Baking soda isn't just for making cookies or cakes. It isn't just for taming the powerful whiff of broccoli while it cooks. Because it is made from soda ash, it is slightly alkaline, with a pH of 8.1. It neutralizes acid-based odors in water, and absorbs odors from the air. I don't ever let my kitchen run out of baking soda, because it has so many uses outside of the kitchen as much as inside it; for instance:

• For cleaning your oven or enameled surfaces: If you've got dried food stuck on these, simply make a paste with baking soda and water and rub it in. If the stain/dried food has hardened, leave the paste on for a half hour and rub with a soft scrub. Repeat if necessary. The same treatment works well for casserole dishes and the pot bottoms.
• Unclog your drains by pouring a cup of baking soda into it, then follow up with a cup of vinegar. Wait five minutes, then follow up with several cups of boiling water.
• Add baking soda to your wash, to keep your kitchen linens and towels fresh-smelling.
• A paste of baking soda and water is great for polishing silver as well.
• And of course, baking soda is a must for absorbing refrigerator odors. Keep an open box in your fridge and freezer at all times.