used all sorts of natural methods to clean my kitchen, but baking soda is hands-down one of the easiest and most effective. If you’ve ever battled a greasy oven, try this trick: sprinkle dry baking soda over the grease, let it sit, and then wipe it away. It soaks up the mess like magic!
For extra scrubbing power, mix baking soda with a little salt. The salt adds just enough grit to help lift stuck-on grime, making it perfect for cleaning your stovetop, oven racks, or even stubborn pans. No toxic fumes, no gloves—just simple, natural cleaning that actually works.
2. Boost Your Laundry Naturally
I love using simple, natural boosters in my laundry, and baking soda is one of the best.
Adding ½ cup to your wash cycle can help freshen up clothes, remove odors, and even soften fabrics naturally. It’s especially great if you have hard water, as it helps balance the pH and lets your detergent work more effectively.
3. A Gentle, Fizzing Drain Cleaner
Instead of reaching for harsh chemical drain cleaners, try this: pour about ½ cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by ½ cup of vinegar. Let the fizzy reaction do its thing for a few minutes, then rinse with hot water.
It’s great for keeping your drains fresh and clear without harming your pipes (or the environment).
As a side note, it’s great for cleaning the sink too!
4. Mattress & Carpet Freshener
Carpets and mattresses tend to hold onto odors, but baking soda makes it easy to freshen them up naturally.
For carpets, I mix a cup of baking soda with a few drops of my favorite essential oil—lavender, lemon, or peppermint all work great. Sprinkle it over the carpet, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then vacuum it up.
For a simple mattress refresher, just sprinkle plain baking soda over the mattress, let it sit for an hour, then vacuum it off. It absorbs odors and moisture, leaving your bed feeling cleaner.
One important note—if you have pets, be mindful with essential oils. Cats and birds, in particular, don’t tolerate them well regardless of where in the house you are using them, and some dogs might not appreciate the smell either. If that’s the case, skip the oils and just use plain baking soda—it still works beautifully on its own.
5. A Little Extra Brightening for Your Smile
While I love my herbal tooth powder, sometimes I want a little extra whitening boost. That’s when I reach for baking soda. I mix a tiny bit into my tooth powder now and then for a gentle polish. But here’s the key: baking soda is a bit abrasive, so I don’t use it daily—just occasionally when I need a little extra brightening.
If you want to use baking soda for personal care, make sure you’re using an aluminum-free version. Most pure baking sodas don’t contain aluminum, but some brands label theirs as aluminum-free just for clarity. It’s worth checking if you’re using it for deodorant, toothpaste, or skincare.
You can find 2 recipes for herbal tooth powder here!
6. Soothing Bath Soak
If you’ve read much of anything here you know this is my most favorite thing!
A simple baking soda bath can help soothe irritated skin, relieve itching, and even help with detoxification. Just add about a cup to a warm bath, stir it in, and soak for 15-20 (or 30 or 40) minutes.
This is especially great if you have dry or sensitive skin, as baking soda helps soften the water and calm irritation.
The Power of Simple, Natural Solutions
I talk a lot about herbs, but natural living is about more than just what we put in our bodies—it’s about what we use in our homes too.
It’s easy to forget how effective simple, natural ingredients can be. Baking soda has been around for generations, yet it still outperforms many fancy cleaning products you’ll find on the shelves. Each time you choose a natural option like this, you’re not just cleaning—you’re creating a healthier space for yourself and your family.
If you’re looking for easy ways to swap out chemical-laden cleaners, this is one of the best places to start. Small changes like these build real confidence in creating a home that supports your well-being, one simple step at a time.
Have you tried any of these baking soda tricks? Or do you have your own favorite ways to use it? Let me know—I’d love to hear!
