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Baking soda: the gentle universal cleaner and deodorizer
ÔME HOUSEKEEPING
August 15, 2026 at 8:18:31 PM
Baking soda is a classic. But be careful not to confuse it with washing soda or soda crystals - these are three very different products. Baking soda is the gentlest of the three: a light cleaner, a microscopic abrasive, and above all an exceptional deodorizer. It's the product for routine upkeep, not deep cleaning.
The properties of baking soda
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a fine white powder, slightly alkaline, and odorless. Its effectiveness relies on three properties:
1. Gentle abrasion: the micro-particles scrub without scratching surfaces.
2. Odor neutralization: it absorbs and neutralizes odor-causing molecules (acids and bases) rather than masking them.
3. Light cleaning: it dissolves surface grime without damaging materials.
Baking soda doesn't clean everything, but it deodorizes everything. That's its often underrated superpower.
Uses of baking soda
DELICATE SURFACES - Sinks, bathtubs, tiles, stainless steel, ceramic: apply as a paste (baking soda + a few drops of water or liquid soap), rub gently, rinse. Cleans without scratching.
REFRIGERATOR - Clean interior walls with a damp sponge sprinkled with baking soda. Removes odors and food residue. A bowl of baking soda left in the fridge continuously absorbs odors.
MICROWAVE - A bowl of water with 1 tablespoon of baking soda, heated for 2 minutes. The steam loosens splatters, and the baking soda neutralizes odors. Wipe afterward.
OTHER USES
- Ovens and stovetops: baking soda paste on light greasy stains, let sit for 15 minutes, scrub, rinse. (For heavily baked-on grease, soda crystals are preferable.)
- Shoes and textiles: sprinkle inside, leave overnight, shake out. Eliminates odors. Same principle for carpets, trash cans, and litter boxes.
- Bathroom: gentle upkeep of grout, faucets, and bathtub walls.
Important notes:
- Precautions: baking soda is a base, never mix it with vinegar or citric acid (they neutralize each other).
- Surfaces to avoid: aluminum (possible reaction), lacquered or very glossy surfaces (possible abrasion), unprotected wood.
- Distinction: baking soda is a product for routine upkeep and deodorizing. It does not replace citric acid for descaling, nor soda crystals for deep degreasing.
Dosages and applications
Cleaning paste: 3 tablespoons of baking soda + a few drops of water or liquid soap.
Deodorizing solution: 2 tablespoons in 500 ml of warm water, as a spray.
Odor absorption: leave an open bowl or sprinkle directly, let sit for at least 1 hour.
Surfaces to avoid: aluminum (possible reaction), lacquered or very glossy surfaces (slight abrasion possible), unprotected wood.
Conclusion
Baking soda is the go-to product for routine cleaning and deodorizing. It doesn't replace citric acid for descaling or soda crystals for deep degreasing. But for delicate surfaces, the fridge, and stubborn odors - it's often the best choice.
Tip
Baking soda is a base, like soda crystals. Never mix it with vinegar or citric acid: they neutralize each other and you simply end up with fizzy water with no cleaning benefit.