5 Things To Never Clean With Baking Soda
This finely milled powder has its downsides, too
It's no secret that baking soda is a wonder cleaner. From cleaning carpets to polishing kitchen counters and removing scribbles on walls, it seems like there's nothing this fine powder can't do.Â
However, no matter how multipurpose it is, there are some things at home that should never come close to baking soda as you might cause some irreversible damage. Here are some of them:Â
1. Aluminum cookware
While you can scrub stainless steel with baking soda, use caution if you're using it on aluminum cookware. Since aluminum is thinner and more porous, baking soda can cause it to oxidize and eventually change colors.Â
2. Antique silver
If your silverware is fairly new and in mint condition, polishing it with baking soda is a no-brainer. However, if it has been with you for quite some time, baking soda might be too abrasive and scratch the finish off of your precious pieces. Steer clear of it especially for decorative pieces that have embellishments like pearls or stones.Â
3. Wood Furniture
Baking soda might not be the best go-to cleaning product for wooden furniture—especially when mixed with water or vinegar. It can easily ruin the finish or varnishing of the wood, or worse, the particles from the powder might seep into the grain.Â
4. Gold-plated cutlery
If you have wedding China with a gold trimmings or cutlery with gold accents, go easy on the baking soda. Since gold is a softer metal, it can easily be scratched off by the cleaning material.
5. Marble surfaces
Keep in mind that you should keep baking soda and marble apart because stone manufacturers don't recommend it. Even though baking soda is abrasive and marble is rock solid, repeated applications can wear away the sealant on the surface.
PHOTOS and SOURCES: Apartment Therapy—Never Clean These Things with Baking Soda, SEEMBEE (Main Photo)
