You may believe that baking soda is solely a kitchen ingredient, but think again! This miracle ingredient can do everything from neutralizing fridge odors to getting out tough stains on clothes and appliances, but the pantry staple has even more ingenious uses that you’ve probably never heard of before.

Freshen up cat litter

No one wants a stinky litter box, but it’s unfortunately the reality for many cat parents. After each change, sprinkle baking soda over your cat’s litter to keep odors away.

Soften skin in the bath and soothe sunburns

Suffering from a sunburn or just wanting softer skin? Take a bubble bath and throw in half a cup of baking soda, a surprisingly soothing ingredient that costs less than any bath salts on the market.

A shoe deodorizer

Whether it’s after a workout or during the summer season, sprinkling a light layer of baking soda in your shoes can help remove smells.

After you take off your shoes, add the baking soda, and remember to shake them out before wearing again.

Calm itchy bug bites

Forgot your bug bite lotion after a mosquito bite or bee sting? If you have baking soda in the house, create a paste made up of a tablespoon of baking soda and enough water to create a thick mixture. Apply it and then wash it off after 10 minutes—voila, no more irritation!

Neutralize bad breath

Many people avoid mouthwash because it’s either ineffective or contains harsh ingredients like alcohol. If that’s the case with you (or you’ve run out of your usual brand), mix a teaspoon of baking soda with a cup of water. Swish, spit, and rinse for fresh breath!

Create a DIY face and hair cleanser

Baking soda has exfoliating properties, meaning it can help remove residue and oils from your hair. Mix a quarter-sized amount into your shampoo; it can be drying, so use it only occasionally.

If you add a tablespoon of your cleanser or coconut oil to make a paste, you can also use it as a skin exfoliant.

Use it as an antacid

Who needs Tums when you have your very own alkaline superfood at home? Baking soda neutralizes stomach acid. Swirl half a teaspoon into a glass and drink it, but be sure to wait at least a couple of hours before or after you take any medications you might be on.

Wash your hairbrushes with it

Hairbrushes can hold onto oil and hair products, collecting lots of residue over time. Rather than simply rinsing them out, soak your hair brushes in a solution of a teaspoon of baking soda mixed with a cup of warm water.

Rinse with clean water and let it air dry.

Make your pool clearer

If you want your pool to be sparkling clean, baking soda can help. It removes black algae and changes the pH.

Test your pool water and look up directions on how to do this process—FYI, compared to other DIY hacks on this list, this one will need several pounds' worth, and some pool cleaners already have it. 

Clean your garage floor of oil and grease stains

Your garage floor is bound to get dirty, but sprinkling baking soda directly on it can help. After you cover the floor with it, allow it to absorb for a while (up to 24 hours for stains to set in) and then scrub it with a wet brush to remove.