Here’s Why You Should Never Mix Baking Soda and Vinegar to Clean

In the quest for a sparkling clean home, many of us have turned to natural cleaners. After all, who hasn't tried a home remedy at least once, wielding lemon, salt, or baking soda in a bid to vanquish dirt and grime? Baking soda is a miracle worker for removing stains, while vinegar is a disinfecting dynamo. You might think that combining these two would create an unstoppable cleaning powerhouse. Right? Well, not quite. Mixing baking soda and vinegar is a big no-no.

What Happens When You Mix Baking Soda and Vinegar

Mixing baking soda and vinegar might seem like a genius idea, but science begs to differ. When combined, they create a fizzy reaction that might look impressive but is ultimately pointless. The chemical reaction between the alkaline baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and the acidic vinegar (acetic acid) produces water, carbon dioxide, and sodium acetate. This neutralizes both substances, rendering them essentially useless for cleaning purposes. So, while it’s harmless and won’t cause any explosions, it’s mostly just a waste of good cleaning agents.

Can I Still Use Them Together?

Can mixing them in specific situations be beneficial, or will it damage your beloved appliances? The answer is that, while the reaction itself isn’t harmful, using the mixture for cleaning isn’t effective. It won’t damage your appliances, but it also won’t do much to clean them. The fizzing might give the illusion of cleaning power, but once the bubbles settle, you’re left with a residue that’s not much better than plain water.

Are there any occasions where a baking soda and vinegar mix might be useful? Well, if you’re looking to entertain kids with a science experiment or create a non-toxic volcano for a school project, then yes! But when it comes to practical household cleaning, you’re better off using these two separately. Their individual strengths are lost when combined, so save the science show for the backyard and keep your cleaning routine effective by not mixing them.

What Works Best Separately?

So, what should you mix with baking soda and vinegar to make the most of their cleaning prowess? Baking soda works wonders with water and a bit of elbow grease to scrub away stains and grime. It’s great for deodorizing carpets, freshening up laundry, and tackling tough stains on countertops. Vinegar, on the other hand, pairs perfectly with water to create an effective all-purpose cleaner. It’s excellent for windows, mirrors, and disinfecting surfaces. If you’re dealing with tough clogs, pour some baking soda down the drain, follow it with vinegar, and let the fizzing action help break down the blockage. Just don’t expect it to clean surfaces with the same gusto.