how to clean furniture with baking soda

Daniel Parker

3 min read

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06-02-2025

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Meta Description: Discover the amazing cleaning power of baking soda for your furniture! This guide provides simple, effective methods for cleaning various furniture types, removing stains, and deodorizing, all with baking soda. Learn how to tackle upholstery, wood, and more! (158 characters)

Baking soda is a versatile household item with surprising cleaning capabilities. Beyond its culinary uses, it's a powerful, natural cleaner for various furniture types. This guide will explore how to effectively clean your furniture using baking soda, leaving it fresh and spotless.

Cleaning Upholstery with Baking Soda

Upholstery can accumulate dust, spills, and odors over time. Baking soda offers a gentle yet effective way to freshen it up.

Removing Stains from Upholstery

What you'll need:

• Baking soda
• Soft cloth or sponge
• Vacuum cleaner

Steps:

1. Vacuum: Thoroughly vacuum the affected area to remove loose dirt and debris.
2. Apply Baking Soda: Generously sprinkle baking soda onto the stain. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or longer for stubborn stains (up to several hours). The baking soda will absorb the stain.
3. Vacuum Again: Carefully vacuum up the baking soda.
4. Repeat if Necessary: For persistent stains, repeat the process.

Deodorizing Upholstery

Baking soda is a natural odor absorber. It's excellent for eliminating pet odors, smoke smells, or musty smells from your upholstery.

Steps:

1. Sprinkle: Generously sprinkle baking soda over the entire upholstered surface.
2. Let it Sit: Allow the baking soda to sit for at least 2-3 hours, or even overnight for best results.
3. Vacuum: Vacuum thoroughly to remove all traces of baking soda.

Cleaning Wood Furniture with Baking Soda

Wood furniture requires a gentler approach than upholstery. Baking soda can help with cleaning and polishing.

Cleaning Wood Surfaces

Baking soda's abrasive quality makes it effective for removing grime. However, use it cautiously on delicate finishes.

What you'll need:

• Baking soda
• Soft cloth
• Water (Optional – for paste)

Steps:

1. Prepare a Paste (Optional): Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to create a thick paste. This is particularly useful for stubborn marks.
2. Apply Gently: Apply the paste (or dry baking soda) to the affected area using a soft, damp cloth. Rub gently in a circular motion.
3. Wipe Clean: Wipe away the baking soda with a clean, damp cloth. Dry immediately with a soft cloth.

Polishing Wood Furniture

Baking soda can also help restore the shine to your wood furniture.

Steps:

1. Mix: Combine equal parts baking soda and olive oil to form a paste.
2. Apply and Polish: Apply the paste with a soft cloth, gently polishing the wood in the direction of the grain.
3. Buff: Buff the wood to a high shine with a clean, soft cloth.

Cleaning Other Furniture Types with Baking Soda

Baking soda's cleaning power extends beyond upholstery and wood.

Cleaning Metal Furniture

Baking soda can help remove tarnish and stains from metal furniture. Make a paste with baking soda and water, apply it with a soft cloth, then rinse and dry.

Cleaning Plastic Furniture

For plastic furniture, create a baking soda paste and gently scrub away any stains or marks. Rinse and dry completely.

Important Considerations When Using Baking Soda on Furniture

• Test in an Inconspicuous Area: Always test any cleaning solution, including baking soda, in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't damage the finish.
• Avoid Abrasive Scrubbing: Baking soda is mildly abrasive; avoid harsh scrubbing, especially on delicate surfaces.
• Dry Thoroughly: Always dry furniture thoroughly after cleaning to prevent water damage or mildew.
• For Tough Stains: Stubborn stains might require professional cleaning.

Conclusion

Baking soda is a safe and effective way to clean many types of furniture. Its natural cleaning and deodorizing properties make it a valuable addition to your cleaning arsenal. Remember to always test it in an inconspicuous area first, and avoid harsh scrubbing. With a little care, you can keep your furniture looking its best using this readily available household item!