Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can remove stubborn stains and remove grease or dirt. But which surfaces are simply too sensitive for this powerful cleaning agent? Today we'll tell you what you shouldn't clean with baking soda to prevent scratches and other damage.
Baking soda is not an all-purpose cleaner
Baking soda has many uses in the home and is one of the best natural alternatives to chemical cleaning products. This powerful white powder can eliminate dirt,Clear drainsand even brighten dull whites, but in some cases it can do more harm than good. Below we list the five things you should never clean with baking soda.
While baking soda, or simply baking soda, is an excellent cleaning agent for many household surfaces, this staple also has some limitations. No matter whether youeliminate unpleasant odorsor want to fade stubborn stains, baking soda is a popular product for everyday cleaning, but there are a few surfaces and items you should definitely avoid.
The reason is that the grainy consistency of this alkaline powder makes it slightly abrasive. It can cause damage in some cases and should always be avoided near sensitive materials. However, which surfaces are most at risk?
Glass and glass screens
Fingerprints and smudges can be frustrating when using electronic devices, but baking soda is never the solution to getting your screen clean.
A simple paste of baking soda and water can be used to remove stubborn stains on other reflective surfaces, such as: E.g. your steel sink, but it could quickly ruin your glass screens. When cleaning windows, mirrors, oven doors, and other glass surfaces, you should always avoid this strong white ingredient.
If you are tired of seeing a dirty screen, you can use:
- Commercial screen wipes – these are the safest option to prevent damage to your screen.
- A clean,dry microfiber cloth– if there are sticky stains, you can moisten the cloth with a little water.
- Diluted white vinegar – mix equal parts white vinegar and distilled water and apply the diluted vinegar with a cotton pad.
Gold and silver items
No matter how dirty your gold or silver items are, they will look even worse after cleaning with baking soda. Gold is a particularly soft metal that can be easily scratched by even the mildest abrasives. Therefore, avoid scrubbing or soaking your precious metals with baking soda. Antique silver is also particularly susceptible to damage from abrasives and can tarnish if not cleaned properly.
If you have yourClean gold or silver itemsIf you want, use liquid cleaner to remove stubborn dirt and not aggressive baking soda. Here's how you can make it yourself and use it correctly:
- Dilute two drops of mild dishwashing liquid in a bowl of warm water and dip gold or silver items into the mixture.
- Remove the item and rinse it under clean, warm water.
- Gently rub the surface of the metal with a dry polishing cloth to restore its natural shine.
Do not clean marble countertops with baking soda
Smooth marble countertops can add an elegant touch to any room in the home, but they quickly look worn when scrubbed with gritty substances. Over time, baking soda damages the top protective layer of marble and quartz surfaces. Damaging the outer layer could affect the longevity and appearance of your countertops and cause more problems in the future.
Instead, use a simple spray of lemon juice and water to mist your countertops and kill any remaining germs. Less is more when it comes to...Cleaning marblegoes. So stick to simple, gentle products for the best results.
Wooden surfaces
Whether you're cleaning your solid oak sideboard or your mahogany floor, baking soda should never be used to wipe down wooden surfaces. The sealant that protects the exterior of wooden objects can be damaged by abrasives, leaving your wood looking worn after just a short period of time.
When cleaning your wooden floors and furniture, use special products to protect the top layer. Especially on furniture, you can apply essential oils with a clean cloth to restore the wax shine after cleaning.
Do not clean aluminum cookware with baking soda
Many metal surfaces can be cleaned well with baking soda, but you should be careful with aluminum cookware. If you use the home remedy quickly and rinse it off in a few minutes, it is unlikely to cause any visible damage. However, if you leave the baking soda on the surface for too long, it can oxidize. When this happens, the aluminum surface becomes discolored, leaving a strange green or orange hue.
Conclusion
Baking soda is a good helper not only in the household, but alsoin the garden. If you're struggling with stubborn stains, dirt and grease at home, white powder can really work wonders. However, the home remedy is not an all-purpose cleaner and you should use it with caution as it can damage certain surfaces and materials.
