Don’t underestimate this kitchen staple, it might just be the handiest item in your kitchen.
You’ve probably heard how mind-blowing baking soda is with its handiness (don’t confuse it with baking powder though!). From deodorising mattresses to removing stains and substituting laundry detergent, it’s as if there’s nothing you can’t do with baking soda. Oh, and they’re also eco-friendly and cost only a few bucks!
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Today, we’ll be deep-diving into the benefits and uses of baking soda, specifically in the kitchen. Read on to find out all this miracle product has to offer!
1. Clean up stainless steel sinks
Is your kitchen sink looking a little dingy? Time to make it look fresh and sparkling again with baking soda and vinegar. First, you have to wet the sink, then sprinkle baking soda over the surface. Use a sponge or a toothbrush to scrub the surface in a circular movement. Next, rinse the sink with vinegar to disinfect and remove hard water stains. Leave it for approximately half an hour before rinsing it with water.
2. Refresh a stovetop
Have a bad spillover from last night’s dinner? Worry not, baking soda to the rescue. Sprinkle baking soda generously over the top of the stove and spritz the area with vinegar. Let it bubble for 15 minutes before taking a scrubbing sponge to scrub the area. Now your stovetop looks brand new again!
3. Clean up the oven
The oven’s probably one of the most used appliances at home, which is why it’s also probably the filthiest appliance at home. An easy way to clean it is, you’ve guessed it, with baking soda and it’s favourite partner-in-crime, vinegar. First, you need to scrape out those built-up grease spots and burnt food. Then mix three parts baking soda and one part water for the paste. Once you’re done, coat the interior surface of your oven with the paste and spritz vinegar over the paste. Leave it overnight before taking a sponge to scrub. Finally, wipe down the oven with a damp cloth and you’re set!
Read more: How to clean your oven naturally with vinegar
4. Scrub a greasy plastic container
We know how tedious it is to wash an oily Tupperware or plastic container — no matter how much you scrub it with soap, it still feels oily! But luckily, we’re living in a world where baking soda is widely available. Like how you’d clean an oven, spread baking soda paste (mix baking soda and water) around the container and let it sit overnight. Remember to seal the container with its lid. Next morning, rinse it with water to remove the paste and the grease.
Read more: 10 hacks to keep plastic Tupperware clean
5. Give new life to stainless steel pots
Don’t you hate it when your favourite pot gets blackened and burned? Us too. Time to give it a deep clean with our favourite kitchen staple. Fill your pot to the brim and bring to a boil. After 20 minutes, the food build-up and stains should loosen from the pot. You can check by scraping lightly with a wooden spoon. Then pour the liquid out and coat the bottom of the pot with baking soda. Scrub in a circular motion with a mesh cloth until all the stains are removed. Give it a rinse and your pot is now good as new!
Read more: How to clean a burnt pot or pan?
6. Remove stains from mugs
Those stubborn coffee stains? They have no firepower against baking soda. Just sprinkle a little baking soda onto the bottom of your stained mug, add water to form a paste and scrub. It should be able to get rid of stains in a matter of minutes. Then, simply rinse and wash the way you usually would.
7. Revive old cast iron pans
Cast iron pans are generally easy to clean, but you should also deep clean it every once in a while. First, add some baking soda to the pan along with lukewarm water. Mix it until it becomes a paste. Scrub the pan with a bristled brush to remove any build-up or burnt food. Once you’re done, rinse it and let it dry.
Note: Don’t over-scrub your pan or you’ll be removing the good seasoning you’ve built-up.
8. Unclog a sink drain
Prevent any gunk from building-up in your sink drain with boiling water, baking soda and lemon juice. Start by pouring boiling hot water down the drain to loosen the gunk. Slowly pour down a cup of baking soda and do it bit by bit so it doesn’t get clogged up at the top of the drain. After that, pour lemon juice into the drain and let it fizzle. Wait for half an hour and send piping-hot water down the drain again to wash it down.
9. Wipe down a stained marble countertop
Marble countertops may look pretty, but it’s also prone to stains and etches. An easy way to clean it is to sprinkle baking soda on the marble surface and gently rub it with a damp cloth. Don’t scrub as you may cause even more damage to the surface. Finally, clean the surface with water and dry with a soft towel.
Read more: Granite, marble or quartz: Which kitchen countertop should you go for?
10. Clean up that refrigerator
Yes, even your refrigerator can benefit from deep cleaning, and all you really need is baking soda. Turn off the appliance and remove all the shelves before you get started. Then, mix baking soda and warm water to make a paste. Coat the baking soda paste on the inside surfaces of your fridge before wiping it down with a damp cloth.
Read more: 8 ways to organise your fridge for healthier eating
11. Shine your silver cutlery
The washed-out silver cutlery you inherited from your parents? You can use baking soda to brighten them too! Start by washing each piece in warm, soapy water before putting them in a pot of boiling water (1 litre), baking soda (¼ cup) and salt (2 teaspoons), and a ball of aluminium foil. Let it sit for 15 seconds (or longer if the condition is bad). Remove each one using a kitchen tong, run it under lukewarm water and dry it thoroughly.