You know, I used to swear by the magical cleaning combo of vinegar and baking soda, just like many of us do. It’s a classic belief that’s been handed down through the ages.
But here’s the thing: after some digging and a bit of experimentation, I’ve come to see that this dynamic duo might not be the cleaning superheroes we thought. To be honest, mixing vinegar and baking soda for cleaning seems to be all about the fizz and show, rather than delivering real results.
Honestly, the idea that vinegar and baking soda are the ultimate cleaning solution is a bit of a myth. In my experience, it’s like using saltwater – it’s more about the theatrics than actually getting things clean. Maybe it’s time we rethink some of the cleaning legends we’ve been passing on.
Don’t Use Vinegar & Baking Soda
I’ve been in the camp of people who’ve been awed by the reaction of vinegar and baking soda. Separately, both are fantastic for a multitude of cleaning tasks. However, together, they end up playing against each other. They essentially neutralize each other out, and what you’re left with is essentially saltwater.
I genuinely believe that the widespread misconception about this combination being a cleaning powerhouse is largely because of the bubbling spectacle they produce when mixed. It gives off the illusion of some intense cleaning action, but in truth, it’s just chemistry at play, turning them into saltwater.
In my own trials, any noticeable cleaning effect observed was because the proportion wasn’t exactly even. If the mixture leaned more towards vinegar, it was the acidic property doing the work, and if there was an excess of baking soda, it was its alkaline nature and grittiness coming into play.
For the best results, my personal recommendation is to use vinegar and baking soda independently for cleaning tasks. If you wish to neutralize the area post-cleaning, then go ahead and combine them, essentially leaving you with water. It’s practical and efficient that way!
I’m not the only who agrees that combining vinegar and baking soda is pointless:
The Fizz Is A Lie!
The reason why vinegar and baking soda fizz is that one is a base and the other is acidic. When you mix an acid and a base, it causes a chemical reaction that results in water and salt.
The reaction between the two is what causes the fizzing, as the molecules start to interact with each other. The more surface area there is between the two, the more fizzing you’ll see.
The fizzing is just a reaction between the two and has nothing to do with cleaning. It’s the results after the fizzing that you clean with, and all that is water with salt in it.
Use This Instead
If you’re looking for a good cleaning solution, there are plenty of options out there that are more effective than vinegar and baking soda.
One option is to use a mixture of water and dish soap. This will cut through grease and grime much better than vinegar and baking soda.
Another option is to use rubbing alcohol. This is great for cleaning glass surfaces and getting rid of fingerprints.
There are also many commercial cleaners on the market that are designed specifically for cleaning kitchens and bathrooms. These cleaners will be more effective than anything you can make at home.
You could even use the vinegar and baking soda separately and get better results.
What Is Vinegar Good At Cleaning?
While vinegar and baking soda together are not good at cleaning, vinegar on its own can be pretty effective.
Vinegar is a great natural cleaner for things like windows and mirrors. It’s also pretty good at cutting through grease and grime.
If you’re looking for a natural way to clean your kitchen or bathroom, vinegar is a good option. Just be sure to rinse it off afterwards with water, as the acidity can damage some surfaces.
Vinegar is an acid, and it will kill some germs, but it’s not perfect, and it can’t kill as well as store brought products.
Vinegar is also effective at removing hard water stains from things like shower doors and faucets.
For more ways to clean with vinegar, check out this helpful article: https://www.bonappetit.com/story/cleaning-with-vinegar-in-kitchen
However, it’s important to remember that vinegar is an acid and can damage some surfaces. It’s always best to test it in a small area first before cleaning the entire surface. Let the area sit after drying for 15 minutes, just to make sure it doesn’t take time for the damage to show up.
What Is Baking Soda Good At Cleaning?
Baking soda is another natural cleaner that can be pretty effective.
Baking soda is great at absorbing odors, so it’s perfect for things like refrigerators and closets.
Baking soda can also be used to clean things that are really stuck on stoves and other hard surfaces. Place a good bit of baking soda down with a little water and scrub the area.
For more options on cleaning with vinegar, check out this helpful article: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/50-clever-ways-to-clean-with-baking-soda/
Just like vinegar, baking soda should be tested on a small area before cleaning to make sure it doesn’t damage the surface. Also, after cleaning, wait 15 minutes to make sure the effects don’t come later.