When it comes to bathroom essentials, many people stick to the basics—soap, shampoo, towels, and toilet paper. But there’s one simple item that smart individuals often keep in their bathrooms that you may not have considered: a jar of baking soda. While this may seem like an odd bathroom accessory at first, it turns out that baking soda is a powerhouse when it comes to health, hygiene, and home care. Once you discover its many benefits, you’ll likely want to add it to your bathroom too.

1. Natural Odor Neutralizer

Baking soda is known for its incredible ability to neutralize odors. In a bathroom, this is particularly valuable. Instead of relying on chemical-laden air fresheners that only mask odors, baking soda absorbs and neutralizes them at the source.

• How to use: Simply leave an open jar of baking soda on a bathroom shelf or countertop to absorb unwanted smells. You can also sprinkle it in the trash bin or under the toilet rim to help keep the air fresh.

2. Helps with Personal Hygiene

Baking soda is a gentle abrasive, which makes it an excellent natural scrub for cleaning both your body and bathroom surfaces.

• For skin: It’s commonly used as a gentle exfoliator to remove dead skin cells. You can make a paste by mixing baking soda with a little water and apply it to your face or body to exfoliate and brighten your skin.

• For oral care: Many people use baking soda as a natural teeth whitener and toothpaste alternative. It helps in removing plaque and freshening breath. Mix a small amount with your toothpaste or use it on its own to brush your teeth for a cleaner, fresher mouth.

3. Unclogs Drains Naturally

Rather than reaching for harsh chemicals to unclog your bathroom sink or shower drain, try using baking soda. It’s a non-toxic, effective alternative that works well to clear minor blockages.

• How to use: Pour a half cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture fizz for a few minutes, then rinse with hot water. This helps break down grease and grime that may be causing the blockage.

4. Cleans Bathroom Surfaces

Baking soda is an excellent all-purpose cleaner for your bathroom. It can remove soap scum, hard water stains, and grime from various surfaces, including sinks, bathtubs, and countertops.

• How to use: Create a paste by mixing baking soda with a little water and use it to scrub tiles, faucets, and sinks. Its mild abrasiveness won’t scratch surfaces but is powerful enough to lift dirt and stains.

5. Soothes Skin Irritations

Baking soda’s soothing properties can help relieve itching and irritation from things like insect bites, rashes, and sunburns. It works as a gentle, natural anti-inflammatory.

• How to use: Add a small amount of baking soda to a warm bath to relieve itching. Alternatively, make a paste with water and apply it directly to the irritated skin for quick relief.

6. Balances pH Levels

The bathroom is where your skin, hair, and nails come in contact with various products that can sometimes alter their natural pH levels. Baking soda can help restore balance, particularly for skin and hair.

• For skin: If you’re struggling with dry, itchy skin, a bath with a small amount of baking soda can help restore its natural pH, reducing irritation.

• For hair: Baking soda can also be used to remove buildup from hair products. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with your regular shampoo to give your hair a deep clean without stripping it of its natural oils.

7. Relieves Foot Odor

Feet can often become smelly due to sweat and bacteria buildup. Baking soda helps keep feet fresh by absorbing moisture and neutralizing odors.

• How to use: Add a half cup of baking soda to a warm foot bath and soak your feet for 15-20 minutes to help reduce foot odor. Alternatively, sprinkle baking soda inside your shoes to keep them smelling fresh.

8. Whiten and Brighten Towels

Over time, towels can start to look dingy and lose their bright white color. Baking soda can help restore their vibrancy and softness, making your towels look like new again.

• How to use: Add a half cup of baking soda to your regular laundry detergent when washing towels. It will help remove stains, brighten whites, and soften fabrics without harsh chemicals.

9. Maintains a Clean Toilet Bowl

Baking soda is a fantastic, eco-friendly option for cleaning and deodorizing your toilet bowl. It helps to remove stains, deodorize, and neutralize odors.

• How to use: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda inside the toilet bowl and scrub with a toilet brush. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before flushing for a cleaner and fresher toilet.

10. Eco-Friendly and Budget-Friendly

One of the biggest advantages of using baking soda is its eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness. Unlike harsh chemical cleaners, baking soda is non-toxic, biodegradable, and inexpensive. It’s a great way to cut down on the use of chemical products while keeping your bathroom fresh and clean.

Conclusion

Baking soda is a surprisingly versatile and effective product that can improve your bathroom routine in many ways. From neutralizing odors to cleaning surfaces, soothing irritated skin, and even maintaining your toilet, this simple jar of powder is a bathroom essential you don’t want to miss. Once you know how many benefits it offers, you’ll likely want to keep a jar of baking soda in your bathroom at all times!