This common pantry staple can be useful in smart ways outside the home.
9 Ways to Use Baking Soda Outside, From Fighting Weeds to Cleaning the Grill
Baking soda is a versatile household staple, often used for cleaning and deodorizing indoors, but its usefulness extends far beyond the kitchen. This eco-friendly product is also great for tackling a variety of outdoor tasks, from lawn care to grill cleaning. Here are nine clever ways you can use baking soda outside to make gardening, maintenance, and outdoor cleaning a breeze.
1. Fight Weeds in Cracks
Weeds can be stubborn and unsightly, especially when they grow between patio stones or cracks in your driveway. Instead of using harsh chemical weed killers, baking soda offers a natural, non-toxic alternative.
- How to Use: Sprinkle baking soda directly into the cracks where weeds are growing. The sodium content will make the soil less hospitable for weeds, helping to kill them off and prevent new ones from sprouting.
2. Freshen Patio Furniture
Outdoor furniture can get dirty, smelly, and grimy due to exposure to the elements. Baking soda is an effective way to clean and deodorize plastic, metal, and even fabric patio furniture.
- How to Use: Mix baking soda with warm water to create a mild paste. Apply it to the furniture with a sponge, scrub gently, and then rinse with clean water. This will lift dirt, grease, and odors, leaving your furniture fresh and clean.
3. Deodorize Garbage Cans
Outdoor garbage cans can quickly develop unpleasant odors, especially during hot weather. Baking soda neutralizes bad smells naturally, making it a perfect solution for keeping garbage cans fresher.
- How to Use: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda at the bottom of your garbage can after each cleaning or bag change. This will help absorb odors between uses and make the can easier to clean later.
4. Clean Your Grill
Cleaning a grill can be tough, especially if there’s built-up grease and grime. Baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive to help loosen tough grease and stuck-on food without damaging the grill’s surface.
- How to Use: Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the grill grates. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes, then scrub with a grill brush or sponge. Rinse thoroughly with water before using the grill again.
5. Freshen Garden Tools
Garden tools often get covered in dirt, rust, and plant residue, making them less effective and harder to use. Baking soda can help you keep your tools clean, rust-free, and in good working order.
- How to Use: Mix baking soda with water to form a thick paste. Use a scrub brush to apply the paste to your tools, paying special attention to rusty or sticky areas. Rinse and dry thoroughly to prevent rust from forming in the future.
6. Keep Pests at Bay
Certain garden pests, like ants, slugs, and roaches, dislike baking soda. Using it in strategic locations can help keep these critters away from your plants and outdoor spaces.
- How to Use: For ants, sprinkle baking soda along their entry points or trails to deter them. For slugs, sprinkle it around plants they frequently visit. You can also mix baking soda with equal parts sugar to create a natural bait that’s toxic to roaches but harmless to pets and humans.
7. Deodorize the Dog Run
If you have pets, especially dogs, outdoor areas where they play and do their business can become smelly over time. Baking soda helps neutralize these odors without harming your furry friends.
- How to Use: Sprinkle baking soda over the areas where your pets frequently go. Let it sit for a few hours to absorb any smells, then hose it off or sweep it up.
8. Neutralize Pool Odors
Pools and hot tubs can develop a musty or chemical smell, especially after heavy use. Baking soda can help balance the pH of pool water and neutralize odors without harsh chemicals.
- How to Use: Add 1.5 pounds of baking soda for every 10,000 gallons of water in your pool to help balance the pH levels and reduce any lingering smells. This also helps prevent corrosion of metal parts and damage to pool liners.
9. Remove Oil Stains from Driveways
Oil stains from cars or lawnmowers can be tough to remove from concrete driveways or garages. Baking soda acts as an absorbent and mild abrasive to help lift the stain.
- How to Use: Sprinkle baking soda generously over the oil stain and let it sit for 30 minutes. Scrub the area with a stiff brush and some water. Rinse and repeat if necessary until the stain is gone.
Final Thoughts
Baking soda is a powerful, natural cleaner that can be used for a variety of outdoor tasks. Whether you’re fighting weeds, cleaning garden tools, or keeping pests at bay, this inexpensive pantry staple is a safe, effective, and eco-friendly alternative to harsh chemicals. Give these tips a try and enjoy a cleaner, greener outdoor space!
