10 tips for ecological cleaning that saves money and delivers impressive results

• Gently remove stubborn oven grime with baking soda

Baking soda is a natural degreaser and ideal for burnt-on spots. Apply a thick baking soda paste directly to soiled areas and let it work for several hours – preferably overnight. The residues can then be wiped away easily without using aggressive oven cleaners or harsh chemicals.

• Neutralise unpleasant fridge odours for the long term

Fridge odours often come from spoiled food or moisture. A small dish of pure baking soda traps odour particles reliably and keeps the internal climate fresh for longer. Replace the powder about every three months to maintain full effectiveness. This also works well in pantry or shoe cupboards.

• Clean sinks and drains naturally

Baking soda is ideal for gentle cleaning of stainless steel sinks and for combating smells in drains. Sprinkle the powder directly into the sink and clean with a sponge. For drains, add a generous amount of baking soda and then pour in vinegar – the foaming reaction mechanically removes deposits and eliminates odours. A safe, sustainable alternative to harsh drain cleaners.

• Restore shine to stainless steel surfaces

Stainless steel responds very well to baking soda. Sprinkle a little powder on a slightly damp cleaning sponge and polish surfaces in one direction for an even result. Wipe dry afterwards – and sinks, pots and surfaces will shine like new.

• Use baking soda in the bathroom

Baking soda paste is great for cleaning grout, tiles and soiled edges without damaging the surface. Mould spots can also be pretreated with a combination of baking soda and vinegar and then scrubbed away. In the toilet, baking soda removes deposits, neutralises odours and provides hygienic freshness – a natural alternative to strong toilet chemicals.

• Improve your laundry care – for whiter, fresher and odour‑free textiles

A small amount of baking soda boosts the performance of your detergent and helps achieve bright whites. It also neutralises persistent odours in sports, work or kitchen textiles. For stains, apply a baking soda paste directly to the affected area and let it sit briefly before washing. Just a few uses produce noticeable results.

• Remove odours and light soiling from carpets and upholstery

Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda on carpets, runners or upholstered furniture, leave it for several hours and then vacuum thoroughly. Baking soda binds odours deep in the fibres and refreshes even older textiles visibly. A real tip for households with pets or smokers.

• Tackle bad shoe odours reliably

Simply sprinkle some baking soda into shoes and leave overnight – in the morning shake out or vacuum the powder. Baking soda absorbs moisture and odour molecules without attacking materials. Especially helpful for frequently worn sports or work shoes.

• Use baking soda as a practical helper in the garden

Between paving stones, baking soda can inhibit weed growth if you sprinkle it dry on the affected areas. A mix of baking soda and sugar also attracts pests and reduces their presence around plants. Garden furniture made of plastic or wood can also be cleaned with a pasty application to restore shine.

• Benefit from baking soda as a sustainable replacement for many speciality cleaners

Baking soda replaces numerous conventional cleaning products, reduces plastic waste and lowers chemical loads in the home. Whether as an all‑purpose paste, oven cleaner, carpet freshener, silver polish or odour neutraliser – baking soda can do all this while being particularly gentle on materials. No substitute is as universal and controllable as baking soda, so it is worth integrating it consciously into daily cleaning.