Bicarbonate of Soda can be a miracle worker in removing stubborn stains - but some surfaces simply can't handle it.
The cleaning agent, known as baking soda, is a mild abrasive that can cut through tough grease and grime and is a great natural alternative to cleaning products.
Mixed with vinegar and lemon, it can be the perfect DIY detergent - but in some cases the white powder can do more harm than good, so we've listed five surfaces you should keep away from.
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Whether you’re looking to get rid of unpleasant odours from your bathroom or fade stubborn stains in the kitchen, baking soda is the go-to product for everyday cleaning.
The consistency of this alkaline powder is grainy, making it mildly abrasive, but this means it should always be used carefully around delicate materials, with a few common surfaces that are to be avoided completely.
Glass screens
Baking soda is never the answer to wiping your screen clean of fingerprints and smudges.
While baking soda is an excellent cleaning agent for many household surfaces, this pantry staple still has some limitations, according to The Express Online.
A simple baking soda and water paste will scrub away stubborn marks on other reflective surfaces like your steel sink but it could quickly ruin your glass screens.
Always avoid this powerful white ingredient while cleaning windows, mirrors, oven doors and other glass surfaces.
Alternatively, you can use:
Gold and silver items
No matter how dirty your gold or silver items are, they will look even worse once cleaned with baking soda.
If you’re looking to clean up your gold or silver belongings, use liquid cleansers to remove stubborn dirt instead of harsh baking soda.
Marble countertops
Sleek marble countertops will quickly look worn out when scrubbed down with grainy substances.
Over time, baking soda will cause damage to the upper protective layer of both marble and quartz surfaces.
The damage to the outer layer could compromise the longevity and appearance of your countertops, causing even more problems in the future.
Instead, use a simple lemon juice and water spray to spritz your countertops and kill off any lingering germs.
Wooden surfaces
Whether you’re cleaning your solid oak sideboard or mahogany flooring, baking soda should never be used to wipe down wood-finished surfaces.
The sealant layer, which is used to protect the exterior of wooden items, can be eroded by abrasive products, leaving your wood looking worn in just a short amount of time.
To clean your flooring and furnishings, use specified products to preserve the top layer.
For furniture, in particular, try buffing in some essential oils using a clean cloth to restore the waxy shine after cleaning.
Aluminium cookware
Many metal surfaces take well to a sprinkling of baking soda, but you should be cautious while cleaning your aluminium cookware.
If you use this product quickly and rinse it off all in a matter of minutes, it is unlikely that there will be any visible damage.
However, leaving baking soda to sit on the surface for too long can cause it to oxidise.
Once this happens, your aluminium surface will change colour, leaving an odd green or orange hue in its place.
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