Withered ginger can be a real treasure — don’t throw it away!

Even if your ginger looks dried, wrinkled, or has started sprouting, you don’t need to throw it away. With a little baking soda and boiling water, you can make a powerful, eco-friendly cleaner that’s gentle on your home and tough on grease and odors.

Ingredients

• Dried, soft, or sprouted ginger, sliced or chopped

• 1 tablespoon of baking soda per cup of ginger

• Boiling water

Easy Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Chop the ginger into small pieces.

2. Place the ginger in a clean container and add the baking soda.

3. Pour boiling water over the ginger and baking soda, then mix well.

4. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes.

5. Strain out the ginger and pour the liquid into a spray bottle.

Now you’ve got a natural, multipurpose cleaner that’s safe, budget-friendly, and easy to customize.

Where to Use Your Ginger Cleaner

• Kitchen surfaces and stovetops: Spray, let it sit for a few minutes, and wipe away grease easily.

• Metal fixtures and faucets: Spray, wait 10–15 minutes, then scrub lightly for a shiny finish.

• Spice jars: Remove sticky residue and freshen up your spice rack.

• Dishes and utensils: Cuts through grease and leaves dishes smelling fresh.

Why It Works

• Baking soda is a powerful degreaser and odor neutralizer.

• Ginger contains gingerol, which has antibacterial, deodorizing, and mild disinfectant effects—even in old or dried ginger.

Extra Tips for the Best Results

• Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (like lemon, lavender, or eucalyptus) for a pleasant scent.

• For extra disinfecting power on cutting boards or food-contact areas, add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar after the mixture cools and before straining.

• For tough odors (like in trash cans), spray and add a bit of lemon juice as you clean.

• Store your spray in the fridge for up to two weeks—discard if it changes smell or color.

• Use leftover ginger pieces as a deodorizer in your trash bin; just add more baking soda and water for a fresh boost.

How to Store Fresh Ginger

• Wrap in a dry paper towel and seal in a bag before refrigerating.

• Or, slice and freeze for longer storage—just thaw what you need.

By making the most of old ginger and a little baking soda, you’ll keep your home clean, fresh, and chemical-free—saving money and the environment at the same time. Just that.