Why you should avoid mixing baking soda and vinegar for cleaning

Image credit: jeshoots via Unsplash

Although popular in “Do-It-Yourself” cleaning, combining baking soda and vinegar may not be as effective as many believe. According to chemists, the two ingredients neutralize each other when mixed, creating water and carbon dioxide, which reduces their cleaning power. To maximize their effectiveness, it's best to use them separately, taking advantage of their distinct properties. Baking soda, a base, excels at degreasing, while vinegar's acidity is ideal for cutting through hard water stains. Using them together, however, may limit their potential to break down tough grime or disinfect surfaces.

Source

Salonen, H., Salthammer, T., Castagnoli, E., Täubel, M., & Morawska, L. (2024). Cleaning products: Their chemistry, effects on indoor air quality, and implications for human health. Environment international, 190, 108836. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2024.108836

Additional Reading

https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/vinegar-baking-soda-cleaning-mixture-myth-36880375

https://www.thespruceeats.com/stop-mixing-baking-soda-and-vinegar-to-clean-8399505

https://www.thekitchn.com/dont-mix-baking-soda-and-vinegar-cleaning-23659417