Cleaning products
Cleaning with baking soda: Introduction
Hey there, fellow cleaning enthusiasts!
Are you tired of spending a fortune on cleaning products that are harsh on your wallet and the environment? If so, then you need to learn the power of the most common cleaning agent that you can find around your home, baking soda.
In this blog post, I’ll show you how to clean with baking soda like a pro. You’ll learn the many benefits of using baking soda for cleaning and how it can help you achieve a sparkling clean home without breaking the bank.
Follow this easy process, and you’ll be on your way to becoming a baking soda cleaning master in no time. Not only will you save money and reduce your carbon footprint, but you’ll also feel confident in your cleaning abilities.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in and discover the wonders of cleaning with baking soda!
What is baking soda?
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is one of the most versatile and helpful products that you can keep around your home. It has been used for centuries for cooking, cleaning, and even personal hygiene. It’s a natural and eco-friendly alternative to harsh chemical cleaners, and has a host of benefits when it comes to cleaning your home.
From removing stains, deodorizing your carpets and even unclogging drains, without any of the toxic effects associated with some other cleaning chemicals, baking soda is a must-have ingredient in any cleaning arsenal. Plus, it’s incredibly safe to store and use, so you don’t have to worry about any dangerous risks while using it around the house.
Other cleaning products
Are you looking to discover other cleaning products and their use cases? Read our guides on cleaning with lemon juice, vinegar, baking soda, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, olive oil, essential oils, castile soap, salt and cornstarch. Click the links above and master these great cleaning solutions.
Why is baking soda good for cleaning?
Here’s why baking soda makes such a great cleaning agent:
- It’s natural and non-toxic and it won’t harm the environment.
- It’s non toxic so it’s safe around children and pets
- It can help to reduce hard water spots on surfaces.
- It deodorizes small spaces like refrigerators and microwaves quickly.
- Its abrasive texture helps to scrub surfaces without damaging them.
- It can break down tough stains from pet accidents or mold buildup on surfaces.
- It’s affordable so you don’t have to break the bank
- It’s easy to remove once you’ve finished cleaning. You can simply vacuum up any excess baking soda with ease.
Different type of sodas
For those looking for an even safer option, there are a variety of other soda-ish solutions on the market that can be used as alternatives.
Borax is a natural mineral compound that is often used in combination with baking soda to create powerful cleaning solutions. Borax is also less toxic than chemical-based cleaners and is more gentle on surfaces like countertops and tile floors.
Washing soda is another great substitute for baking soda when tackling tough stains or odors from carpets or upholstery. Washing soda has a slightly higher pH than baking soda and is slightly more alkaline. It’s perfect for deep cleaning without having to worry about harsh chemicals.
What not to combine with baking soda
Combining baking soda with certain chemicals can lead to dangerous chemical reactions, so be sure to check product labels for safety before using them together.
Baking soda and acidic substances: One of the most important things to avoid mixing with baking soda is any acidic substances, such as vinegar, lemon juice, or citric acid. When baking soda is combined with an acid, it can create a chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide gas, which can lead to bubbling, foaming, or even explosions in some cases.
Baking soda and bleach: Another substance to avoid mixing with baking soda is bleach, as this can create toxic chlorine gas that can be harmful if inhaled.
What should you not clean with baking soda
Baking soda is a versatile and useful cleaner for many household items, but there are certain items you shouldn’t clean with it due to the risk of damage or harm. Here are some of the items that should not be cleaned with baking soda:
- Antique silver: Baking soda can scratch and damage the delicate surface of antique silver, potentially reducing its value and beauty.
- Marble: Baking soda is abrasive and can scratch and dull the surface of marble, which is a relatively soft and porous material.
- Quartz countertops: Like with marble, baking soda is abrasive and can scratch and dull the surface of quartz or marble countertops.
- Ceramic cooktop: Baking soda can scratch and damage the surface of ceramic cooktops, making them more difficult to clean in the future.
- Aluminum: Baking soda can cause discoloration and pitting on the surface of aluminum, which can reduce its durability and lifespan.
- Gold-plated items: Baking soda can scratch and wear away the thin layer of gold on gold-plated items, making them appear dull and less valuable.
- Wood furniture: Baking soda can strip away the protective finish on wood furniture, causing it to become dry and prone to cracking and splitting.
- Hardwood floors and wood furniture: Baking soda can strip away the protective finish on wood surfaces, causing them to become dry and prone to cracking and splitting.
- Anything with deep grooves or cracks: Baking soda can become trapped in deep grooves or cracks, making it difficult to remove and potentially causing damage to the item.
- Your skin and hair: Baking soda is too harsh and abrasive for use on the delicate skin and hair on your body.
- Clear acrylic furniture and accessories: Baking soda can scratch and damage the surface of clear acrylic, making it appear cloudy and less transparent.
- Computers and computer screens, keyboards: Baking soda can cause damage to the delicate electronics inside computers and keyboards, potentially causing them to malfunction.
- Glass and mirrors: While baking soda can be used to clean glass and mirrors, it can leave behind a residue if not rinsed off thoroughly.
- Glass/mirrors: As mentioned earlier, baking soda can leave behind a residue if not rinsed off thoroughly when cleaning glass and mirrors.
What is baking soda best for
Here are some of the best things to clean with baking soda:
Kitchen:
- All-purpose scrubber
- Kitchen grease cleaner
- Clean mugs and china
- Clean tile grout
- Clean Tupperware
- Remove hard water stains
- Remove gunk on pots and pans
- Cutting board deodorizer
- Remove soap scum
- Dishwasher cleaner
- Stovetop cleaner
- Freshen fridge
- Microwave cleaner
- Clean oven
- Reduce smells in the fridge and freezer
- Clean a stainless-steel sink
- Maintain your stovetop
- De-grease your oven door
- Remove tea stains from mugs
- Use baking soda to clean your dishwasher
- Remove baked-on residue from pans
- Descale a kettle
Bathroom:
- Drains cleaner
- Shower limescale remover
- Clean toilets
- Toothbrush cleaner
- Whiten grout
- Replace your cream cleaner wit bicarbonate of soda
- Use baking soda to make your own bathroom scrub
- Deodorize cutting boards
- Unclog drains
- Wash the inside of your washing machine
- Mildew in your bathroom
- Clean your bathroom with baking soda
- Use baking soda to clean your hairbrushes and combs
Living Room:
- Refresh carpet and upholstery
- Closet freshener
- Clean dirty rugs and carpets
- Shine silver ornaments and fittings
- Make your own version of Febreze
- Remove smells from a sofa
- Freshen up smelly sponges
Outdoor:
- Wax free flooring cleaner
- Lawn furniture cleaner
- Grill cleaner
- Chrome polisher
- Bug repellent
- Weed control
- Plastic outdoor furniture cleaner
Laudry Room:
- Add a laundry booster
- Laundry brightener
- Carpet stain remover
- Rug deodorizer
- Vacuum cleaner odor remover
- Clean shoes
- Use bicarb to clean your clothes
- Brighten whites with baking soda
Bedroom:
- Deodorize stinky shoes
- Freshen mattress
Pet Area:
- Litter box deodorizer
- Pet bedding deodorizer
Miscellaneous:
- Eliminate smells
- Unclog a toilet
- Polish silverware
- Remove soap scum remover
- Air freshener
- Sterling silver jewelry cleaner
- Exfoliating scrub
- Foot soak
- Chlorine remover
- Toothpaste
- Small hole repair
- Water spot remover
- Dingy laundry
- An oil spill on your garage floor
- A messy BBQ grill
- Dirty patio furniture
- A dank linen closet
- Dull jewellery
- Rubbish bin smells
- Stained and smelly plastic food containers
- A foul-smelling fridge
- Unrinsed fruit and veggies
- A filthy kitchen
- Stale-smelling sponges
- Musty upholstery and carpets
- A smelly pet bed
- Grimy toys
- A crayon-covered wall
- Dusty stuffed toy
- Trash
- Mattresses
- Silver jewelry and silverware
- Walls
- Grill grates
- Toys
How to stay safe when working with baking soda
Storing baking soda: Baking soda should always be stored in an airtight container and away from moisture.
Safety precautions: Be careful not to get baking soda in your eyes or mouth when using it for cleaning.
How to make a baking soda cleaning solution
To make the baking soda solution, simply mix one part baking soda with two parts water until the mixture is thick and pasty.
Once mixed, you can apply it directly to any surface that needs cleaning. When scrubbing away dirt, be sure to use a soft cloth or sponge. For tough areas, allow the solution to sit for fifteen minutes before scrubbing for optimal results.
How to remove odor with baking soda
Baking soda is also useful for odor removal in fabrics like carpets or upholstery. Sprinkle baking soda over the affected area and let sit for several hours before vacuuming up the residue. This will leave your fabrics smelling fresh and clean!
Does baking soda disinfect?
While there are many common misconceptions about baking soda, the truth is that while it can be used as a mild abrasive cleaner, it doesn’t actually disinfect surfaces.
What cleaners can baking soda substitute entirely
Baking soda can be used as a substitute for many common cleaners. Here are just some of the ways you can make use of this incredible cleaner:
Baking soda is a great replacement for dish soap, helping to remove food residue from dishes without any harsh chemicals.
It can be used as a laundry detergent alternative – simply add a ½ cup of baking soda to your wash cycle to boost cleaning power without resorting to artificial fragrances or dyes.
You can even use baking soda as an oven cleaner; simply make a paste with water and use a damp cloth to scrub away built up grease and grime.
Does baking soda kill ants?
Baking soda is an effective ant repellent and can be used as a natural pesticide in the home. It can also be used for ant proofing by creating barriers that ants are unable to cross.
Sprinkle baking soda along the edges of window sills or doorways where you’ve seen ants coming in and out of your home. You’ll want to make sure the powder is applied in a continuous line around these entry points.
For added protection, mix equal parts baking soda with some flour and spread this mixture along any cracks or crevices where ants may be entering your home. This will create an impenetrable barrier that will keep them away.
If you already have an infestation in your home, you can use a paste made from baking soda and water to kill the ants directly. Simply mix together baking soda with water until it forms a thick paste. Spread the paste wherever you’ve seen ants congregating and within a few days they should start to disappear.
For long-term protection against ant invasions, you can use baking soda as a deterrent by sprinkling it around areas where you think they may be nesting or gathering food, such as around pet food dishes or near garbage cans. The smell of the baking soda will discourage them from entering those areas and eventually they will find somewhere else to go.
Additionally, if there are any outside plants or trees that seem to attract more than their fair share of ants, sprinkle some baking soda around their base – this should help keep them at bay!
How to clean with baking soda
- Scrubbing: Baking soda can be used as a gentle abrasive to scrub surfaces. Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to create a paste, and use it to scrub sinks, tubs, and other surfaces.
- Deodorizing: Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can be used to eliminate odors. Sprinkle baking soda on carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces, let it sit for a few minutes, and then vacuum it up.
- Stain removal: Baking soda can be used to remove stains from fabrics and other surfaces. Create a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water, and apply it to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes before washing or wiping away.
- Oven cleaning: Baking soda can be used to clean the inside of your oven. Mix baking soda with water to create a paste, and apply it to the interior of your oven. Let it sit for several hours or overnight, and then wipe away with a damp cloth.
- Drain cleaning: Baking soda can be used to clean and freshen drains. Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let it fizz for a few minutes, and then flush the drain with hot water.
- Silverware polishing: Baking soda can be used to polish silverware. Mix baking soda with water to create a paste, and apply it to your silverware with a soft cloth. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean cloth.
How to store baking soda
Baking soda should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It should be kept away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight as these can cause it to break down. It should also be kept away from strong odors, as baking soda is highly absorbent and can absorb odors from its surroundings.
You shouldn’t clean the following items with baking soda. Briefly explain why you shouldn’t clean them. What dangers are there for the material and for people? Be concise, on point, relevant and clear. Explain it clearly in easy human terms.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’ve made it to the end of the article! By now, you should have learned how to clean with baking soda effectively and efficiently. Cleaning with baking soda is a simple yet powerful way to keep your home clean and sparkling without the use of harsh chemicals.
I hope that you found this article informative and helpful. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our cleaning services, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of experts is always ready to help you achieve a clean and healthy living environment.
Thank you for reading, and happy cleaning!
