If you’re looking to simplify your household cleaning routine and tackle a variety of tasks with minimal products, baking soda and white vinegar are your go-to solutions. Ninety-percent of my house is cleaned with any combination of these ingredients. A 13-pound bag costs around $10 and a gallon of vinegar for $4. They tend to last me quite a while.

These home staples are so versatile, inexpensive, eco-friendly, and cost-effective agents. Here’s how you can use them to keep your home sparkling clean and fresh.

Table of Contents

• 1. All-Purpose Cleaner
• 2. Deodorize Carpets and Upholstery
• 3. Clean Drains
• 4. Remove Stains
• 5. Freshen Up the Fridge
• 6. Clean the Oven
• 7. Clean Showerheads and Faucets
• 8. Refresh Your Garbage Disposal
• 9. Clean Glass and Mirrors
• 12. Remove Odors from Sneakers
• Conclusion

1. All-Purpose Cleaner

Combine baking soda and white vinegar for a powerful all-purpose cleaner. Mix equal parts of each in a spray bottle and use it to clean countertops, sinks, and other surfaces. The baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive that scrubs away grime, while the vinegar dissolves grease and disinfects. For extra cleaning power, add a few drops of essential oil like lemon or lavender for a pleasant fragrance.

2. Deodorize Carpets and Upholstery

Dealing with unpleasant odors in carpets or upholstery? Sprinkle baking soda generously over the surface, let it sit for at least 15 minutes (or longer for strong odors), and then vacuum it up. For persistent smells, you can combine baking soda with a bit of white vinegar. Just apply the vinegar first, let it dry, then sprinkle and vacuum the baking soda.

3. Clean Drains

Say goodbye to clogged drains with a simple, natural method. Pour half a cup of baking soda with a third cup of salt followed by half a cup of white vinegar down the drain. Quickly cover the drain and let it sit and fizz for about 15 minutes, then flush with hot water. This combination helps to dissolve buildup and keeps your pipes flowing smoothly. I have found that doing this once a month keeps me free from drain issues.

4. Remove Stains

Baking soda is excellent for removing various stains. For instance, to tackle grease stains on clothes, sprinkle baking soda directly on the stain, let it sit, then wash as usual. For tough stains on carpets or upholstery, mix baking soda with a little water to form a paste, apply it to the stain, and let it dry before vacuuming. If you have an oil stain, the addition of Dawn’s original liquid soap works great to remove these tough stains.

5. Freshen Up the Fridge

Keep your fridge smelling fresh by placing an open box of baking soda inside. It will absorb unpleasant odors and help maintain a clean-smelling environment. Replace the box every three months for best results. If spills or odors are particularly stubborn, wipe down the interior with a solution of equal parts vinegar and water.

6. Clean the Oven

Cleaning the oven can be a daunting task, but baking soda and vinegar make it easier. For a non-toxic cleaner, make a paste of baking soda and water and spread it over the oven’s interior. Let it sit overnight to break down grime. The next day, wipe off the paste with a damp cloth. Use a spray bottle with white vinegar to remove any remaining baking soda residue.

7. Clean Showerheads and Faucets

Over time, mineral deposits can clog your showerheads and faucets. To clean them, fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and secure it around the fixture so that it’s submerged in vinegar. Leave it overnight, then remove the bag and run the water to flush out any loosened deposits. For an extra clean, you can scrub with a baking soda paste.

8. Refresh Your Garbage Disposal

Eliminate odors from your garbage disposal with a quick and easy method. First, pour half a cup of baking soda down the disposal followed by a cup of white vinegar. Allow it to sit and fizz for about 10 minutes, then flush with hot water. This not only freshens up the disposal but also helps to break down any residue.

9. Clean Glass and Mirrors

Achieve streak-free glass and mirrors with a simple vinegar solution. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and use it to clean your glass surfaces. For a bit of extra scrubbing power, sprinkle a little baking soda on a damp cloth and wipe before finishing with the vinegar solution.

12. Remove Odors from Sneakers

Freshen up smelly sneakers by sprinkling baking soda inside them. Let the baking soda sit overnight to absorb odors, then shake it out before wearing the shoes again. This trick can also be used for other footwear and even some fabric-lined bags.

13. Eliminate Pet Odors

If you have pets, you know that keeping your home smelling fresh can be a challenge. Baking soda is excellent for neutralizing pet odors. Simply sprinkle baking soda on carpets, upholstery, or any area that may have absorbed pet smells. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes (or overnight for stronger odors), then vacuum it up.

For a more thorough approach, mix half a cup of baking soda with a few drops of your favorite essential oil (like lavender or peppermint). Sprinkle this mixture on carpets and pet bedding, let it sit, and then vacuum. To tackle lingering odors, follow up with a spray of white vinegar diluted with water (about one part vinegar to two parts water) on the affected areas, then let it dry.

Conclusion

If you are looking to save money while maintaining a clean home, baking soda and white vinegar are the cleaning staples to use. And they are non-toxic and eco-friendly, which is a significant benefit when there are kids and/or pets in the house. Happy cleaning!