9 Ways to Use Baking Soda Outside, From Fighting Weeds to Cleaning the Grill

Freshen Outdoor Furniture

Baking soda can be used to clean outdoor cushions, says Autumn Turgeon, owner of Get It Together Cleaning Services. "Simply spray the cushions to get them damp, sprinkle with baking soda, and scrub in a circular motion with a damp rag," says Autumn Turgeon, owner of Get It Together Cleaning Services. "Feel free to add dish soap for extra cleaning punch and rinse well, then set them in the sun to dry and deodorize."

Raise the Alkalinity of Your Soil

Use baking soda to raise the pH level of your soil in a particular area by mixing one tablespoon per gallon of water. "Using a sprayer tank can help prepare an area for planting that may be too acidic, improve the health of alkaline-preferring plants, or even change the bloom color of hydrangeas to a more pinkish or reddish tint," says Brad LaFoy, land manager at Blackberry Mountain, a 5,200-acre resort in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.

Bid Adieu to Sidewalk Weeds

Weeds are a nuisance everywhere, but they can be especially irksome when sprouting up through the cracks in your sidewalk and driveway. Simply sprinkle baking soda onto these pesky intruders and straight into the cracks to kill current weeds and prevent others from sprouting.

Revive Garden Decorations

Is your garden gnome gang looking a little dingy? Is your bird bath in need of cleaning? Use baking soda and a damp cloth to remove dirt and other grime from your concrete and plastic lawn decor. Just be sure to avoid using baking soda on natural stone, such as limestone, granite, or marble.

Cut Through Grill Grease

Baking soda is ideal for cutting through grease because of its abrasiveness. It can tackle any remaining food on the grill grates plus, it deodorizes, too. "When cleaning the outside of a stainless steel grill, make sure to use a dampened rag with a sprinkle of baking soda and go with the grain of the steel," says Turgeon.

Prevent Fungal Infections

Spraying a mixture of baking soda and water on your plants may be used as a preventative measure to ward off fungal disease—such as powdery mildew—on certain plants. However, Nicole Dillon, micro flower farmer and owner at Breemar Flower Farm, suggests talking with an expert before taking this on yourself. "Researchers warn that the sodium content can be harmful to some plants in high concentrations," she says. 

Shine Up Your Outdoor Cooking Space

As with your indoor kitchen, baking soda is a pro at cleaning outdoor kitchens, too. "Sinks polish up nicely when scrubbing them with baking soda and adding a drop or two of dish soap," says Turgeon. Freshen up the stainless steel and stovetop of your outdoor kitchen with just a damp rag and some baking soda.

Treat an Insect Encounter

"Many people believe the acidity of a bee sting can be neutralized with a paste of water and baking soda, a known base," says Jerry Edwards, former president of the Georgia Beekeepers Association and owner of Castle Rock Honey. Mix baking soda and water to make a thick paste and cover your mosquito bites, bee stings, and other uncomfortable insect encounters. However, Edwards says vinegar is more effective if you’ve suffered the wrath of a wasp.   

Clean and Deodorize Trash Bins

If your outdoor bin smells foul, spray it down with water, spread one or two cups of baking soda inside and leave it to deodorize overnight. You might want to add a bit of dish soap before you go to scrub. 

“Truth is, baking soda won't deodorize like stronger chemicals will, but some people don't want to use bleach or other chemicals even when outside,” Turgeon says. “I personally don't mind using strong chemicals for things I'm cleaning outside, but I certainly don’t want to stick my head in a trash can if I’ve used bleach.”