Is it OK to mix vinegar and baking soda to clean?

Author: Prof. Dax Beatty  |  Last update: Sunday, January 4, 2026

“Technically, mixing baking soda and vinegar remains functional for household cleaning, as the bubbles produced can lift stains and unclog drains,” she says. “Specifically, while the mixture is still bubbling, it is slightly alkaline and can dissolve grease, though not as effectively as using baking soda alone.

Why not clean with baking soda and vinegar?

It's not bad, per se. however mixing these two is kind of a waste of product because baking soda is basic on the PH scale and vinegar is acidic, so they neutralize when mixed. Baking soda and dish soap or vinegar and salt would be much more effective cleaners than baking soda and vinegar.

Is it safe to mix vinegar and baking soda to clean?

You must NEVER mix chemicals that have different ingredients. Some combinations simply destroy the effectiveness of the mixture. Baking soda and vinegar react together and neutralize each other so would do nothing for cleaning purposes.

What do plumbers say about baking soda and vinegar?

In summary, while baking soda and vinegar are generally safe for most plumbing systems when used occasionally and in moderate amounts, caution should be exercised, especially with older or less durable pipes. For persistent clogs or plumbing issues, it may be best to consult a professional plumber.

How to mix baking soda and vinegar for cleaning washing?

Put a cup of baking soda into the washer's drum. Add the laundry detergent in its respective compartment. Pour half a cup of vinegar into the fabric softener compartment. If you have a front loader, it would most likely have the mechanism by which liquids are released in the drum based on the cycle.

Don't Mix Vinegar & Baking Soda for Cleaning! 🧽 🍽✨

Can I use baking soda and vinegar at the same time to clean my washing machine?

Use four cups of white or distilled vinegar to clean your top loader. There are several ways of adding the vinegar and baking soda to your machine: Add 4 cups of vinegar and 1 cup of baking soda to the basket and start a long, hot cycle.

What is the ratio of vinegar to baking soda for cleaning?

You should use a ratio of 1:2 baking soda to vinegar. In other words, if you're using ½ cup of baking soda, use 1 cup of vinegar, or if you're using a cup of baking soda, use 2 cups of vinegar.

What is the best homemade drain cleaner?

Baking Soda + Vinegar
  • Pour 1/2 cup baking soda, followed by 1/2 cup vinegar down drain.
  • Plug drain and let sit for one hour.
  • Then, pour a pot of boiling water down drain. Repeat if necessary.

Are you supposed to turn on water after pouring vinegar and baking soda down drain?

Allow the vinegar and baking soda combination to fizz for a few minutes. Rinse with hot water and run the garbage disposal for another few seconds.

Why is white vinegar and baking soda good for cleaning?

Whether you use baking soda and vinegar separately or together around the house, there's no doubt these environmentally friendly (non chemical based) cleaning ingredients are the perfect combination for numerous cleaning tasks. The reason is, when you combine the two products it creates a fizz which attacks stains.

What should not be cleaned with vinegar?

But eight places you should never use vinegar include:
  1. Stone Countertops. Surfaces that often get ruined by vinegar are stone countertops, like marble and travertine. ...
  2. Dishwashers/Washing Machines. ...
  3. Clothes Iron. ...
  4. Tile Grout. ...
  5. Knives. ...
  6. Small Appliances. ...
  7. Hardwood Floors. ...
  8. Electronic Screens.

How do you make all purpose cleaner with baking soda and vinegar?

All-Purpose Cleaner: Combine 1 teaspoon baking soda, 2 teaspoons vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon dishwashing liquid, 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 2 cups hot water in a spray bottle and shake well. Add essential oil for fragrance if desired and add 1 teaspoon borax for extra cleaning power.

What happens after mixing baking soda and vinegar?

A chemical reaction between the vinegar and the baking soda produces bubbles of carbon dioxide gas. The dish detergent in the vinegar helps the bubbles last longer than they would with just vinegar and baking soda.

Why shouldn't you use baking soda and vinegar together?

Is Using Baking Soda and Vinegar Together a Good Idea? The short answer is no. And the long answer goes like this: When used together, baking soda and vinegar will neutralize each other, effectively canceling out the benefits of low pH for vinegar and high pH for baking soda.

What is the most effective natural disinfectant?

Hydrogen peroxide is one of the most powerful natural cleaning and disinfecting agents. Health professionals trust it against harmful bacteria, antigens, and viruses. It's used for a variety of disinfecting jobs, including cleaning cuts, removing earwax, and promoting dental hygiene.

Can you mix vinegar and Dawn dish soap?

To make the solution is simple and easy on the wallet! Pour equal parts of vinegar and Dawn into a spray bottle. Gently shake, then spray liberally onto the surface to be cleaned. I have found the best results is when I use it to clean chrome shower and sink fixtures.

Why you should never use baking soda and vinegar to clean a drain?

Vinegar and baking soda are harmful to your drain, both individually and when combined. Baking soda is abrasive, which, when used in large quantities, will cause the drain more damage. Additionally, the acidic nature of vinegar can eat away rubber and metal, damaging the plumbing.

What will dissolve hair in a drain?

Heat 2 or 4 liters of water on your stove or in a kettle to just short of boiling. Add about 1/2 cup of salt. Try pouring this down the drain, then wait 15 minutes before seeing if it will clear more easily. If you need a stronger cleaning, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, then add 1/2 cup of vinegar.

How to clean with baking soda and vinegar?

Mix equal parts baking soda and vinegar and apply to any stains. Leave the mixture until it's stopped bubbling, and then wipe away with a damp cloth. Stubborn stains may need a few repeat treatments.

Can you use Dawn and baking soda for drains?

Tbs of Dawn dish soap - 1/2 cup of baking soda- 1 cup of vinegar. Try it out! You might be startled by how much gunk will come out!#

Can you pour boiling water down the drain?

Pouring boiling water is quite risky as it might lead to a steam burn or scalding. Another thing to keep in mind is what type of material you are pouring in into. If you have a porcelain sink, it is likely to crack due to the heat. All in all, pouring boiling water down your drain will only cause issues down the road.

What is the safest drain cleaner?

Option #1: Baking Soda and Cider Vinegar

Pour it down the drain with hot water. If you see results, keep repeating! Cool Fact: Baking soda works so well with vinegar because baking soda is a base, and vinegar is an acid! The intense, bubbling reaction can do wonders for your clogged drain.

What is the best combination of vinegar and baking soda?

For most purposes, Harris recommends combining one part baking soda with two parts white vinegar. That combo can cut through grease and lift stains, sometimes better than store-bought cleaners, she says. Important: Never combine vinegar with bleach.

Is distilled vinegar the same as white vinegar?

White vinegar, also known as distilled vinegar or spirit vinegar, is made by fermenting grain alcohol (ethanol) which then turns into acetic acid. Water is then added to the vinegar, so white vinegar is made of five to ten percent acetic acid and ninety to ninety-five percent water.

How long to let vinegar and baking soda sit?

The reaction of baking soda and vinegar works wonders on clogs in any drain or showerhead as well, without doing damage to the environment. To clean out drains, pour 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar down the drain. Let the mixture sit for 10-20 minutes and then flush it out with very hot water.

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