10 Baking Soda Kitchen Hacks

 1. Cleaning Flat Stovetop Surfaces

The mild abrasiveness and absorbency powers of baking soda make it a great choice for cleaning glass stovetop surfaces. Make a thick paste from baking soda and water. Rub it over the entire surface of the stovetop and allow it to dry completely. Gently rub the dried baking soda loose from the stove top and discard. Spray with all-purpose cleaner and wipe with a paper towel to remove any residue.

 2. Cleaning Sink Drains

Cleaning out goopy, smelly sink drains is a breeze with baking soda and a little vinegar. Simply sprinkle 1/4 cup of baking soda in the drain. Add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar. The baking soda and vinegar will remove odors and the naturally occurring bubbles will loosen any built-up residue lining the drain.

 3. Removing Cooking Odors From Hands

It seems too simple, but it really works. Remove any unwanted scents from your hands including onion and garlic. Simply make a thick paste from baking soda and water. Rub the paste vigorously all over your hands for at least 30 seconds. Wash your hands with hand soap and dry. Voila! Smells gone.

 4. Freshening Smelly Spots

Using baking soda in the fridge is not new, but it can be used to freshen other problem areas, too. For the crisper bins, sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the entire surface of the bottom of the bin. Cover with a paper towel before adding fresh fruits and vegetables. For the dishwasher, sprinkle a cup of baking soda in the bottom and leave it overnight. In the morning, simply run an empty cycle. For the trash can, sprinkle 1/2 - 1 cup in the bottom of the can before adding the liner.

 5. Tenderizing Meat

Baking soda is a natural meat tenderizer. To soften meat, simply cover it completely in baking soda, gently patting it into the surface. Place it in the refrigerator for 3-5 hours. Rinse the baking soda away completely before preparing it for cooking.

 6. Cleaning Produce

Removing dirt and pesticides is simple with a bit of baking soda and water. Add a tablespoon of baking soda to a cup of water. Use the water and a soft bristle vegetable brush to gently scrub the surface of your produce. Give the produce a quick rinse in fresh water and prepare as usual.

 7. Clarifying Iced Tea

Control the tang and keep your iced tea from becoming cloudy with just a bit of baking soda. Add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda for every 8 cups of water for clear results.

 8. Making Fluffier Eggs

Give your eggs a little extra lift. Add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda for every three eggs for added volume. Prepare as usual, but use slightly less salt than usual for seasoning.

 9. Cleaning Stainless Steel and Copper

Baking soda is abrasive yet gentle. Use it to make your stainless steel and copper shine without the risk of damaging the surfaces. Make a thick paste of baking soda and water and rub it all over the area to be cleaned. Let the paste sit for at least 15 minutes and then scrub the area with a soft scrub sponge. Tip: for tougher problems, allow the baking soda paste to sit overnight before scrubbing.

 10. Freshening Sponges

Give those smelly sponges new life by removing stubborn odors. Simply soak sponges in a sink basin with 2 quarts of warm water and 1/2 cup of baking soda.