Since we are officially finishing up the kitchen in our 52 week home organization challenge this week, I figured it was a good time to start a challenge for you all about cleaning the kitchen! This week, we are cleaning the kitchen with baking soda, so please read on because it will definitely be interesting and worth a read!

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Cleaning The Kitchen With Baking Soda

There are many ways to use baking soda as an eco-friendly cleaning agent in your kitchen, and we’re going to discuss as many as I can recall here. 🙂

You can get baking soda rather inexpensively in many different sizes on Amazon!

1. Washing dishes- Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to a sinkful of hot water and swish in about half a lemon’s juice. If you prefer your commercial dish-washing liquid, add a couple of tablespoons of baking soda to the water to boost its action. This is really effective with greasy dishes!
2. Getting tough stains out- Keep a bowl of dry baking soda near the sink. If you encounter a stubborn stain, dip your washcloth,  brush or sponge in and scrub… That stain will be no more in a moment! This works on metal, plastic, and glass cookware!
3. Keeping dishcloths and sponges smelling like roses- Rinse dishcloths and sponges after use in a solution of hot water and baking soda to keep them smelling great. You can even soak them overnight for a very powerful freshen-up! Always dry thoroughly before putting away to keep them hygienic!
4. Keep rubber gloves smelling nice- Sprinkle a little baking soda into your rubber gloves each time you take them off to keep them smelling great! It will not only absorb any dampness, it will make them glide on and off easily.
5. Make your own dishwasher detergent- Put two tablespoons of baking soda and 2 tablespoons of borax into the powder compartment for a full load.
6. Have a fresh smelling cutting board- Give it a regular cleaning by shaking about three tablespoons of baking soda all over it, and then sprinkle just enough water to moisten it. Leave it for about 15 minutes to absorb any smells, then rub with a wet sponge. Rinse in clean water and allow to dry.
7. Remove stains from mugs and cups- Use a paste of baking soda and water to remove tea and coffee stains from ceramic and melamine cups; leave the solution on the cup for a while, then rub and rinse. It’s much better for the environment than bleach and it doesn’t have the aftertaste!
8. Clean countertops- Mix up a solution of baking soda and hot water to wash down your countertops. Rinse and dry them, and then rinse your cleaning cloths and sponges in the same solution. Dry cloths and sponges thoroughly before putting them away.
9. Keep sinks shiny- Use a paste of baking soda and water, much like you did earlier to remove stains from mugs and cups.
10. Degrease the sink drain- Put a handful of baking soda down the drain followed by a cup of boiling water about once a month.
11. Clean your stove top- Make a paste of baking soda and water and use like an all purpose cleaner with a sponge. Wipe well to remove all streaks and rinse with water. Alternatively, you can dampen the stove top and sprinkle with baking soda. Leave it for half an hour to absorb any grease, then rub clean and rinse well. Tackle stubborn marks or burned on food with with dry baking soda and a wet cloth.
12. Clean your oven- Oven cleaners can be highly toxic and contain chemicals that give off dangerous fumes. However dirty your oven is inside, baking soda can clean it! Scrape off as much as you can, then mix baking soda with a little water to make a thick paste. Spread the paste over the sides and bottom of the COLD oven and leave overnight. Wipe down the next day with hot water and repeat if necessary. Use dry baking soda on a scourer or sponge to with with stubborn areas, and make sure to rinse well afterwards.
13. See through door not see through anymore? When glass oven doors get so splattered with grease and grime that you can’t see through them anymore, get them clear again by scrubbing with baking soda on a damp cloth or sponge. Rinse well and dry.
14. Refresh your microwave- To clean your microwave without all the chemicals, remove the turnplate (if there is one) and wash it in the sink in a solution of of hot water and baking soda, then dry. Wipe over the inside of the microwave with a solution of one quart of hot water and four tablespoons baking soda. Be careful to wring out your sponge out well before wiping though, you don’t want to get water into the workings though any little perforations in the inside of the oven.
15. Another way to freshen your microwave- Add a couple of tablespoons of baking soda to a half-full cup or mug of hot water (make sure that the cup or mug is microwave-safe). Put in the microwave on full power and boil for five minutes. The steam will condense on the inside of the warm oven, loosening splatters of food and leaving it damp. All you need to do is wipe over it with a cloth or paper towel, and then dry.
16. Clean the fridge- You probably know that keeping a box of baking soda in the fridge will absorb odors, but have you thought of cleaning the fridge with baking soda? Make a solution of baking soda and wipe down the shelves for a great cleaning solution! For hard stains, use an old toothbrush with dry baking soda on it and give it a scrub.
17. Don’t forget the freezer! If you defrost your freezer, wipe it down with the with four tablespoons of baking soda and one quart of warm water. Wipe over all surfaces  and dry before turning the freezer back on.
18. Get kitchen odor off your hands- When you’ve been handling smelly items in the kitchen (fish, garlic, onions, etc.) it can be difficult to get rid of the smell with soap. Sprinkle baking soda on your wet hands, rub together well, and rinse off!
19. Ban seasonal smells- Musty smells can build up in items that are only used certain times of year (like picnic baskets and coolers), but you can prevent this by sprinkling them with a bit of baking soda before putting them away. Just wipe them down with a damp cloth before using again. 🙂
20. No more smelly trash cans! Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of the trash can, then line the base of the trash can with a couple of sheets of newspapers before putting in your biodegradable trash can liner.

Have you enjoyed cleaning the kitchen with baking soda?

I hope that you’ve enjoyed this post! Please let me know how you use baking soda when cleaning in the kitchen! I can’t wait to try your new ideas.