I Left a Common Pantry Staple Beside My Kitchen Sink for a Week
The sink area handles more than any other surface in the kitchen. Grease from pans, food scraps from plates, and strong odors from garlic and onions all pass through it. Even when dishes are washed right away, residue builds inside the drain and on surrounding surfaces.
Instead of storing baking soda in a cabinet, I placed a small dish of it beside the faucet and used it whenever the sink needed attention.
What I Actually Did
During the week, I used baking soda in three common situations.
- I poured some into the drain, followed it with vinegar, covered the opening, and flushed it with hot water after about thirty minutes.
- I sprinkled it over greasy pans after soaking them and added lemon to help break down the film.
- I also rubbed a small amount between my hands after handling strong-smelling ingredients.
Nothing else in my routine changed. I did not introduce new cleaners or tools.
What I Noticed
The drain stopped carrying the faint odor that usually appears after several heavy cooking days. The area around the sink felt neutral instead of carrying a lingering food scent.
Greasy pans released their surface film with less effort after soaking and adding baking soda. It did not replace dish soap, but it reduced the amount of scrubbing required.
On my hands, the smell of garlic and onion faded more completely than it does with soap alone. The difference was subtle but consistent across several days.
What That Suggests
Baking soda is alkaline, while many food odors are acidic. When they interact, the odor loses intensity. When mixed with vinegar or lemon, the reaction creates agitation that helps disturb light buildup inside drains and on cookware.
It does not clear serious clogs or remove hardened grease on its own. It works best as a preventative step before residue becomes heavy.
What This Taught Me
Keeping baking soda beside the sink changed how often I used it. Because it was visible and within reach, I applied it in small amounts throughout the week. Those small uses reduced the need for deeper cleaning later.
The change was not dramatic. It was steady and practical.