The Ultra Low-Cost, Ultra-Flexible, Multi-Purpose Cleaner: Baking Soda

Earlier in the week, WD-40 had its day in the sun, which got me thinking about my own favorite low-cost, multi-purpose cleaning product, baking soda.  Basically I use baking soda interchangeably for which I might use Comet or Ajax: scrubbing sinks, whether porcelain or stainless steel; getting the mysterious gunk that collects behind facets; scrubbing tubs or laminate counters.  The non-toxic composition of baking soda makes it especially suitable for cleaning the inside of a coffee pot, microwave or refrigerator, while its famous deodorizing ability accounts for the placement of open baking soda boxes in what must be billions of refrigerators worldwide.  I've had less success adding baking soda to litter boxes--the texture seemed to gum up after one use--and I'm skeptical of some uses sited on various online sources, such as using baking soda to clean jewelry or marble.  But one task at which baking soda really excels is removing coffee or tea stains from cups: just take a tablespoon or so, wet with water to make a paste, and wipe the stains clean away in a matter of seconds.