This humble ingredient in most kitchen cabinets can tackle many household tasks.

So, let’s explore everything you can clean with bicarb soda and discover why this pantry staple is a favourite tool of many expert cleaners.

Is Bicarbonate Soda the Same as Baking Powder?

Before we delve into the top ways to clean with bicarb soda, let’s quickly discuss baking soda vs baking powder.

Baking soda and baking powder are different despite having similar names and ingredients.

Baking soda is purely an alkaline compound that reacts when it comes into contact with acids.

This reaction creates bubbles of carbon dioxide, which can be useful for various cleaning tasks.

On the other hand, baking powder contains both an acid and a base (baking soda) and has different cooking uses.

The Top Ways To Clean With Bicarb Soda

Bicarb soda’s cleaning power is so versatile that it can practically do everything – from deodorising your fridge to scrubbing your bathroom clean.

Its unique chemical properties make it a potent cleaner, capable of tackling various tasks around the house.

So, what can you clean with baking soda?

• Eliminate bad smells
• Clean bathrooms
• Clean bedrooms
• Clean kitchens
• Clean upholstery and carpets
• Clean appliances
• Remove grime and rust
• Unclog drains
• Remove laundry stains
• Brighten yellowed pillows
• Clean garden furniture
• Clean and polish cutlery

Prevent or eliminate bad smells

For the kitchen

Everyday kitchen items such as sponges or plasticware can get really smelly with use.

Sprinkling baking soda on kitchen surfaces, such as a chopping board, and scrubbing them can help remove any lingering smells.

For difficult stains and odours on plasticware, it’s recommended that you make a mixture of hot water and baking soda and let it soak overnight.

For the bedroom

Keep your closet and drawers fresh by placing a small jar or cloth bag of baking soda inside.

This will absorb odours and keep musty smells at bay.

For the rubbish bin

This is one of the most overlooked places when cleaning a house.

Keep your rubbish bin free from funky smells by sprinkling a small amount of bicarb soda in it once a week.

This is especially useful in the kitchen bin, as baking soda is powerful enough to absorb more pungent smells.

Clean your bathroom

Rubbing baking soda with a rag or sponge is a fool-proof way of removing soap scum and keeping your bathroom clean.

You can use baking soda, aka bicarbonate of soda, to clean toilets, shower curtains, bathroom fixtures, bathtubs, shower doors, tiling and more.

Need help with cleaning tile grout? Mix lemon juice and bicarb soda to form a paste you can brush along the grout lines. Leave it on for a few minutes, then simply wipe it off.

If you need something a bit stronger, you can use bleach as an alternative to lemon juice.

Clean bedrooms with ease

Baking soda can be a game-changer in maintaining a fresh and clean bedroom.

To refresh musty mattresses, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over them and let sit for at least an hour or overnight to absorb odours and moisture.

Vacuum the powder away to reveal a fresher surface.

If your bedroom has tarnished picture frames, a baking soda and water paste can restore their shine.

Clean the kitchen without bleach

You can clean your kitchen effectively by incorporating bicarb soda into your cleaning routine.

It’s cost-efficient and eco-friendly, making it a great alternative to chemical cleaners.

Surfaces and benchtops

Bicarb soda is a mild abrasive, which makes it perfect for cleaning kitchen benchtops and other surfaces.

To clean your benchtops, sprinkle some bicarb soda on a damp cloth or sponge and scrub the surface.

Once done, rinse with warm water and wipe it dry.

Stovetop and oven

Burnt-on food can be tough to remove from kitchen appliances and surfaces.

But with bicarb soda, cleaning your stove top and oven becomes easy.

Sprinkle bicarb soda on the stained areas and let it sit for 15–30 minutes.

Scrub gently with a cloth or sponge and wipe it clean.

For stubborn stains, let the bicarb soda settle overnight and scrub it clean the following day.

Sink and drains

To clean your kitchen sink and drains, pour half a cup of bicarb soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of white vinegar.

Let it bubble for 15–20 minutes, then rinse with boiling water.

This process will not only clean your drains, but also unclog them.

Microwave

Cleaning the microwave can be a hassle, but bicarb soda can simplify this task.

Mix two tablespoons of bicarb soda with a cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl, and heat it for three minutes.

The steam will help loosen food splatters, and the bicarb soda will help deodorise the microwave.

Once the bowl cools down, use the liquid to clean the microwave’s interior.

Refrigerator

Bicarb soda is excellent for eliminating odours.

To freshen up your fridge, open a box of bicarb soda and place it in a corner of your fridge.

Change the box every month for a consistently fresh and odour-free refrigerator.

Pots and pans

To clean pots and pans (and remove burnt-on food!), sprinkle baking soda onto the burnt area and add enough water to form a paste.

Let it sit for a few hours or overnight.

The bicarb soda will break down the burnt food, making it easier to scrub away.

Clean upholstery and carpets

Baking soda is the ultimate natural cleaning solution for cleaning and freshening the carpet.

Not only can it be sprinkled onto the smelly carpet and vacuumed up to dissolve odours, but it is also great for stain removal.

Make a paste or sprinkle it on the stain, then rub it in or blot it with a wet rag or towel. It lifts most stains quickly and easily.

Sodium bicarbonate can also do wonders for cleaning upholstered chairs and other furniture.

Appliance cleaning aid

Bicarb soda is one of the most popular homemade oven cleaners, and for a good reason.

With white vinegar, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of baking soda, you can have a natural cleaner rivalling commercial cleaning sprays!

You can also apply baking soda to a damp sponge to scrub your microwave clean of food residue.

That’s not all. You can make your dishwasher cleaner and fresher with a dash of baking soda at the bottom.

What can’t bicarb soda handle, right?

Rust and Grime Removal

Using bicarb soda (baking soda) to remove rust and grime is an effective and environmentally friendly approach. 

Here’s how you can harness its power:

Removing Rust:

1. Make a baking soda and water paste: Combine bicarb soda with water in a 3:1 ratio (three parts baking soda to one part water) to create a thick paste. You want the consistency to be spreadable but not runny.
2. Apply to the rust: Apply the paste directly onto the rusted area with a cloth or sponge. You can use an old toothbrush to work the paste into crevices and small spaces.
3. Let it sit: Allow the paste to sit on the rust for about 20–30 minutes. You can let it sit for a few hours for more severe rust.
4. Scrub: After letting it sit, scrub the area with a brush (an old toothbrush or a soft scrubbing brush) using circular motions. The rust should start to lift away from the metal.
5. Rinse and Dry: Wash off the paste with water. Ensure you dry the item thoroughly to prevent further rusting.

Removing Grime:

1. Wet the surface: Dampen the grimy area slightly with water. This will help the bicarb soda adhere better.
2. Sprinkle bicarb soda: Generously sprinkle bicarb soda over the grime. If dealing with vertical surfaces, you can make a slightly thinner paste than the one used for rust removal.
3. Scrub gently: Using a sponge or brush, gently scrub the area in circular motions. The abrasive nature of the bicarb soda will help lift away the grime.
4. Leave it on: For particularly tough grime, leave the bicarb soda on for 15–20 minutes before scrubbing.
5. Rinse with warm water: Wash away the bicarb soda with clean water and dry the surface.

Both rust and grime can be stubborn, so you might need to repeat the process or leave the bicarb soda on longer to achieve the best results.

However, bicarb soda is a gentle abrasive, making it suitable for many surfaces without the risk of causing damage.

Unclog drains

Bicarb soda and vinegar react together to break down grease and grime that clogs your drains.

Pour half a cup of bicarb soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar.

Wait 15-20 minutes, then rinse with hot water.

Remove tough laundry stains

Bicarb soda can help lift stubborn stains from clothes. 

Make a paste with bicarb soda and water, apply it to the stain, let it sit, and then wash as usual.

Brighten yellowed pillows

Mix 1 cup of bicarb soda with the laundry detergent of your choice.

Wash your pillows in this mixture to help restore their original colour.

Clean garden furniture

Make a solution with 1 cup of bicarb soda and 4 litres of water.

Use this solution to scrub down your outdoor furniture and make it look new again.

Clean and polish cutlery

Create a paste with three parts bicarb soda to one part water.

Rub the paste onto each piece of silver, rinse thoroughly, and then dry.

You’ll do the same steps to polish cutlery, but you need to gently rub the paste onto each piece with a soft cloth.

Allow the paste to sit for a few minutes, then rinse each piece thoroughly with warm water.

Dry with another clean, soft cloth, and buff as you go to reveal beautifully polished silverware that looks as good as new.

FAQs About Bicarb Soda Cleaning Hacks

What do you mix with bicarbonate of soda to clean?

Bicarbonate of soda (bicarb soda or baking soda) can be mixed with several other household items to enhance its cleaning power:

• Water: A simple paste of bicarb soda and water can effectively remove stains and act as a mild abrasive for surfaces.
• White vinegar: Combining bicarb soda and vinegar produces a bubbly reaction. This mixture is great for unclogging drains and as a general-purpose cleaner.
• Lemon juice: Lemon juice and bicarb soda can be mixed to create a natural disinfectant and cleaner, suitable for various surfaces and leaving a pleasant, fresh scent.
• Hydrogen peroxide: Combining bicarb soda and hydrogen peroxide can work wonders on tough stains, such as grout or stained white clothing. But be careful when using this substance, as it can discolour or damage surfaces if used incorrectly.

What should not be cleaned with baking soda?

Bicarb soda is a versatile cleaner, but it’s not suitable for everything:

• Aluminium cookware: Baking soda can react with aluminium, making the cookware discoloured.
• Antique silver: While baking soda can polish silver, it can be too abrasive for antique or intricately designed pieces, potentially damaging the finish.
• Some ceramic and glass stove tops: Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines, as the abrasive nature of bicarb soda can leave scratches.
• Hair: Some people try using bicarb soda as a hair cleaner or clarifier. However, its alkaline nature can disrupt the scalp’s pH balance, leading to dryness and potential breakage.
• Wood: Bicarb soda can be too abrasive and might damage the finish on wooden furniture and floors.

Always test on an inconspicuous spot when trying bicarb soda on a new material or surface.

The post Bicarb Soda Cleaning: Everything You Can Clean With It appeared first on Maid2Match.

They hold the reputation of miracle workers in the kitchen, responsible for those fluffy pancakes, crispy cookies, and perfectly risen bread.

But their magic extends beyond culinary endeavours.

These substances have potent cleaning capabilities that make them worthy of a spot in your cleaning arsenal.

So, which one is more effective when it comes to cleaning?

Are they interchangeable, or does each have its unique niche?

How are Baking Powder and Baking Soda Different?

On a basic level, baking soda and baking powder differ in their chemical composition and taste.

Baking Soda

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate or bicarb soda, is a base mineral that reacts when it comes into contact with acids.

The reaction leads to the production of carbon dioxide gas, which can produce bubbles in baking or, in cleaning, can help to dislodge grime and dirt.

Baking soda’s alkaline nature enables it to react with acids in stains and dirt, making it a more potent cleaning agent than baking powder.

It’s such an awesome cleaning agent that house cleaning experts recommend it as a green alternative when you want to make your home spotless and fresh-smelling.

Notes on Taste

If you’ve tried baking soda to whiten your teeth, you’ll know it has a salty and slightly bitter aftertaste.

In recipes, baking soda is usually mixed with acidic ingredients to produce a gas-forming chemical reaction.

pH Level of Baking Soda

Baking soda is an alkaline substance, meaning it has a pH level higher than 7 (which is considered neutral).

The pH of a saturated solution of baking soda in water at room temperature (25°C) is approximately 8.3.

This alkalinity is what allows baking soda to neutralise acids, making baking soda the better choice for cleaning.

Baking Powder

On the other hand, baking powder is a mixture that contains baking soda, leavening agents (usually starch) and an acidifying agent (like cream of tartar).

Simply put, baking powder is still baking soda with a fluffy texture and additional acidic ingredients.

When moistened, baking powder undergoes a chemical reaction that releases carbon dioxide gas, much like baking soda.

This double action — an initial reaction when wet and a secondary reaction when heated — makes baking powder an excellent leavening agent in baking.

However, when it comes to cleaning, the presence of acidic ingredients in baking powder often makes it less effective than baking soda.

Notes on Taste

Baking powder has a base and an acid, but it doesn’t mean it tastes bitter and sour simultaneously. 

In fact, baking powder has a neutral taste, at least compared to baking soda.

pH Level of Baking Powder

Baking powder is generally neutral in pH.

This is because it’s a mixture of a weak acid (often cream of tartar or a similar acid salt) and a base (baking soda or a similar alkali).

When dry, these two components don’t react with each other.

However, when baking powder is mixed with a liquid, the acid and base react to produce carbon dioxide — allowing baked goods to rise.

Best Ways to Use Baking Soda for Cleaning Purposes

Baking powder may be more popular among home bakers, but baking soda is the darling of home cleaners.

Google ‘natural cleaning ingredients’, and you’ll see that baking soda is the star in almost every homemade cleaning recipe.

Natural Deodoriser

Sprinkle baking soda in your trash bin, shoes, or refrigerator to remove unpleasant smells.

Baking soda neutralises both acid and basic odours for a natural deodorisation.

Kitchen Scrub

Make a paste of baking soda and water to scrub away tough kitchen stains.

It’s non-abrasive, making it safe to use on stainless steel sinks and cookware and to clean your stovetop.

Bathroom Cleaner

The same baking soda paste used in the kitchen can be used to clean toilets, bathtubs, and sinks.

It removes grime and leaves surfaces shining.

Carpet Cleaner

Sprinkle baking soda over your carpet, let it sit for 15–20 minutes, and then vacuum it up to remove household odours and freshen up your carpet.

Laundry Booster

Add 170g of baking soda to your laundry to brighten colours, soften fabrics, and remove unpleasant odours.

Drain Cleaner

Pour 170g of baking soda down a clogged drain, followed by 170g of white vinegar.

Wait 15–20 minutes, and then rinse with hot water.

The chemical reaction between baking soda and white vinegar can help to break up clogs.

Silver Polish

Add a paste of baking soda and water to clean sterling silverware with a damp cloth.

Rinse off and dry for a natural and non-toxic silver polish.

FAQs on Cleaning with Baking Powder and Baking Soda

Can baking powder be used as a cleaner?

Baking powder can be used as a cleaner, but baking soda is more effective.

The reason is that baking powder already contains an acidifying agent (such as cream of tartar), and its cleaning power relies on the chemical reaction between an alkaline (base) substance and acid. 

Since baking powder already has both base and acid components, its reactivity and cleaning effectiveness are generally lower than baking soda.

What can you not clean with baking soda?

While baking soda is a versatile cleaning agent, it’s not suitable for every surface or material:

• Aluminium cookware: Baking soda can cause aluminium to oxidise, leading to discolouration.
• Antique silver (non-sterling silver): It can be too abrasive and potentially scratch the surface. It’s safer to use a proper silver polish.
• Certain types of hardwood floors and furniture: It could damage the finish, especially if it’s not properly diluted.
• Delicate surfaces or those prone to scratching: Baking soda is mildly abrasive, so it’s always a good idea to do a patch test before using it on new material.

Can I use baking powder to remove stains?

Baking powder is not as effective as baking soda for removing stains.

The reason is that baking powder contains both an acid and a base, neutralising its reactivity – the property that gives baking soda its cleaning power.

That said, baking powder can still be used for light cleaning tasks or minor stains.

To use it, sprinkle a small amount on the stain, moisten it with water to create a paste, gently scrub, and then rinse.

However, baking soda or a specialised cleaning product will likely be more effective for heavy or deep stains.

Can I mix baking powder and lemon juice for cleaning?

Mixing baking powder and lemon juice for cleaning can have some effect, but it may not be as potent as using baking soda instead of baking powder.

So, you’re better off using baking soda and some lemon juice.

This combination can be a powerful cleaning agent due to the reaction between the citric acid in the lemon juice and the alkaline baking soda, which produces a fizzing action.

Soda-t’s What It’s For!

While baking soda and baking powder share some similarities, their differences make baking soda the superior option for cleaning.

Its ability to react with a wide range of stains and odours, coupled with its non-abrasive nature, makes it a versatile and safe cleaning agent.

So, the next time you’re looking for an effective, natural, and affordable cleaning solution, don’t overlook that box of baking soda sitting in your pantry.

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