Kitchen News
Expert shares the five kitchen surfaces you should never clean with baking soda
RDO
Baking soda is a household staple, known for its versatility in cleaning. It's non-toxic, effective, and budget-friendly, making it a go-to solution for many cleaning tasks.
However, not all surfaces benefit from baking soda’s abrasive qualities. In fact, using it on certain surfaces can do more harm than good.
Matt Ayres, an appliance expert at RDO Kitchens & Appliances reveals the five surfaces you shouldn’t be cleaning with baking soda.
#1 Ceramic hobs
Glass cooktops are sleek, and modern and allow for much easier cleaning than other cooktops.
The smooth surface is ideal for wiping up any spills, however, any food that is left on the cooktop can become dry and difficult to wipe off. It may be tempting to use an abrasive cleaner like a baking soda and vinegar mix to quickly remove any dried-up grime.
However, baking soda's abrasive nature can scratch the surface, leaving unsightly marks. For any hard, caked-on food, rather use a ceramic hob scraper. These tools are designed to scrape food off the surface without creating scratches.
#2 Aluminium
Baking soda is a great product for cleaning metallic appliances. The light abrasive is effective for buffing away food spills and creating a shiny appearance. However, it’s important to check the type of metal that your appliance is made of first.
Appliances with an aluminium surface should never be cleaned with baking soda as it can cause the surface to oxidise and leave a dark, tarnished surface.
To keep your aluminium appliances shiny and scratch-free, rather stick with a soft cloth to buff away any dirt.
#3 Marble countertops
Marble countertops are a popular option in kitchens, but they do require a bit of extra care – particularly when cleaning them.
Abrasive cleaners, like baking soda, can wear away at the sealer used on marble countertops, which may leave scratches and make the surface more prone to staining. If used regularly, baking soda can also cause the stone to look dull and lacklustre.
A mild soap or even dishwashing liquid, along with warm water and a soft cloth will do the trick to keep your countertops looking good.
RDO
#4 Appliance buttons and knobs
Baking soda is great for cleaning away grease and food residue and is often recommended as a cheap cleaning product for appliances.
However, when cleaning your kitchen appliances it’s important to keep the baking soda away from any small grooves around buttons and knobs.
Due to its abrasive nature, baking soda can prevent knobs and buttons from operating smoothly.
#5 Kitchen cupboards
Kitchen cabinets are prone to food spills and if left, can turn into a sticky mess.
Laminate kitchen cabinets are durable and suited to a gentle scrub with baking soda. However, avoid using baking soda on painted kitchen cupboards or solid wood cabinets.
While most wooden cabinets are coated with a sealant to protect them, baking soda can wear away this sealant. It can also lead to discolouration and streaks if used regularly. Rather stick to a wood-safe soap and cloth to clean away spills.
Abrasive cleaning materials, like baking soda, can also wear away paint, leading to uneven patches. Dish soap and warm water are a safer alternative to keep your cupboard doors looking clean.
Matt Ayres, Appliance Expert
