Baking soda and bay leaves can be combined into a versatile homemade cleaning mixture that serves as a low-cost alternative to commercial household products, according to Hungarian lifestyle website startlap.hu. The simple combination relies on common kitchen ingredients to sanitize surfaces, eliminate stubborn room odours, and reduce moisture.
Bay leaves have long been recognised for their natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, as well as their fresh scent, which helps maintain a pleasant fragrance indoors. Meanwhile, baking soda, chemically known as sodium bicarbonate, absorbs lingering smells, cuts through grime without scratching surfaces, and absorbs excess humidity.
Sodium bicarbonate is a mild alkaline compound frequently used in baking and natural cleaning because it neutralises acidic odour compounds. Bay leaves, derived from the sweet bay tree, contain natural essential oils such as eugenol and cineole that provide natural antimicrobial qualities.
Preparation of the liquid spray cleaner
To make the liquid surface spray, boil approximately 10 bay leaves in one litre of water for several minutes before straining out the leaves. Add baking soda to the strained liquid, allow the solution to cool to a comfortably warm temperature, and pour it into a spray bottle.
This solution acts as a multi-purpose cleaner designed to cut through grease and remove bad smells across the home. It is particularly suitable for wiping down kitchen countertops, sinks, and cooking hobs.
For dry applications, crushed bay leaves are mixed with baking soda and placed in small bowls or cloth sachets. This dry mix eliminates unpleasant scents inside wardrobes, shoes, near refuse bins, and on soft furnishings such as carpets and furniture covers. To clean carpets, sprinkle the dry mixture across the fabric, leave it for several hours, and vacuum it thoroughly.
Natural pest repellent and related home tips
The aromatic properties of bay leaves also serve as a natural repellent against insects, particularly cockroaches. To create a pest repelling spray, combine the juice of half a lemon, bay leaves, baking soda, and cloves in one litre of hot water, then allow the mixture to cool before spraying it in affected areas.
The recommendations follow previous cleaning advice published by the platform, where experts detailed how to clean oven glass without taking the door apart using basic tools and clever techniques. Experienced homemakers also shared that spraying an entrance door with vinegar removes dirt while simultaneously keeping unwanted bugs away.
