We usually think of baking soda as an essential ingredient in cake and pastry baking. But did you know about its miraculous cleaning and deodorizing powers? Sodium bicarbonate, aka baking soda, has a mildly alkaline pH and works quickly when mixed with water, making it a perfect cleaning agent that easily breaks down dirt and grease.

Unlike many conventional products and sprays, baking soda is completely natural, non-toxic, and odorless, making it more environmentally friendly. Furthermore, it eliminates the need to buy expensive products for all kinds of cleaning.

Furthermore, when combined with white vinegar and lemon, the chemical reaction makes it a wonderful addition to even the most difficult cleaning tasks. To learn more about the benefits of baking soda, read our handy guide to baking soda and vinegar cleaning features.

In the meantime, here are 10 things you didn't know you could clean with baking soda and save time.

Cleaning an oven may seem like a daunting task, especially when it's badly stained with grease. But the humble baking soda has no tough job.

Simply pour the baking soda over the stove surface and the inside of the dirty oven and let it sit for five minutes. Then gently rub with a damp cloth until the grease is removed, and wipe clean with a soft cloth. This is not limited to ovens; you can also use baking soda to remove stains and odors in the way you clean a dishwasher or microwave oven.

Experts say that baking soda can remove 96% of pesticides and residues from fresh fruits and vegetables. Simply fill a large bowl with water and add a teaspoon of baking soda. Soak the fruits and vegetables in the water for 15 minutes, then gently rub the outer skin. Wash thoroughly before eating.

In addition to its magical cleaning powers, baking soda is a natural deodorizer, literally absorbing bad odors. Place an empty box or small jar of baking soda on a musty closet shelf or shoe shelf to get rid of unwanted odors. Another trick is to keep an empty box of baking soda in the refrigerator.

Cleaning supplies can also get dirty and need cleaning. Considering that dish sponges are number one on the list of the 10 dirtiest things in the kitchen, baking soda is the ultimate disinfectant. Simply mix four tablespoons of baking soda with one quart of warm water and soak the sponge or dish detergent for one minute. After rinsing, dry well.

Our carpets are exposed to a variety of stains, spills, and odors on a daily basis. Baking soda can be used to deal with all these stains at once. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the stain and gently blend it into the fibers with a brush. It helps to let the baking soda sit overnight before vacuuming the carpet. Also, if you splash water on the walls, know how to clean painted walls to remove stains.

Children's toys can get really filthy at the best of times, especially if they are in contact with mouths and hands all day. Baking soda is a safe way to disinfect toys. Simply mix four tablespoons of baking soda with one quart of warm water. Put this in a clean spray bottle and spray directly on the toy. Rinse well and pat dry with paper towels.

For a more vibrant color, baking soda can be used to brighten laundry. Simply add a cup of baking soda to the washing machine along with the liquid detergent. This will balance the pH and make the laundry cleaner, brighter, and smell fresher.

If you want to shine up dull stainless steel appliances, use baking soda to bring them back to shine. Simply mix a small amount of baking soda with water to make a paste. Next, rub the paste into the scratched or stained area of the stainless steel and leave it for about 20 minutes. Then wipe off the stain with a damp microfiber cloth.

Scrubbing off food from burnt pots and greasy pans is always a tedious task. When soap and water just won't get it off, baking soda can literally cut through the grease. In this case, baking soda must be combined with an acidic substance such as vinegar or lemon. This will cause a foaming reaction, which is necessary to loosen and float away burnt food and stubborn grease.

If the drain is clogged, baking soda can help dissolve or loosen the blockage. Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda and then 1/2 cup of vinegar down the drain. As you mix the baking soda and vinegar together, it should begin to bubble; wait 5 minutes, then run it under hot water to clear the clog. See also this guide on how to unclog a drain without using a plunger.