Baking soda is probably the ultimate home tool. You can do a lot of good things with baking soda, and we have compiled a lot of these just for you.

Dishwashing detergent – Use two tablespoons of baking soda and borax as a substitute for dishwashing detergent.

Steel wool aid – Keep a steel-wool pad from rusting by adding a dash of baking soda to its storage dish.

Pots and pans cleaner – For tough, burnt food stains in pots, pans and baking dishes, just sprinkle baking soda over the stains and add white distilled vinegar until the stains are covered. Allow the solution to sit overnight, then clean it as usual.

Odor neutralizer – You can sprinkle baking soda inside shoes, sneakers, hampers, and other smelly areas to neutralize their fuzzy odor. Or better yet, you can make odor-neutralizing sachets by pouring ¼ cup of baking soda into a pantyhose or knee-high socks then securing them at the top with decorative ribbon.

Bathroom cleanser – Mixing baking soda with water makes a great cleansing paste for your bathroom fixtures. Keep some amount in a used Parmesan cheese shaker and place it in the bathroom.

Laundry detergent optimizer – To improve the power of your liquid laundry detergent, add a ½ cup of baking soda to the recommended amount of laundry detergent.

Bleach optimizer – For extra bleaching power, add a half cup of baking soda to your usual amount of liquid bleach.

Garbage can neutralizer – Even empty garbage cans leave a nasty smell. To solve this problem, just sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda into the bottom of the can everytime you take out the garbage.

Coffee pot cleaner – Remove stains from a coffeepot or mug by scrubbing with a baking-soda paste, water, and a plastic scrubber.

Onion neutralizer – To eliminate the strong odor of onions on your hands after slicing them, just rub them together with a paste of baking soda and water.

Hand moisturizer – Moisturize your hands by adding three tablespoons baking soda to the dishwater when doing the dishes.

Dishwasher cleaner – Freshen up the dishwasher by adding a ½ box of baking soda and running the machine through the rinse cycle only.

Drain cleaner – Clogged drains can be removed by dunking frozen baking soda into the sink hole.

Itch reliever – To relieve itching when suffering from chicken pox, bug bites, or sunburn, make a baking soda paste and apply liberally to the affected area until dry. Rinse.

Diaper refresher – Keep a diaper pail fresh by putting some baking soda on each diaper.

Pet bed cleaner – Deodorize pet beds by liberally sprinkling it with baking soda. Wait 15 minutes before vacuuming the pet bed.

Toothpaste alternative – Brush your teeth with baking soda for a clean and fresh mouth.

Scouring powder – You can use baking soda to scour countertops.

Comb cleaner – Soak hair combs and brushes in hot water and baking soda solution to remove grease and clean thoroughly.

Appliance cleaner – Brighten your white appliances by applying ¼ cup baking soda and one quart warm water with a cloth. Rinse after 10 minutes.

Microwave cleaner – Clean the inside of a microwave oven with a solution of ¼ cup baking soda and a quart of warm water.

Dish towel refresher – Eliminate the soggy smell of dish towels and sponges by sprinkling baking soda on them after each use.

Carpet cleaner – After you clean a carpet spill, put some baking soda on the area and let it site for 15 minutes. After which, vacuum the carpet to eliminate any leftover odor.

Vinegar neutralizer – If you've accidentally added too much vinegar to a recipe, and you want to tone down the acidic flavor, add a pinch of baking soda to counteract the vinegar.

Produce cleaner – Wash store-bought fruits and vegetables in a large bowl of cold water with two to three tablespoons of baking soda. This will help remove any dirt, wax, or pesticides.

Cake preserver – Add a pinch of baking soda to cake frosting to keep it moist and to prevent cracking.

Stomach gas neutralizer – Add baking soda to baked beans to deter gaseous side effects.