Why You Should Start Mixing Baking Soda And Detergent For More Than Just Laundry

Baking soda cleaning hacks are everywhere. If you haven't tried one for deodorizing your fridge or carpet, or as a mild scrubbing agent, it is worth giving these spots a generous sprinkle. But, like so many superheroes, this powder's powers are multiplied when paired with another team member. When baking soda joins forces with detergent — both laundry and dish — for a wealth of non-laundry cleaning applications, this budget-friendly combo will have you forgoing expensive and often chemical-heavy cleaning products.

The detergent-baking soda duo can tackle ovens, scorched pots, stainless steel, and bathroom surfaces without an expensive specialty cleaner. Plus, its mild odor and low toxicity will keep you safe while you're scrubbing. How this combo derives its powers is pure chemistry. Detergents themselves are an army of tough ingredients like surfactants and lather enhancers that help the cleaning agents penetrate stains and target oils, among other functions. Those two factors alone are winning traits of a cleaning agent. Baking soda has the ability to fight stains, scrub without scratching, and deodorize nearly anything. Plus, detergent and baking soda mix safely without harsh chemical reactions, which is reason enough to try it on your next stinky or dirty job.

Overall, there are more "dos" than "don'ts" when cleaning with baking soda and detergent. In general, people have often been successful with a paste made from the two ingredients. While some choose to eyeball the mix, 2 tablespoons of baking soda mixed with 1 teaspoon of detergent becomes a thick, effective paste.  A few drops of water can help thin the mixture, making it easier to apply, too.

Use the mixture to revive burnt pots and pans, to polish up a stainless steel sink, or to give a bathroom counter a fresh face. For larger areas like showers and tubs, you can just sprinkle baking soda over flat surfaces and squirt some detergent on top, making a quick paste. For something daunting like a filthy oven, give the tear-inducing oven cleaners a miss with a mix that involves one more natural cleaning staple: vinegar. Stir together 1½ cups of baking soda, ½ cup of detergent, and ¼ cup of white vinegar, then spread it over oven surfaces with a brush. Let the paste sit for about an hour, and wipe away the residue with a damp sponge.

Be sure to avoid using this baking soda cleaning hack on wood floors. The combo can scratch surfaces and may even trigger chemical reactions with the surface. Marble is another surface best left to special cleaners. This stone is very sensitive to abrasives, and despite how fine baking soda is, it's still able to scratch this delicate material.