3 Baking Soda Cleaning Hacks That Grandma Swore By
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, has long been a staple in households, but our grandmothers knew its true power as more than just a baking ingredient.
For them, it was a multipurpose miracle cleaner—effective, affordable, and natural. While today's market is flooded with fancy, chemical-laden cleaning products, grandma’s simple baking soda tricks remain just as effective.
Here are three cleaning hacks that my grandma swore by and that you can still use today to keep your home sparkling clean.
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ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda
1. Freshen and clean carpets
Carpets can hold on to odors, especially in high-traffic areas or homes with pets. Grandma’s simple trick for keeping carpets fresh and clean was to sprinkle baking soda generously over the surface, let it sit, and then vacuum it up.
How to use it:
- Sprinkle a layer of baking soda evenly across the carpet.
- Let it sit for at least 15-30 minutes (or even overnight for stubborn odors).
- Vacuum the carpet thoroughly.
The baking soda absorbs odors and loosens dirt particles, leaving your carpets smelling fresh and looking brighter. For an added boost, you can even mix in a few drops of essential oils with the baking soda for a naturally scented finish.
Plant Therapy Lavender Essential Oil
2. Unclog and deodorize drains
Grandma didn’t need harsh chemical drain cleaners to tackle clogs or smelly sinks. She used a simple combination of baking soda and vinegar to keep her drains flowing smoothly.
The reaction between the two creates a fizz that helps break down grime and clear minor blockages, while deodorizing at the same time.
How to use it:
- Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain.
- Follow it with 1 cup of white vinegar.
- Let the mixture fizz and bubble for 10-15 minutes.
- Flush the drain with boiling water.
This method not only helps unclog drains but also eliminates odors caused by trapped food or grease. It’s a powerful, eco-friendly alternative to commercial drain cleaners and works for sinks, tubs, and shower drains.
3. Clean and deodorize the refrigerator
One of the most iconic uses of baking soda in Grandma’s cleaning routine was keeping the fridge fresh.
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer, absorbing unpleasant smells that can build up in refrigerators due to spilled food or forgotten leftovers.
How to use it:
- Place an open box or small dish of baking soda on a shelf in the fridge to absorb odors.
- Replace it every 1-3 months for continuous freshness.
- For a deeper clean, use a paste made of baking soda and water to scrub shelves and surfaces inside the fridge.
This hack ensures that your fridge stays odor-free and fresh, with minimal effort and without the use of harsh chemicals.
Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Odor Absorber
Best baking soda cleaning hacks
Grandma’s love for baking soda wasn’t just because it was cheap — it was because it worked!
From freshening carpets to unclogging drains and keeping the refrigerator odor-free, baking soda remains a versatile and eco-friendly cleaning solution.
These simple hacks have stood the test of time, proving that sometimes the best cleaning solutions are the simplest ones.
Which baking soda cleaning hack is your favorite? Did your grandma have any other clever tricks up her sleeve? Comment down below.
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