Baking soda can be used to make your windows sparkle while removing any stains or scuffs on the glass as well. The substance is non-toxic, and it doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals or release any dangerous fumes. However, it’s a bit abrasive, so can it damage the glass if used improperly?
Baking soda is abrasive and might scratch glass, so it’s safest to mix it with water and use the paste to clean glass. Make sure you also avoid using baking soda on ceramic stove tops, marble, wood furniture, and antique silver. Don’t mix it with anything acidic, as it’ll become mostly ineffective.
If you prefer to clean glass with an all-natural cleaning substance, then it’s best to use vinegar instead. Let’s take a closer look at whether it’s safe to use baking soda on glass, which surfaces you should avoid using it on, and what you shouldn’t mix it with, so that you can have clean, scratch-free glass.
Is It Safe to Use Baking Soda on Glass?
Instead of applying baking soda (on Amazon) directly, it’s better and safer to use a baking soda paste to clean glass. This is because baking soda is mildly abrasive and might scratch glass.
Luckily, you can reduce abrasion and avoid scratches on the glass surface by mixing baking soda with water and making a paste.
However, if you notice scratches on the glass, even after using the paste, then make sure you discontinue using this method.
On What Surfaces Should You Avoid Using Baking Soda?
Baking soda is naturally abrasive, so make sure you only use it on coated, non-delicate glass surfaces—such as shower glass. Avoid using baking soda on stained or antique glass, as it could mar or scratch the surface of the windows.
There are a few other surfaces you should avoid cleaning with baking soda, such as:
Ceramic Stove Top
Baking soda can easily scratch a ceramic stovetop and leave a white film that’s hard to remove. However, if you accidentally clean your stove top with baking soda, you can remove the white film with vinegar.
Marble
Never use baking soda on any quartz or marble surfaces. This is because baking soda will damage the upper protective layer and eventually scratch the quartz or marble surface.
Wood Furniture
Baking soda can be a bit too abrasive for some sealants or finishes on wood furniture. In fact, baking soda can wear away the sealant and ruin the furniture. For this reason, it’s best to use a diluted dish soap mixture to clean your wood furniture instead.
Antique Silver
Although soaking your silverware in baking soda and water can quickly remove tarnish, the mixture is a bit too abrasive and might cause it to lose its patina more quickly afterward.
Anything With Deep Cracks or Grooves
Baking soda leaves a white, dusty residue once it dries, so make sure you don’t use it to clean surfaces with deep cracks or grooves. In such cases, the residue that’s left behind will eventually build up.
What Should Baking Soda Be Mixed With to Clean Glass?
You should mix baking soda with water and use the paste to clean glass. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how you should use baking soda to clean glass:
- Mix baking soda and water in a 1:2 ratio to make a paste. The more water you use, the thinner and less abrasive the paste will be.
- Hold a clean rag under running water, then squeeze it out until it’s barely damp.
- Use the baking soda paste and rag to clean the glass. Start by applying gentle pressure and check the surface for any scratches.
Stop using the paste as soon as you see any scratches. However, if the glass is scratch-free, keep cleaning it with the paste. - Get another rag and hold it under hot running water until it’s completely soaked through. Then, use this rag to remove any residue left by the baking soda paste.
- Use a clean towel to dry the glass.
What Shouldn’t Baking Soda Be Mixed With?
It’s better to avoid mixing baking soda with anything acidic, like lemon juice or vinegar. This is because when you put something basic (baking soda) and something acidic together, you basically get sodium acetate and water.
Both chemicals also form a gas when combined, so if you store the mixture in a sealed container, such as a soda bottle, it could explode and potentially harm you.
However, if you do want to use a vinegar and baking soda solution, make sure you make the mixture right before you clean. It’s also better if you use the mixture while it’s bubbling and directly on the surface you want to clean. If you use it after it stops bubbling, it won’t be that effective.
While you can technically clean with a vinegar and baking soda mixture, keep in mind that it’s not as powerful as you may have been led to believe. In fact, it may be more effective to clean with vinegar and baking soda separately and take advantage of their unique chemical properties.