To create air freshener with baking soda, you need: This is problematic if you’re sensitive to chemicals that may be found in air fresheners ( 11).īaking soda is a safe alternative to commercial air fresheners, as it’s free of industrial chemicals and neutralizes odor particles ( 12). In addition, fewer than 10% of air fresheners provide an ingredient list. Instead, some simply release fragrance molecules that mask other smells. Not all commercial air fresheners eliminate bad odors. To try this trick, fill a cup with baking soda and place it in the back of your fridge. Interestingly, it eliminates odor particles rather than just masking their smell ( 10). This smell may stick around long after you empty and clean your fridge.īaking soda may help freshen a smelly fridge by neutralizing bad odors. Have you ever opened your fridge and come across a surprisingly foul odor?Ĭhances are that some foods in your fridge have overstayed their welcome and started spoiling. Try patting baking soda onto your armpits or mixing it with a bit of coconut oil, shea butter, or cornstarch to create homemade deodorant. These bacteria convert your sweat into acidic waste products, which give sweat its smell ( 8, 9).īaking soda is often used as a natural deodorant to eliminate sweat’s smell by making its odors less acidic, though there’s limited research on whether this strategy works. Sweat only gains odor after it’s broken down by bacteria in your armpits. It also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which may help fight harmful bacteria ( 2, 7). This is likely because baking soda has mild abrasive properties that can break the bonds of molecules that stain your teeth. Many studies have found that toothpaste containing baking soda is better for whitening teeth and removing plaque than toothpaste without baking soda ( 4, 5, 6). Teeth whitenerīaking soda is a popular home remedy for whitening teeth. To make your own baking soda mouthwash, add 1/2 teaspoon (2 grams) of baking soda to half a glass (120 mL) of warm water, then swish as usual. While one study found that baking soda mouthwash didn’t significantly lower oral bacteria levels, it increased the pH levels of saliva, which is important for inhibiting bacterial growth ( 3 ).

Some studies show that it may help freshen your breath and even exert antibacterial and antimicrobial properties ( 2). Many people use baking soda as a replacement for mouthwash. Mouthwash is a great addition to your oral hygiene routine, as it reaches the corners of your mouth and crevices of your teeth, gums, and tongue that you might miss during brushing. Here’s a comprehensive list of household uses. Baking soda is a handy all-purpose item due to its wide variety of uses, from cleaning countertops to supporting oral care.

101 uses for baking powder