May 6, 2026, 11:03 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Even in Grandma’s time, it was known that home remedies make a difference when cleaning. Baking soda is undoubtedly one of the underrated heroes. The fine, white powder doesn’t seek attention through scent or exciting packaging–it shines with its quiet cleaning power. In every room? myHOMEBOOK tested its special effect on kitchen cabinets.
The Underrated Household All-Rounder
Baking soda is a true all-rounder. It has been valued as a leavening agent in baking for centuries (such as an ingredient in baking powder), and in households, it is used in a slightly different form as a component of cleaning or laundry detergents. Dr. Bernd Glassl from the Industrieverband Körperpflege- und Waschmittel e.V. confirmed to myHOMEBOOK that the substance is especially known for its odor-neutralizing and grease-dissolving effects.
Incidentally, baking soda itself is odorless–probably why it has been increasingly replaced by fragrant, perfumed commercial products in recent decades. These leave a light scent after cleaning, which can enhance the feeling of cleanliness.
As today’s focus shifts back to sustainability, Grandma’s secret tip is slowly but surely finding its way back into cleaning supply drawers. Baking soda is also said to work wonders in the kitchen, helping cabinets achieve sparkling cleanliness. We’re testing to see what’s really true.
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Baking Soda as a Kitchen Hero?
In the cooking zone, there’s frying and sautéing, with water and greasy ingredients in play. It’s almost inevitable that over time, splatters, streaks, water spots, and fingerprints will appear on kitchen cabinets. This starting point is perfect for our test: no heavy dirt, but a film of grease and grime. We want to know: Can baking soda eliminate dirt and restore dull surfaces to their former shine?
The preparation is deliberately minimalist. For the DIY cleaning solution, we dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of warm water. For tougher stains, some grated soap can be added, but we forgo this to focus entirely on the effect of the baking soda.
Also interesting: How to easily make cleaning products yourself
Even with the first wipe using a regular cloth, the power of the unassuming cleaning solution unfolds. Grease dissolves almost effortlessly, without needing to apply pressure. The surface remains pleasantly untouched, with no dull streaks or artificial shine. Instead, a clear, natural finish emerges. Baking soda works quietly but effectively, thoroughly without being aggressive. The result remains consistently good. The cabinet fronts quickly gain clarity, and the strength of the solution is evident on surfaces and around handles. Even older deposits can be gently removed.
The Conclusion
The self-experiment illustrates: Baking soda is not an aggressive miracle worker, but an efficient, gentle companion in everyday life. For smaller stains on kitchen fronts, the prepared solution shows its full power. Only larger, baked-on stains, which are rather rare on kitchen cabinets, sometimes push it to its limits.