Regular cleaning agents may not do the job when dealing with stubborn stains. As a result, people turn to creative solutions such as mixing baking soda and bleach.
Before mixing chemicals, it’s best to find out if the solution will be safe because even though two products work well as cleaning solutions individually, it doesn’t mean that mixing them increases their effectiveness.
Read on to find out if you can mix baking soda and bleach.
Can You Mix Baking Soda and Bleach?
You can mix baking soda and bleach. The combination doesn’t produce a toxic solution or emit harmful gases.
This solution is ideal for general cleaning purposes such as whitening clothes, removing mold, and cleaning walls.
The active ingredient in bleach, sodium hypochlorite, has strong cleaning abilities capable of removing stubborn stains.
Baking soda, like bleach, is a salt, which is why mixing them is safe.
Each of the two products enhances the other’s cleaning properties when mixed.
As a solution, they form a boosted ability that attacks tough stains and bacteria to achieve desired results.
Tips for Mixing Baking Soda and Bleach
Although mixing these two chemicals is safe, there are a few things you should keep in mind before doing so.
These will help you avoid any accidents and also get the most out of your solution. Below are tips to use:
Mix in a well-ventilated room
Open windows to let in the fresh air when mixing the two chemicals. This way, you avoid inhaling harmful fumes that bleach releases.
Plenty of air also helps the surfaces you’re working on dry faster.
Dilute the solution with water
Mixing baking soda and bleach creates a potent cleaning agent; consider diluting it with water. Using it the way it is can be harsh on surfaces.
Test the solution on a surface before usage
It’s essential to test the solution on a small surface, especially if this is your time making the mixture. This way, you get to know if it’s too strong, weak, or okay.
Ensure you have the right proportion
The ideal ratio is one part baking soda to two parts bleach. This creates a balanced mixture that isn’t too harsh on surfaces.
You may also need to adjust the amount you use depending on the nature of the surface you’re cleaning.
Use gloves when handling
You should always protect your hands when dealing with chemicals.
In this case, wear gloves when mixing and using the solution to avoid coming into contact with bleach.
Clean and disinfect surfaces with baking soda and bleach
This combination can help you clean and disinfect surfaces in your home. The two ingredients work together to kill germs and remove stains quickly.
To disinfect surfaces:
1. Wipe the surface with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Make a baking soda and bleach solution using the ratio 1:2.
3. Apply the solution to the surface and scrub gently.
4. Leave the solution on for at least five minutes then rinse with clean water.
It’s always best to test the solution on a small surface first to ensure it doesn’t damage the material.
5. Wipe the surface dry with a clean cloth.
How to use baking soda and bleach mixture
There are many areas in your home where you can benefit from this solution. It gives good results that you won’t wish to use the products separately again.
All-purpose cleaning
One primary use of the mixture is all-purpose cleaning, including wiping countertops and cabinets.
For this use, mix the chemicals depending on the size of the surface you’re cleaning and dilute with room temperature water.
To whiten clothes
This mixture whitens and makes clothes brighter. Baking soda enhances the bleach’s effectiveness in removing stubborn stains.
For this purpose, add detergent and water to the clothes first, then pour ½ cup of baking soda and a similar amount of bleach.
Cleaning molds and walls
To clean molds and walls, you’ll need to make a paste using the following procedure:
- Pour ¼ cup of bleach and ¾ cup of baking soda into a basin. Don’t add water for this cleaning because you need a thick consistency.
- Use a sponge, a brush, or a scrub to clean the walls and remove molds.
While cleaning using the paste, wear rubber gloves, a respirator, and safety glasses. Since the paste doesn’t contain water, it’s more potent and can cause health hazards.
FAQs
Can you clean grouts with a mixture of baking soda and bleach?
Yes, you can clean grouts using the mixture. Use ¼ cup bleach and ¾ cup baking soda to make a paste that removes stubborn grout stains.
Is it safe to mix baking soda and bleach in a washing machine?
Yes, mixing baking soda and bleach in a washing machine is safe.
Use ½ cup of each of the two chemicals for washing clothes in the machine. You can also use the mixture to clean the washing machine.
Can you add vinegar to a mixture of baking soda and bleach?
No, you shouldn’t add vinegar to this mixture.
Bleach contains hypochlorite, which, when mixed with an acid like vinegar, reacts to form chlorine gas which is dangerous if inhaled.
Final Thoughts
You can safely mix baking soda and bleach to form a cleaning solution. The mixture removes tough stains off clothes, walls, and surfaces.
When making the mixture, ensure enough ventilation to avoid inhaling the pungent fumes. Remember to add water to the mixture for basic cleaning clothes to reduce their strength.
