Baking Soda is Not the Best Cleaning Agent

Baking Soda is Not the Best Cleaning Agent

Baking Soda is an eco-friendly, versatile natural cleaning agent. Delta residents trust baking soda to do everything from clean carpets and kitchen surfaces to freshen up carpets. Despite its effectiveness for many uses, baking soda can cause damage to certain surfaces. In this guide we will explore the things that you should not clean with Baking Soda, to help you choose safer cleaning products. For those looking for a more specialized solution, cleaning services Delta can provide professional care for all your cleaning needs.

Baking soda is popular for cleaning

Baking soda (also known as sodium Bicarbonate) is a safe, inexpensive cleaning agent. It offers many benefits. It removes stains and neutralizes smells. It has mild abrasive property that helps scrub away dirt without damaging surfaces. Its eco-friendly qualities make it popular with homeowners and renters.

Nevertheless, its versatility does have limits. Baking soda's alkali or abrasive qualities can react with certain materials or surfaces, which could cause discoloration and damage. Effective cleaning requires that you understand when and where baking soda should be used.

Baking Soda is Not the Best Cleaning Agent

Even though baking soda is very effective on most surfaces, some materials can be damaged by it.

1. Marble and Stone Countertops

They are highly valued for both their beauty and durability. However, they are also very sensitive to any abrasives. Baking soda has an abrasive texture that can scratch the surface and dull it, giving it a worn-out appearance. Its acidic nature can also permanently damage the stone polish.

Tips: Use an acid-neutral cleaner that is designed for stone surfaces. Or, consult a professional cleaning company.

2. Aluminum Surfaces

Aluminum is frequently used for cookware, appliances and window frames. Baking soda shouldn't be used on anodized or coated aluminum. Baking soda has an abrasive nature that can cause oxidation. It will also dull and discolor the surface.

Tips: For a safer alternative, use a vinegar-water mixture.

3. Wooden Furniture

Wood is delicate and easily damaged by baking powder. The abrasive substances can cause the finish or protective coatings to fade. Baking soda used on wood surfaces could also leave scratches. Moreover, the moisture in cleaning solutions can cause wood to warp.

Tip: Use mild soap or wood-friendly cleaners to clean wooden floors and furniture.

4. Leather Furniture

Leather is an extremely delicate material and needs to be treated with care. Baking Soda can leave marks on leather surfaces. The powder may also penetrate the leather pores, causing cracking and drying.

Tip: To clean leather accessories and furniture, use a leather-specific cleaner. Regular conditioning is important to preserve the leather's softness.

5. Certain Fabrics (e.g., Silk, Wool)

Baking Soda is not suitable for fabrics like silk or merino wool. Abrasiveness may cause fibers to wear out and lose texture. Alkaline properties in baking soda may also weaken or discolor fabric over the years.

Tip: Check the care label before using a fabric cleaner. For guidance, consult with a professional cleaning company if you're not sure.

6. Electronic Devices

Baking Soda should not be used in electronic devices including computers, phones and TVs. Its abrasive property can scratch screens. Powder can also leak into vents and ports, which can lead to malfunctions.

Tip: Clean electronic devices with a soft microfiber cloth and a screen cleaner.

How to safely use baking soda

When used correctly, baking soda can be a powerful, versatile cleaner. Here are some guidelines for safe usage.

• Use sparingly. Overuse of baking soda can cause a residue on surfaces.
• Test it first. Do a spot check in a hidden area before applying the product to any surface.
• Combine with Vinegar: Mix baking soda with vinegar for more challenging cleaning tasks. Do not use this combination, however, on surfaces that are delicate, like wood or marble.

Trust professionals for the toughest jobs

You can save money by incorporating baking soda into your routine, but first, you must know when and where it should be used. Consult a professional for help if you're not sure, particularly if it involves valuable or fragile items. Delta cleaning services like Hellamaid offer specialized cleaning for different surfaces, from countertops to leather furniture.