Sodium bicarbonate, or salt bicarbonate, is a typical component in pantries for baking cookies or a cake. An alkaline compound, baking soda is a non-toxic cleaner with a coarseness that works marvels for scrubbing grime, eliminating difficult stains, and deodorizing stinky odors.
Before you sprinkle baking soda in your bath tub, kitchen area counter, wood tables, or floors, it’s important to know what surface areas are safe for baking soda usage. Using baking soda to some surface areas or products might ruin it, scratch it or lose its shine, according to the pros.
” Before you use baking soda, choose if it is the best cleaning option and if it is safe for the surface, you are utilizing it on,” states Angela Brown, CEO of Savvy Cleaner, a training program for house cleaners in Charlotte, North Carolina.
So time out before you get a box of baking soda and start cleansing, and consult our list of typical family products you can not clean with baking soda.
Aluminum
Lots of types of metal surfaces can deal with the coarseness of baking soda, but keep it away from aluminum. “Aluminum is a soft metal, and using baking soda to clean it can cause a chemical reaction that dulls or tarnishes the surface,” states Brown.
Antique Silver
Have antique silverware or jewelry that you want to clean so your silver shines? “Baking soda may scratch or harm the fragile surface of antique silver,” states Marla Mock, who is based in Texas and president of Molly Maid, a franchise of independent cleaners nationwide. She says it might take away the protective layers of the silver and trigger microscopic scratches in the silver. Make certain you use a silver polish or seek a cleansing specialist to guarantee it’s cleaned up appropriately. “For fashion jewelry, it is best to go to an expert who can guarantee protective procedures are taken before beginning the cleaning procedure,” she says.
Copper Cookware
Similar to aluminum, baking soda should not be used on copper pots and pans if you desire them to last a long time. “Baking soda can react with copper and make it tarnish faster,” states Rhonda Wilson, the Quality Lead Cleaner over at FreshSpace Cleaning in Louisville, Kentucky. “This can lead to unequal discoloration and make it challenging to restore the initial shine and color of the copper.”
Fiberglass Bathtubs
If you have a great deal of gunk or a ring of dirt lining the bath tub you may be tempted to use baking soda to make cleaning much easier. Hold back on getting out your scrub brush and scattering this powder or you run the risk of harming the surface area of your bathtub. “Fiberglass tubs can be scratched with baking soda,” states Brown. The last thing you want is your cleaning method to harm your bath tub.
Glass
Baking soda and glass don’t go together. “Baking soda can be abrasive, possibly causing scratches on glass surface areas,” states Mock. Baking soda can damage tinted windows or anti-glare protection, too.
Marble Surfaces
Have marble counters in your kitchen or bathroom? Stay clear of using baking soda as a cleaner. The grittiness of this powder can trigger the stone to lose its shine or have permanent scratches. “Baking soda imitates a mild exfoliant and can break down the protective coating on marble, causing it to look dull or foggy. It may also leave noticeable scratches,” states Mock.
Leather Furniture And Clothing
If you have leather you want to clean, whether it’s a sofa, armchair, belt, or coat, don’t utilize baking soda. Leather has natural oils, which keep the material flexible. “If those oils get removed away, the leather can begin breaking and lose its bounciness,” says Wilson. “Couches and chairs will get cracks, jackets, and coats will not hang as well, and shoes and boots will wrinkle and eventually fracture too.”
Painted Surfaces
Painted surface areas, like a wall or a painted chair, should not be cleaned with baking soda. “Avoid utilizing baking soda on painted surfaces, as it can produce chips and uneven textures in the paint,” says Mock.
Wood
Keep baking soda away from any wood surface, consisting of wood floorings, wood coffee or dining tables, and cutting boards. “Baking soda is slightly abrasive, and if used to tidy wood furnishings, especially with a polished finish, it can leave scratches,” describes Brown. Antique wood pieces need more care given that they are fragile, says Wilson. She recommends taking care when you clean wood surfaces and securing the original surface, including wood floors. “Using it on wooden floors with a protective finish can result in damage,” says Mock.
Constantly Test Before Cleaning With Baking Soda
Baking soda can work wonders when cleaning and lifting challenging stains. Knowing when to utilize this item and when it’s harming to a material or surface area is necessary. “While baking soda is a flexible cleaner, it’s necessary to be mindful of its abrasiveness,” states Mock.
When you utilize baking soda to tidy, wipe down the location later, too. “It’s crucial to wash surface areas thoroughly after using baking soda to prevent any residue,” she states.
