What is bicarbonate and why does it work so well in cleaning?
Bicarbonate (sodium bicarbonate) is a natural, mild alkaline powder that dissolves grease, neutralizes odors and acts as a gentle abrasive - perfect for cleaning kitchens, bathrooms, carpets and more without harsh chemicals.
Baking soda has been used in households for over a hundred years and is now more popular than ever as an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical cleaners. It's cheap, harmless and incredibly versatile. Here's a complete guide on how to clean your entire home with bicarbonate of soda.
Cleaning bathrooms with bicarbonate of soda
The bathroom is perhaps the room where bicarbonate of soda does the most good. It tackles limescale, soap scum and bacteria without damaging delicate surfaces.
Descaling taps and showers
Mix bicarbonate of soda with a little water to make a paste. Apply to taps, shower heads and mixers. Leave on for 15-30 minutes, then scrub with a soft brush. Rinse with water. For extra effect, spray with vinegar after the bicarbonate - the sizzling reaction dissolves limescale even better.
Clean tiles and grout
Make a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water. Apply to the joints with an old toothbrush. Scrub in circular motions and rinse. Baking soda acts as a mild abrasive that removes discoloration without scratching the tile.
Refresh the toilet seat
Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda into the toilet bowl. Add a dash of vinegar and let it sizzle for 10 minutes. Scrub with the toilet brush and flush. Removes stains and neutralizes bad odours.
Cleaning the kitchen with bicarbonate of soda
The kitchen is full of grease, food stains and bad odors - all of which bicarbonate of soda deals with brilliantly.
Clean the inside of the oven
Mix the bicarbonate of soda with water to make a thick paste. Spread throughout the oven (avoid heating elements). Leave overnight (8-12 hours). Wipe with a damp cloth. Spray with vinegar to remove any residue. Result: a sparkling clean oven without chemical oven cleaners.
Sink and worktops
Sprinkle baking soda on the sink or countertop. Scrub with a damp sponge. Rinse with water. Baking soda removes stains and gives stainless steel a new shine without scratches.
Descaling kettles and coffee machines
Fill the kettle with water and add 2 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda. Bring to the boil and leave for 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. For the coffee machine: run one round with bicarbonate water, then 2-3 rounds with pure water.
Refrigerators and odors
Put an open bowl of bicarbonate of soda in the fridge - it absorbs bad odors naturally. Change every six weeks. Wipe down shelves and drawers with a solution of bicarbonate of soda and warm water.
Cleaning carpets with bicarbonate of soda
Carpets trap dust, dirt and odors. Baking soda is the easiest way to freshen them up.
Freshening up carpets
Sprinkle the bicarbonate generously all over the carpet. Leave for at least 15-30 minutes (preferably longer for deeper cleaning). Vacuum thoroughly. The bicarbonate absorbs odors and lifts dirt from the fibers. Perfect for pet owners!
Stain removal
For fresh stains: pat with a damp cloth, sprinkle with bicarbonate of soda and leave to dry. Vacuum clean. For more stubborn stains: mix bicarbonate of soda with washing-up liquid and water, apply and scrub gently.
Clearing drains with bicarbonate
Bicarbonate of soda and vinegar are a classic pair for clearing sluggish drains without corrosive chemicals.
Pour 1 dl of bicarbonate down the drain. Follow with 1 dl white vinegar. Let it sizzle and work for 30 minutes. Flush with boiling water. Repeat if necessary. This dissolves grease and organic matter that builds up in the pipes.
Windows with bicarbonate of soda
Mix 2 tablespoons of bicarbonate with 1 liter of warm water. Apply with a soft cloth or sprayer. Wipe with a dry microfiber cloth for streak-free results. Effective against finger marks and dust.
Tips for best results
- Never mix bicarbonate of soda with bleach - it creates toxic gases.
- Test on a small area first for sensitive materials like marble or natural stone.
- Store in a dry place - bicarbonate loses its effect if it absorbs moisture.
- Combine with vinegar for extra cleaning effect on limescale and grease.
- Never use on aluminum - it can be discolored.
Do you want to avoid cleaning yourself?
Baking soda is great for anyone who wants to clean in an environmentally friendly way. But sometimes you just want help. JSG Cleaning Service offers professional Home Cleaning and Deep Cleaning in Stockholm and Gothenburg - from 139 SEK/h after RUT deduction. We use environmentally friendly products in all our cleaning services.
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