Baking soda is an inexpensive but effective tool in any household cleaning arsenal, which can help lift stains, remove bad odors and usually clean. You can use baking soda on many surfaces in your home, but it can be abrasive, which means that some materials may discolour or be damaged.
Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is a chemical compound of the formula NaHCO 3.
The fine white powder, also known as baking soda, is often used as a leavening agent for baking, but more and more we use it around our homes.
Baking soda can help move stains, make surfaces shine and even remove bad odors.
However, baking soda is not a cleaning agent for all surfaces, and any use of it should be wary of the effects it may have.
Read more: Spring cleaning: 5 expert tips and tricks to clean your spring
With any cleaning product, you need to pay attention to what your baking soda mixes, as the chemicals that result from this can cause bottles to explode.
If you mix baking soda with an acid such as vinegar or lemon juice, it can create gas, which if stored in a closed container can burst or injure you or someone with it.
Before using any cleaning agent on a surface, it is best to check if it is suitable or can cause damage.
There are different things that should not be cleaned with baking soda, and it is as follows.
2. Aluminum cookware
Although many metal surfaces can be cleaned with baking soda, never use them to clean aluminum pots and pans.
When baking soda comes in contact with aluminum, the alkaline solution of baking soda reacts with the aluminum.
This can cause your pots and pans to discolour.
Instead, you can use hot water and dish soap, or for any stubborn stains, white vinegar or lemon juice will be a treat.
3. Antique silverware
Many brag about the shiny baking soda can give silverware, but you have to be careful.
Some experts advise you to use baking soda on antique silver, as sanding baking soda can ruin the finish.
You should definitely not use baking soda on pieces that contain turquoise or pearls.
4. Ceramic stovetop
Although the effect of baking soda on cooking stains and crumbs is well documented, you should take note of what hob you have before choosing baking soda.
If you have a ceramic hob, baking soda can scratch the glass and even leave a white film that is difficult to remove.
If you accidentally cleaned the ceramic plate with baking soda, then try white vinegar to remove the white film.
5. Glass
Designated glass cleaners are always best when cleaning windows and mirrors.
Sanding baking soda can scratch glass surfaces and damage the glaze.
If you do not want to splash on a glass cleaner and fancy something more natural, a mixture of white vinegar and water can do the trick.
Use a microfiber cloth for best results when cleaning any glass surface.