In most homes, the kitchen sink works harder than

almost any other surface. From rinsing produce to

washing dishes, it constantly faces grease, grime,

and lingering odors. Over time, this daily wear can

leave your sink less than fresh. Luckily, there’s a

surprisingly effective solution hiding in your pantry:

baking soda.

Though it’s often reserved for baking or freshening

the fridge, baking soda is a powerhouse when it

comes to sink maintenance. By sprinkling it down

the drain or scrubbing with it directly, you can

combat clogs, odors, and stains—all in an eco-

friendly, budget-friendly way.

Why Baking Soda Works So Well

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a mild

alkali. This means it breaks down dirt and grease

when mixed with water. Its natural deodorizing

ability comes from its reaction with acidic

substances, neutralizing unpleasant smells.

When paired with an acid like vinegar, baking soda

creates carbon dioxide bubbles. This fizzing action

can help loosen food particles and buildup inside

pipes, making it especially useful for tackling minor

clogs.

Benefits of Using Baking Soda in the

Sink

Safe and non-toxic: Unlike many store-

bought cleaners, baking soda won’t release

harsh chemicals into your home or water

system.

Affordable and accessible: It’s a pantry

staple found in nearly every household.

Surface-friendly: Gentle enough not to

scratch, even on delicate sink finishes.

Natural deodorizer: Keeps the kitchen

smelling fresh without artificial fragrances.

What You’ll Need

To try this cleaning hack, gather:

Baking soda

White vinegar

A scrub brush or sponge

Hot water

A microfiber cloth for drying

Optional: lemon juice or essential oils for a fresh

scent.

Step-by-Step: Cleaning Your Sink

with Baking Soda

1. Rinse the sink with hot water to clear away

loose debris.

2. Sprinkle baking soda generously across the

sink’s surface.

3. Scrub with a sponge or brush, paying extra

attention to stains or buildup.

4. Pour vinegar over the baking soda. The fizz

will lift grime and deodorize.

5. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes.

6. Rinse thoroughly with hot water.

7. Dry with a microfiber cloth to prevent water

spots.

Why This Method Works

The abrasive scrubbing power of baking soda

combined with the bubbling reaction of vinegar

attacks both dirt and odor at once. It’s tough on

buildup but gentle on plumbing, making it a safe

and effective maintenance routine.

Extra Tips for a Fresh Sink

Repeat the baking soda and vinegar

treatment once a week.

Never pour grease down the drain—it

solidifies and causes blockages.

Use a sink strainer to catch food scraps.

For a fragrant boost, mix a few drops of

essential oil into your baking soda before

cleaning.

Mistakes to Avoid

Too much vinegar: This can neutralize the

baking soda before it does its job.

Rushing the process: Let the mixture sit long

enough to work effectively.

Wrong surfaces: Don’t use baking soda on

aluminum—it can cause discoloration.

Over-reliance: Severe clogs may still require

a plumber or mechanical solution.

Final Thoughts

Baking soda is more than just a baking ingredient

—it’s an eco-friendly, cost-effective way to keep

your kitchen sink spotless and odor-free. By

working this simple hack into your weekly cleaning

routine, you can avoid harsh chemicals, save

money, and keep your sink gleaming with minimal

effort.

Sometimes, the smartest solutions really do come

from everyday items sitting right on your shelf.