Is bicarbonate of soda the same as baking soda for cleaning?

Bicarbonate of soda and baking soda are, in fact, the same thing. Baking soda is the term commonly used in America, while bicarbonate of soda is the preferred term in the UK. It’s important to note that soda crystals are not the same as bicarbonate of soda.

Cleaning Uses of Bicarbonate of Soda

Bicarbonate of soda is a versatile cleaning ingredient with a wide range of uses. Here are three of our favorite ways to utilize this unsung cleaning hero:

1. Soaking Up Smells

If you’ve encountered a funky smell in your fridge, bicarbonate of soda can come to the rescue. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of bicarb with 1 liter of warm water and use the solution to wipe down the inside of the fridge. This should eliminate any unpleasant odors. For ongoing odor prevention, you can place an open pot of bicarbonate of soda on a shelf inside the fridge. This will help deodorize your appliance for approximately three months before needing to be replaced.

2. Treating Shower Trays

Shower trays often accumulate dirt, grime, and bacteria due to regular use. To effectively clean your shower tray, follow these five steps:

1. Optional Step: Steam the shower tray with a steam cleaner or by running the shower for a few minutes. This step helps loosen soap scum.
2. Clean the tray as usual with a spray cleaner, such as our smol multi-purpose spray. Spray the base of the shower and allow it to sit for several minutes before wiping off with a clean cloth.
3. Prepare a paste using 5 heaped tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda and a little warm water. Apply the paste to the tray, covering all areas, especially heavily soiled spots. Leave the paste on for at least an hour.
4. Scrub the tray using circular motions with a cloth to work the bicarbonate of soda paste into the tray, removing stains, limescale, and dirt.
5. Rinse the shower tray thoroughly with warm water to wash away the bicarbonate of soda. Your shower tray should now be sparkling clean.

Please note that bicarbonate of soda is not suitable for cleaning glass or aluminum surfaces. Before cleaning your shower tray, it’s recommended to patch test a small area to ensure the paste doesn’t damage the material. Additionally, always wear gloves when handling bicarbonate of soda paste, as it is alkaline and can cause dryness and cracking of the skin due to its neutralizing effect on our skin’s acidity.

3. Removing Limescale from Kettles

Over time, limescale buildup can occur in kettles, affecting the taste of your tea. Bicarbonate of soda can effectively remove this pesky crust. Mix 1 teaspoon of bicarb with 2 cups of water and add the mixture to your kettle. Boil the kettle 4 or 5 times, then let the water cool before rinsing out the kettle and wiping down the inside with a dry cloth. For heavier limescale, adding a little clear vinegar to the mix can help restore your kettle to its original condition.

Share Your Bicarbonate of Soda Tips

If you have any other bicarbonate of soda cleaning tips, we would love to hear them! Join us on Facebook or Instagram and share your knowledge with our community.

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