Baking soda absorbs moisture slowly, but for noticeable results on surfaces like carpets or mattresses, you need to let it sit for at least a few hours to overnight, sometimes even up to 24 hours for very damp items or strong odors, before vacuuming it up. For general humidity in small spaces, it works gradually over time, but for significant moisture, materials like calcium chloride or silica gel are more effective desiccants.
While most people use it for cleaning or deodorising, it's also an excellent natural moisture absorber. Due to its porous structure, baking soda can trap excess water vapour from the air, helping to lower humidity levels in enclosed spaces.
MOISTEN: Wet a paper towel or washcloth with hot water, squeeze it so it's damp but not dripping, and cover the stain and baking soda. WAIT: Keeping the area damp and covered, allow the baking soda to sit for at least 3 hours, longer if possible.
One strategy to relieve itchiness is to use baking soda when bathing. According to the study mentioned above — and the National Eczema Association — you should add one-quarter cup of baking soda to a full tub of warm water (for an adult) and soak for 10 to 20 minutes. Make sure the water is lukewarm.
Blot to absorb excess moisture and leave to dry. Sprinkle with baking soda to let it absorb the remaining odours and dampness. Scrub in and leave for another few hours before vacuuming the area.
How to effectively absorb humidity in a room
Try leaving a plate of baking soda (not baking powder!) in the wardrobe overnight to absorb odours. If there's an improvement, but the smell's not gone completely, you can repeat this with a fresh batch of baking soda.
The "3-minute rule" for eczema is a key skincare guideline: apply moisturizer to damp skin within three minutes of getting out of a bath or shower to lock in moisture, strengthen the skin barrier, and prevent dryness and itching. This practice, recommended by dermatologists, involves gently patting the skin dry, leaving it slightly damp, and immediately applying a thick cream or ointment to seal in hydration, reducing eczema flare-ups and soothing the skin.
Leaving baking soda paste on the skin for too long can disturb the skin's natural oils and can even cause rashes and chemical burns on sensitive skin. If you notice your skin getting irritated from the solution, wash it off immediately.
Jing jie (schizonepeta bud or stem) and fang feng (ledebouriella root) are a classic combination to reduce itching and dispel wind. While some standard formula use dang gui (Chinese angelica root) for eczema, this herb should be avoided in acute cases as it may exacerbate the damp factors.
If the stain is oil-based, sprinkle the area with baking soda and let it sit for several hours or overnight, then wipe it away with a damp cloth.
Keep your carpets looking and smelling their best with nothing more than baking soda! Regular vacuuming is essential, but deep cleaning can be expensive. Adding a sprinkle of baking soda to the mix will help remove stains, dirt and neutralise odours caused by everyday wear-and-tear like shoes, pets or food spills.
Baking soda can help absorb excess moisture from clothes. This trick is especially useful for clothes that need quick drying, particularly in humid weather.
The longer you let the soda sit, the better. At an absolute minimum it should be left for 30 minutes. By doing this, the baking soda will absorb the moisture and odours embedded in the mattress.
Silica gel is one of the most commonly used natural desiccants. Despite its name, silica gel is a solid, granular, highly porous substance, making it an excellent material for absorbing moisture.
Opening Windows and Doors: Letting in fresh air can dehumidify a room. Opening interior doors helps improve air circulation, so your home is less humid. Run Fans: Ceiling fans are good at providing natural ventilation. They help air circulate and also promote evaporation.
You should not use baking soda to treat stomach upsets without specific direction from your healthcare provider. Stomach ruptures can occur with baking soda use after alcohol binging or a large meal.
The latest in a long line of misinformed social media beauty trends? "Washing your face with baking soda". As a board-certified dermatologist, please say no to this trend. While it's going viral, this kitchen staple can disrupt your skin's natural barrier and cause irritation—far from the glow people are hoping for.
IT IS AN IRRITANT
This increases the risk of rashes, burning and redness in the underarm area when using a traditional or natural deodorant that includes baking soda as an ingredient.
People with severe eczema may be low in vitamin D, some research shows. In studies on a very small number of people, eczema symptoms got better a month after they started taking vitamin D every day. The adult dose is 600 international units (IUs) a day. Infants and children up to the age of 12 can have 400 IUs.
When you have eczema or atopic dermatitis, it's key to use a moisturizer. Dry skin can often make eczema worse. Moisturizers lock in water and create a barrier against things that can irritate your skin. You can choose from plenty of products, but they're not the same.
Skin barrier and inflammatory changes in atopic patients may explain increased itch before bedtime.
Baking soda is milder than vinegar and may not work on more aggressive forms of mold. It does, however, have the added benefit of absorbing odors and any remaining residue can help prevent the mold from recurring.
4. Use Baking Soda. This natural odor absorber is perfect for carpets, shoes, trash cans, and even your fridge. Sprinkle it on a surface, let it sit for a few hours, and vacuum it up.
Consider investing in a dehumidifier and/or air purifier–particularly if the musty smells just keep coming back. Maintain–or start–a regular cleaning schedule. Cleaning regularly will ensure that dust, mold, and mildew don't build up and prevent musty smells from taking hold.