Bicarbonate of Soda for Cleaning: The Ultimate Guide

What is Bicarbonate of Soda?

Bicarbonate of Soda also commonly known as Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate (NaHCO₃) is a highly soluble chemical compound and is slightly alkaline with a pH of 9 when dissolved in water. It is a base that reacts with acids resulting in neutralisation, useful for acidic stains, and spills and getting rid of odour rather than masking it. When combined with Acetic Acid 3% (Vinegar) or lemon juice it begins to give off Carbon Dioxide (Co2) resulting in rapid fizzing which helps lift tough stains and debris.

Bicarbonate of Soda is also known for being inexpensive and sustainable which is why it has a reputation of being an excellent alternative to more chemical-heavy cleaners.

Is Bicarbonate of Soda Eco-Friendly?

Bicarbonate of Soda has a low carbon footprint as its manufacturing process has significantly less impact on the environment compared to other commercial-grade cleaners. It is safe for use around pets and children as it is Non-Toxic and doesn't give off harmful gases when dissolved.

What can Bicarbonate of Soda Clean?

Dishwasher Cleaning

Sodium Bicarbonate can be used to clean the dishwasher by placing a cup of it on the top rack and running a hot cycle. It helps remove odours, stains, and grease buildup. This will leave your dishwasher fresh and overall functioning better.

Fridge Deodoriser

To effectively remove bad odours from your fridge, remove all items and grab a bowl or piece of Tupperware with a fair amount of Bicarbonate of Soda and leave it inside your fridge, replace every 30 days for a clean and fresh refrigerator.

Laundry

Sodium Bicarbonate is an excellent fabric softener that boosts the effectiveness of detergents. Add half a cup of baking soda directly into the washing machine and go with your usual washing cycle. It functions by reacting with the minerals that make water ‘hard’ like calcium and magnesium improving the texture of certain fabrics.

Oven Cleaning

When cleaning your oven, make sure to first turn off the gas and make sure the kitchen is well-ventilated. Mix half a cup of baking soda with two or three tablespoons of water and then thoroughly apply the paste to the interior. Allow the paste to rest for approximately 10-12 Hours before using a damp cloth to wipe the grease which will have reacted to the Bicarbonate of Soda.

Stainless Steel Cleaning

To clean stainless steel surfaces, mix Sodium Bicarbonate with a small amount of water to form a paste. Use a sponge to apply the paste in circular motions to remove marks and scratches. Once the areas are treated, rinse with water and wipe them down using a microfibre cloth for a clean finish.

Tile Grout Removal

If your bathroom or kitchen tiles have grout or mould, apply a mix of water and Bicarbonate of Soda to the affected tiles and then leave for 10 minutes. Then use a toothbrush to remove the grout or Mold once it’s been loosened.

Tupperware Stain Removal

Sprinkle bicarbonate onto the stained Tupperware add a small amount of water to form a paste and use a sponge or cloth to scrub the stain in circular motions. For tougher stains, allow the paste to sit for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing.

Unclog Drains

Using bicarbonate of Soda, start by pouring half a cup of baking soda directly into the clogged drain. Then with half a cup of Acetic Acid 3% (Vinegar) let the mixture fizz and work its way through the blockage for about 10-15 minutes. Afterwards, flush the drain with hot water to clear away what’s remaining.

What Should I Not Clean with Bicarbonate of Soda?

Aluminium Surfaces

You should never use it to clean any item that is made of Aluminium as it scratches the surface allowing the underlying material to oxidise causing discolouration and ultimately degrading the item you are cleaning.

Cast Iron

Using Bicarbonate of Soda on Cast Iron pots and pans can remove the non-stick seasoning present, forcing you to season after every clean. Instead, use a gentler cleaning method such as using lemon or lime.

Glass Of All Types

With its mildly abrasive properties, it’s best to avoid using it to clean glass as it can scratch mirrors, windows, tabletops and much more. The best choice is to opt for a more specialised cleaner for glass surfaces.

Painted Surfaces

Because of its mildly abrasive properties, it can strip layers of paint off surfaces such as walls, and this is especially true with emulsions that cannot be scrubbed as it’s not designed to deal with such aggressive cleaning.

Smooth Stone Cooking Tops

It is used on certain tops, however, due to its mildly abrasive properties it can scratch and potentially ruin your countertop. In this case, opting for a more specialised cleaner for these types of cleaning tops is a much better solution.

Wood

Wood is an incredibly common material in household furniture, but it is not a clever idea when cleaning wood, as gaps in the wood can be infiltrated by the residue it leaves behind. Regardless of whether the wood has been smoothed, it can scratch any sealant or wax coating ultimately damaging the wood permanently. Moreover, because of its highly alkaline properties, it can cause a chemical reaction leading to your wooden furniture being permanently stained.

Where Can I Buy Bicarbonate of Soda?

APC Pure sells Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate 99% ACS, EP, and USP in various pack sizes ranging from 250g – to 25 kg. Our Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate is sourced and packaged using non-toxic, chemical-resistant containers, ensuring reliable quality for our customers.

Buy Today