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Baking soda and vinegar, whether used separately or together, serve a wide variety of purposes in both the kitchen and laundry. Photo by Dougal Waters/Getty ImagesKey Insights
- Baking soda and vinegar work wonders for numerous household cleaning tasks.
- The chemical reaction between these two ingredients produces carbon dioxide gas, which helps to loosen dirt and grime, making it easier to clean surfaces and unclog drains.
- Not only are these natural cleaners highly effective, but they are also non-toxic and safe for most household cleaning, offering an eco-friendly alternative to harsh chemicals.
Eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaners are becoming increasingly popular, and white vinegar and baking soda are among the top choices. Most are familiar with baking soda’s deodorizing and cleaning properties, while vinegar is known for its strong antibacterial and rust-fighting abilities. While each works well on its own, when combined, they create an even more powerful cleaning duo.
You may remember mixing baking soda and vinegar to create a homemade volcano as a child. These two ingredients generate quite a reaction. When vinegar (a dilute form of acetic acid) and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) combine, they foam up and produce carbon dioxide gas, along with liquid water, acetate ions, and sodium ions. It’s the carbon dioxide that causes the bubbles.
Once the liquid water evaporates and the baking soda dissolves, sodium acetate is left behind. This powerful cleaning agent appears in various products beyond just household cleaners—it's also a key component in textiles, cosmetics, and even used as a food additive!
Now that you understand the science behind this fascinating reaction, it's time to learn how to make the most of it. Here are eight brilliant ideas for using baking soda and vinegar together for maximum cleaning power.
1. Clean Pots and Pans
Next time your food burns at the bottom of a pot or pan, reach for baking soda and vinegar to save the day. Add water and about 1 cup (240 milliliters) of vinegar to the bottom of the pan, then heat it to a simmer. Once it's heated, remove the pan from the heat and stir in 2 tablespoons (28 grams) of baking soda. Let it sit until the bubbles subside, then scrub with a scouring pad to watch all the burnt bits dissolve.
2. Clean the Dishwasher
Dishwashers can get clogged with food debris and develop rust stains. Thankfully, vinegar and baking soda are perfect for tackling these issues. Simply place a measuring cup with 1 cup of vinegar on the top rack of your dishwasher, and run a hot cycle. Afterward, generously sprinkle baking soda on the bottom and run a shorter hot cycle to complete the clean.
3. Clean the Washing Machine
Washing machines can accumulate soap scum, limescale, or even mold over time. While you could purchase a commercial cleaner or use bleach, here's a cost-effective and safer solution. For front-loading machines, add 1/2 cup (32 grams) of baking soda into the drum and pour 1 quart (1 liter) of vinegar into the fabric softener tray. For top-loading machines, simply add both ingredients into the drum. Run a hot water cycle to clean thoroughly.
4. Unclog the Drain
This method will remind you of the science experiment we discussed earlier and is just as effective as many commercial drain cleaners. Start by pouring boiling water down the drain. Then, add 1/2 cup of baking soda and let it sit for about three to five minutes. Afterward, pour 1 cup of vinegar into the drain, followed by another cup of hot water. Let everything sit for five to ten minutes, then flush with more boiling water.
5. Get Grout to Sparkle
Grout tends to get stained, especially in kitchen areas where sauce splatters are common. To restore your grout to its original state, sprinkle baking soda over the affected area. Then, fill a spray bottle with vinegar and spritz it onto the grout. Let the mixture bubble and fizz, then scrub with a brush, toothbrush, or similar tool. Rinse your brush as needed and wipe up excess grime with a clean, damp cloth. (Note: This method should only be used with sealed grout. If your grout is unsealed, just use baking soda and scrub.)
6. Clean the Kitchen Sink
To restore the shine on a stainless steel sink, start by wetting the sink thoroughly. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over it. Scrub the surface with a cloth or brush, then rinse. Afterward, soak some paper towels in white vinegar and place them all over the sink. Let them sit for 20 minutes before removing and rinsing the sink once more.
7. Deodorize the Toilet
Even the tidiest toilet can benefit from this simple trick. Pour 1 cup of baking soda into the bowl, followed by 1 cup of vinegar. (Some people prefer to use 1/2 cup of each product.) Close the lid and let the bubbly mixture sit for about 30 minutes. Afterward, scrub with a toilet brush for a fresh clean.
8. Revitalize Towels
Towels can become stiff or musty over time due to the buildup of detergent and fabric softener. Soap residue can cause them to dry poorly and develop an unpleasant odor or rough texture. Revive your towels using baking soda and vinegar. First, wash them in hot water with 1 cup of vinegar, without detergent. Then, wash them again in hot water with 1 cup of baking soda. Finally, dry the towels without fabric softener for a soft, fresh result.
Some people use baking soda and vinegar for a hair detox. Mix 1 cup of water with 1 tablespoon of baking soda and use it instead of shampoo. Apply to your roots, lather, and rinse. Then, wash the middle and ends of your hair (avoiding the roots) with a solution of 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar for every cup of water, and rinse thoroughly. (Note: Research suggests that while baking soda can help remove excess oil from hair, it may also cause dryness, especially with frequent use. Vinegar could help control dandruff, but results may vary. Use this method cautiously.)
