Cleaning with Bicarbonate of Soda: A Hassle-free Guide 

Cleaning your home can be an arduous and time-consuming task, especially when you are on a hunt to find the right products that are effective and eco-friendly.

Bicarbonate of soda is an unlikely cleaning hero that we often have sitting around in our cupboards. A versatile and inexpensive compound which has been used for centuries for various purposes: from cooking, cleaning, personal hygiene, to even medicinal uses.

In this guide, we'll explore the many benefits of cleaning with bicarbonate of soda, as well as the different hacks that incorporate the ingredient to keep your home clean and fresh the natural way.

Benefits of Using Bicarbonate of Soda for Cleaning:

Using bicarbonate of soda for cleaning has many convincing benefits, for both the planet and your wallet:

1. Eco-Friendly and Non-Toxic: Bicarbonate of soda is a natural and non-toxic ingredient that is safe for the environment, pets, and people. Unlike traditional cleaning products, which often contain harmful chemicals, bicarbonate of soda is a safe and eco-friendly option.

2. Versatile and Multi-Purpose: You’d be surprised how many uses bicarb has for cleaning. From scrubbing surfaces to removing stains and odours. It can be used in the kitchen, bathroom, living room, and even for cleaning carpets and upholstery.

3. Affordable and Accessible: It’s an affordable and readily available ingredient that can be found at most grocery stores. Not to mention, you probably already have some bicarbonate of soda in your cupboards for baking. Because of its versatility, it makes it a cost-effective solution for your cleaning needs.

How to use Bicarbonate of Soda for Cleaning

Bicarbonate of soda is a weak base that reacts with acids to produce carbon dioxide gas, which causes baked goods to rise. This same reaction is also what makes bicarbonate of soda an effective cleaner. It can be mixed with water, for a general clean, or by adding acidic products such as lemons or white vinegar, it will start to fizz, helping to lift off more stubborn grime.

Making a bicarb cleaning solution:

• The most simple way is to dip a damp cloth into some baking powder to scrub away any dirt or grime. 

• Alternatively, mix paste from 3 parts baking soda to one part water. This is a gently abrasive paste you can spread over a stain, let sit for several minutes then scrub with a cloth. Rinsing well afterwards.

• For an even stronger cleaning solution, sprinkle dry baking soda onto the surface you are cleaning. Add a few drops of white vinegar on top. These two will react by fizzing and helping to budge tough stains. 

Top tip: Bicarb solutions are best made in small batches, rather than kept in a jar. Definitely do not store vinegar and baking soda together, as this will create carbon dioxide that will fizz and damage your container (and make a mess!) 

Uses of Bicarbonate of Soda for Cleaning: Room by Room

There are countless uses of bicarbonate of soda for cleaning around the home. Here’s our room-by-room guide of all the best tips and tricks. 

Kitchen

1. Cleaning countertops and stovetops

Mix bicarbonate of soda with a small amount of water to make a paste and use it to scrub surfaces such as kitchen counters, sinks, and bathtubs. The abrasive paste will help remove grime and stains, leaving your surfaces clean and shiny.

2. Removing food stains from dishes/ containers and utensils

Dip a damp sponge into some bicarbonate of soda and scrub at any discoloration on your dinnerware. If this isn’t quite cutting it, try soaking for an hour  in a litre of warm water with 4 tbsp of bicarb. 

3. Deodorising the refrigerator

Place a bowl of bicarbonate of soda in your fridge or pantry to help absorb any unwanted odours.

4. Cleaning the oven and microwave

Create the paste mentioned above, (3 parts baking soda to one part water, or add more water if necessary).

Spread over the interior of your oven or microwave, avoiding heating components. Leave to work its magic overnight and scrub away with a sponge or cloth. If there are still some stubborn areas, try spraying some multipurpose spray or white vinegar to help lift the remaining grime. 

5. Unclogging drains

Mix 3 tbsp bicarb, a cup (250ml) of boiling water, one cup of vinegar (250ml). Pour 

down your kitchen sink to clean out the drains. 

Bathroom 

1. Cleaning the bathtub and shower

Mix the bicarbonate of soda solution paste and spread it on sinks, bathtub and tiles. Wipe away with a damp cloth and some natural bathroom cleaner for a bit of an extra helping hand.

2. Cleaning toilet bowls

Pour 1 cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl and 1 cup of white vinegar. Close the toilet lid and let it work for 30 mins. Scrub the inside of the bowl to lift away the residue and flush away.

3. Deodorising the bathroom

Mix some bicarbonate of soda with your favourite scented bath salts, and keep in a small bowl by the toilet, this will help to neutralise any unpleasant smells!

6. Cleaning shower curtain

Dip a damp cloth in some baking soda and then scrub over the shower curtain and rinse.

Check out our guide to a plastic-free bathroom for more eco hacks. 

General Household Uses

1. Removing stains from carpets, rugs and upholstery

Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda onto your carpets or rugs and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Then, vacuum up the bicarbonate of soda to remove any dirt and odours.

2. Cleaning pet bedding and litter boxes

Adding some bicarbonate of soda into the litter boxes can help deodorise any odours. Sprinkle some bicarbonate of soda onto your pet's bed and let it sit for 15-20 minutes, vacuuming to remove any dirt or odours. 

3. Cleaning your veggies

Mix some bicarbonate of soda with some water and rinse your veggies, this will help to remove dirt and their waxy coating. 

Where to NOT use bicarb for

• Avoid using on aluminium, as this could cause the pans to oxidise, causing them to change in colour. 

• Avoid using on natural stone surfaces, such as; quartz, granite and marble. Repeated use of bicarbonate of soda can gradually wear down the protective layer and lead to scratches. 

To wrap it up…

Cleaning with bicarbonate of soda is an effective and eco-friendly hack that can help you keep your home clean and fresh without harming the environment or your health. The best way to implement it into your cleaning routine is to use it alongside other ingredients like vinegar, and a natural multipurpose cleaner for a bit of extra power. 

If you are looking for more non-toxic cleaning options to take care of your home and your health, check out our range of natural refillable cleaning products. Made with plant-based, safe ingredients, fragranced with organic essential oils, and free from toxic chemicals. The bonus? They are infinitely refillable for no plastic waste.