A commonly available mineral full of many cleaning attributes, baking soda is made from soda ash and is slightly alkaline (its pH is around 8.1; 7 is neutral). It neutralizes acid-based odours in the water and absorbs odours from the air.

1. DRAIN CLEANER: 

Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 3 cups of boiling water.

2. CHEMICAL SMELLS FROM CLOTHES: 

Mix 1 cup of baking soda into a tub of water and soak clothes for two to three hours or overnight. Agitate occasionally. Repeat if necessary, and wash as usual. (This method is great for removing the new smell from clothes.)

3. CAT URINE ON RUGS AND FABRIC

Alternate sprinkling on baking soda, which will neutralize acid odours, with white distilled vinegar.

4. DOG ODORS AND URINE ON RUGS AND FABRIC

Sprinkle with baking soda. Let set for a few hours before sweeping up

5. SILVER POLISH

Make a paste from ½ cup of baking soda and a few tablespoons of water. Scoop some onto a clean, soft rag and rub it onto the silver. Rinse with water and polish dry.

6. SOFT SCRUBBER

Pour about ½ cup of baking soda into a bowl and add enough liquid soap or detergent to make a frosting-like texture. Scoop onto a sponge and use to clean your bathtub or tiles. Rinse with water.

7. SCOURING POWDER

Simply sprinkle baking soda into a sink or tub and scrub.

8. OVEN CLEANER

Sprinkle baking soda onto the bottom of the oven. Squirt with enough water to dampen. Let set overnight, making sure the baking soda is still damp before you go to bed. In the morning, simply scoop the baking soda and grime out with a sponge and rinse.

9. REFRIGERATOR DEODORIZER

Place an open box in the back of the fridge. It will absorb odors by drawing them to the baking soda molecules.

10. CUTTING BOARD DEODORIZER

Sprinkle the cutting board with baking soda, scrub, and rinse.