Bicarbonate of soda — baking soda — is one of the most popular “natural cleaning” staples. It is cheap, mild and genuinely useful for a handful of jobs. But a lot of what circulates online overstates it, and in a workplace the wrong use can waste time or even damage surfaces. Here is a straight answer on what it does, what it doesn’t, and when it isn’t enough.
What bicarbonate of soda actually does
It works in three simple ways:
- Deodorises. It neutralises acidic odour molecules rather than masking them — which is why it helps with bins, fridges and musty carpets.
- Mild abrasive. As a fine powder it gently scours without the harsh scratching of stronger abrasives.
- Absorbs grease and moisture. Sprinkled on a fresh greasy or wet spill, it draws some of it up before you clean.
Where it genuinely works
- Odour control: an open tub in a fridge or bin area; sprinkled on a carpet, left, then vacuumed to freshen it.
- Light scouring: a paste (bicarb + a little water) on tea-stained mugs, sinks or hob surfaces.
- Fresh grease: absorbing a spill on a hard floor before mopping.
- Freshening soft furnishings: a pre-vacuum deodoriser on upholstery and carpets.
What it does NOT do
- It is not a disinfectant. Bicarbonate of soda does not reliably kill bacteria or viruses. For hygiene-critical areas — washrooms, kitchens, healthcare — you need a proper disinfectant used at the correct contact time.
- It won’t shift set-in or deep stains. It is a surface helper, not a solvent for old carpet or upholstery stains.
- It can damage some surfaces. On soft metals (aluminium), lacquered or coated finishes, natural stone and some sealed floors, its abrasiveness and alkalinity can dull, etch or mark the surface. Always test an unseen area first.
- Mixed with vinegar, it mostly fizzes out. The two neutralise each other — the dramatic foam is largely water, salt and carbon dioxide, not extra cleaning power.
Why it isn’t enough for a workplace
DIY bicarb cleaning is fine for small, occasional jobs. But offices, venues and hospitality sites need consistent hygiene standards, disinfection of high-touch points, and deep cleaning that reaches what surface tricks can’t — and they need it documented and reliable, not improvised. Bicarbonate of soda has its place in the cupboard; it is not a substitute for a professional commercial cleaning programme, periodic deep cleaning, or proper disinfection where hygiene matters.
Frequently asked questions
Does bicarbonate of soda disinfect?
No. It deodorises and mildly scours but does not reliably kill germs. Use a recognised disinfectant for hygiene-critical areas.
Is baking soda safe on all surfaces?
No — it can dull or scratch soft metals, lacquered finishes, natural stone and some sealed floors. Always test a hidden area first.
Does mixing bicarbonate of soda and vinegar clean better?
Not really. They neutralise each other; the fizz is mostly carbon dioxide and water. Each works better used separately for its own purpose.
Need cleaning that goes beyond cupboard remedies? Crystal Facilities Management provides professional commercial, deep and disinfection cleaning for offices, venues and hospitality across London and the UK. Request a free site survey.
Written & reviewed by Crystal Facilities Management — ISO 9001-certified commercial cleaning and facilities management.
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