I keep baking soda in the house, but I do not treat it like a universal cleaner. I use it for a few specific tasks where it works well and avoid it everywhere else. Most damage I have seen from baking soda comes from overuse or scrubbing where soaking would have done the job.
This is how I use it now.
I Use Baking Soda for Odor Control
This is where baking soda earns its place.
I use it:
- In an open container in the fridge
- In cat litter to absorb smells
- Sprinkled on mattresses and carpets before vacuuming
- In closets and enclosed cabinets
I use it dry. No scrubbing. No mixing. It absorbs odors without touching finishes, which makes it low risk.
I Use It to Loosen Burnt Food, Not to Scrub
When food burns onto cookware, I do not reach for a scrub brush first.
What I do instead:
- Add water and baking soda to the pan
- Let it soak or heat gently
- Wipe the residue with a soft sponge
- Rinse fully
I stopped scrubbing with baking soda because that is when discoloration and dull finishes start showing up, especially on aluminum.
I Use It on Ovens and Stove Tops, With Limits
For baked-on residue, baking soda helps soften buildup.
My approach:
- Mix baking soda with water into a paste
- Apply only to the dirty areas
- Let it sit for a few hours
- Wipe clean with a damp cloth
I avoid polished surfaces and glass coatings. I also rinse thoroughly so no residue dries on the surface.
I Use It on Grout Occasionally
Baking soda helps with surface grime, not deep staining.
I use it:
- Mixed with water into a paste
- Applied only to grout lines
- Scrubbed lightly with a soft brush
- Rinsed right away
If grout needs sealing or mold removal, baking soda does not solve that. I stopped using it repeatedly in the same areas because it wears grout down over time.
I Use It in Laundry for Odors Only
I add baking soda to laundry when the problem is smell, not stains.
I use it:
- On towels
- On gym clothes
- Occasionally in the washing machine
I do not use it in every load and I do not replace detergent with it. It helps with odors but does not clean fabric on its own.
Where I Stopped Using Baking Soda
I no longer use baking soda on:
- Skin, teeth, or hair
- Marble or natural stone
- Sealed countertops
- Antique silver
- Gold-plated items
- Polished metal finishes
Every time I used it on these surfaces, damage showed up later, not immediately. Dullness, scratches, and worn sealants took time to become visible.
What I Learned About Mixing It With Vinegar
I used to mix baking soda and vinegar often. Now I rarely do.
The foam looks active, but it does not mean better cleaning. I only mix them when I need short-term bubbling for surface residue, and I never store the mixture. The reaction ends fast and the cleaning effect is limited.