'Don't let the bubbles fool you' – never use baking soda and vinegar together in these 4 grime hot spots, cleaning experts warn

There are many pros for using baking soda and vinegar for cleaning, but there are also times the pairing can do more harm than good.

Whilst their chemical reaction causes bubbles that can help lift grime and banish odors such as stinky drains, our cleaning experts warn they shouldn't be used for every scenario or surface, including natural stone surfaces such as marble or granite.

We all want to clean our home without harming the planet, so here, our cleaning pros break down the four areas of the home baking soda and vinegar shouldn't be used together, and where you safely can.

Where you should never clean with baking soda and vinegar together

According to professional cleaner, Forrest Webber of Bear Brothers Cleaning Services, there are pros and cons to using these two natural ingredients for cleaning together, and apart.

Forrest explains, 'I have witnessed both the success and failure of baking soda and vinegar. This dynamic pair isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, but it can be great for some cleaning jobs.'

The reason they 'can' work together is because they complement each other. Forrest adds, 'Baking soda [such as Arm & Hammer's pure baking soda from Target] is a gentle scrubber and odor buster, while vinegar [such as Walmart's great value cleaning vinegar] cuts through grease like a boss. When they meet, their fizzy reaction lifts grime and makes you feel like a mad cleaning scientist. But don't let the bubbles fool you – there are limits to their magic.'

Alessandro Gazzo, cleaning expert at Emily's Maids of Dallas adds, 'Whilst it's not dangerous to use the two together, they should be avoided on surfaces sensitive to vinegar, like granite or marble.'

With that in mind, here are four scenarios where you shouldn't use them together:

1. On marble or granite

Using the baking soda and vinegar combination on marble and granite countertops is a big no. Forrest explains, 'Vinegar's acid can eat away at the stone, leaving you with dull spots that scream regret.'

So what can you use instead? 'A pH-neutral stone cleaner or a mix of warm water and dish soap,' recommends Forrest.

'I'm a big fan of Dawn dish soap from Walmart,' adds Alessandro.

2. Hardwood flooring

Hardwood floors are an investment and it's worth learning how professional cleaners mop hardwood floors to keep yours in great shape. And, tempting as it may be to use baking soda and vinegar to get out a stubborn stain in your kitchen or living room floor, using this natural duo here is a big no-no.

Forrest says, 'Vinegar strips the finish and baking soda can scratch. You're not cleaning, you're sanding, essentially. Instead, use a gentle wood-safe cleaner or diluted dish soap.'

These are ideal for all hardwood floors:

3. Glass and mirrors

No one likes streaky mirrors and sometimes, toothpaste and other products can end up splattered on them. But don't be tempted by baking soda's abrasive power.

'Baking soda scratches and vinegar streaks – it's a double fail,' says Forrest. 'Instead, I recommend a mix of water, rubbing alcohol, and a drop of dish soap for a streak-free shine.'

Whether you use a homemade window cleaner spray, or a commercial cleaner, a lint-free cloth is essential to avoid fluff and smears.

4. Thick grease

Stubborn grease can be difficult to deal with, hard to remove and quite frankly, not very pleasant. It's even worse when it has dried.

With the bubble and fizz power of baking soda and vinegar, you'd think it would be a winning formula on grease, but Forrest says it has the opposite effect.

He explains, 'The fizz from the reaction neutralizes their cleaning power. You're better off watching the bubbles as entertainment! Instead use a degreaser like Krud Kutter [available at Walmart] or good old-fashioned dish soap.'

If you like the natural element of baking soda and vinegar, instead clean with Castile soap. It's natural, versatile and cuts through grease gently. You can use it on everything from dishes, to pet beds and even your face. We recommend non-GMO wholenaturals Castile Soap, available on Amazon.

Alessandro adds, 'To remove burnt food from your pots or pans, or appliances like your oven, I love Mrs. Meyers cream cleaner with baking soda [available at Amazon] if you want to incorporate a cleaning product that already has baking soda in it.'

Where you can use baking soda and vinegar together for cleaning

1. Clogged drains

No one wants to sit outside entertaining with a whiff of bad drains in the air. The baking soda and vinegar combination is fantastic for solving this issue and also works great when fixing a clogged kitchen sink.

'Pour in a cup of baking soda, follow with a cup of vinegar, and let the fizz party happen. After 15 minutes, flush with hot water,' advises cleaning pro, Forrest Webber. The reason is works is because it breaks down the blockage and allows it to drain away. Baking soda is also a natural deodorizer.

2. Cleaning grout

Grout can get grubby quickly, especially in high traffic areas like entryways and mud rooms. You can of course use dark grout to help combat this, but it's also worth giving it a good scrub regularly to lift dirt, water marks, bacteria and mold.

If you want to clean grout in floor tiles, then reach for this eco-friendly combo in paste form, which you can easily make by adding water incrementally to baking soda till you have a suitable consistency.

'Make a paste of baking soda and water and smear onto the grout, spritz it with vinegar, and watch it bubble. Then scrub with a toothbrush or grout brush,' suggests Forrest.

This works really well as the chemical reaction is great at lifting grime.

3. Sprucing up the washer

This natural cleaning duo is great for freshening up hard-working appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers.

Do you know how often you should clean your washing machine? Like most things, regular cleaning is key with appliances and remembering to schedule a deep clean is as important as what you clean it with. They can both build up excess scum and limescale and this is where the magic combination of baking soda and vinegar wins.

For your washer, add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the drum and and pour in 1 quart of vinegar into the fabric softener tray. Then put it through a full wash cycle. The dual action will leave your washer smelling and looking fresher.

Don't forget to clean the rubber seal of your washer to get rid of any fluff, mildew or mold.

4. Deodorizing the toilet

A quick daily wipe around is always a good idea, especially as part of the inside-out bathroom cleaning method, but a deep clean is also necessary especially with the toilet. Baking soda and vinegar works brilliantly together here.

Similar to the washing machine method, pour in 1/2 cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl and the same measurement with the vinegar: 1 quart.

Leave it to work its magic for a good 30 minutes or more and then give it a scrub with a silicone toilet brush, available at Walmart.

Meet our experts

Forrest Webber

Forrest Webber is the founder of Bear Brothers Cleaning, Homely Huntsville and Fireplace Distributor.

Alessandro Gazzo

Alessandro Gazzo is a cleaning expert working with Emily’s Maids of Dallas, specializing in creating a healthier, greener, and more efficient approach to home care. Passionate about DIY cleaning products, Alessandro believes in the power of natural, cost-effective solutions to keep homes spotless.

Green cleaning is worth the time and effort, as it will be better for the planet, and most likely, gentler on your wallet, too.

If you're not sure which pantry staples you can use where, our dedicated guides are packed with great cleaning ideas when cleaning with vinegar, cleaning with baking soda, cleaning with lemon juice, or cleaning with essential oils.