Baking soda and vinegar are not just pantry staples—they’re also incredibly versatile household heroes. When used together, these two ingredients can tackle a myriad of chores around the house, from cleaning to odor control. Here’s a rundown of ten fantastic ways you can use baking soda and vinegar to make your home cleaner and more comfortable.

  1. Drain Cleaner: Unclog and freshen your drains by pouring ½ cup of baking soda down the sink, followed by 1 cup of vinegar. Let it fizz for a few minutes, then flush with hot water.

  2. Coffee Maker Cleaner: Remove buildup in your coffee maker by filling the reservoir with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. Run a brewing cycle, then rinse thoroughly by running a couple of cycles with just water.

  3. Microwave Cleaner: Clean and deodorize your microwave by placing a bowl of equal parts vinegar and water inside. Microwave on high until the solution boils and the window steams up. Wipe clean with a cloth.

  4. Stain Remover: Treat stubborn stains on clothing by making a paste of baking soda and water. Apply to the stain, let sit for an hour, then wash as usual. For extra stubborn stains, use a vinegar rinse in the wash.

  5. Fruit and Veggie Wash: Remove pesticides and bacteria from fresh produce by soaking them in a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water. Add a tablespoon of baking soda to help with cleaning, then rinse under cold water.

  6. Odor Neutralizer: Eliminate odors in your refrigerator or garbage can by placing an open container of baking soda inside to absorb smells. For enhanced odor removal, occasionally sprinkle a small amount of vinegar over the baking soda to reactivate it.

  7. Grout Cleaner: Make a paste of baking soda and vinegar, apply it to the grout, and scrub with a brush. This will help whiten and clean without harsh chemicals.

  8. Window Cleaner: Mix 2 tablespoons of vinegar with a gallon of water for a streak-free window cleaner. Wipe with a clean cloth or newspaper for best results.

  9. Shoe Deodorizer: Sprinkle baking soda inside your shoes to absorb moisture and neutralize odors. Tap out the excess baking soda before wearing them.

  10. Toilet Cleaner: Pour 1 cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl, sprinkle with baking soda, scrub with a brush, and flush. This not only cleans but also deodorizes your toilet.

Using baking soda and vinegar around your home is not only effective but also environmentally friendly and economical. These tips offer natural solutions for maintaining a clean and fresh living space with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.