The Truth About Vinegar and Baking Soda: Why They Don’t Work Together (and What to Use Instead)

If you’ve spent any time on Instagram, TikTok, or Pinterest, you’ve probably seen the “miracle hack” of mixing vinegar and baking soda to clean EVERYTHING. From scrubbing ovens to unblocking drains, this bubbly combo gets recommended everywhere.

But here’s the truth: while it looks impressive, vinegar and baking soda cancel each other out. Yep - all that fizzing and bubbling is mostly just science at play, not cleaning power.

So before you waste another batch on your benchtops, let’s unpack why this combo is more myth than magic, and what natural alternatives actually work.

Why People Think Vinegar + Baking Soda Works

When you mix the two, you get that fun fizz and foam. It looks powerful, right? But the fizz is just a reaction between an acid (vinegar) and a base (baking soda) producing carbon dioxide gas, salt, and water.

It’s fun to watch (hello, school volcano experiments which my toddler son LOVES), but once the fizz stops, you’re mostly left with… salty water. Which will only do so much for grease, grime, or mould.

The Science (Made Simple)

Vinegar is acidic (pH ~2.5). Great for dissolving mineral deposits, soap scum, and some bacteria.
Baking soda is alkaline (pH ~9). Perfect for neutralising odours and acting as a mild abrasive.
Together? They neutralise. The opposite pH levels cancel each other, creating water and carbon dioxide. The fizz doesn’t equal extra cleaning, it just means the two ingredients are working a little bit against each other.

So while both are brilliant natural cleaners on their own, mixing them is like asking two people to tug a rope in opposite directions. You end up going nowhere.

When Vinegar Shines on Its Own

Vinegar is an excellent natural cleaner when used correctly. Some great uses:

Glass & mirrors: streak-free shine when diluted with water.
Descaling kettles & taps: removes limescale naturally.
Bathroom tiles: help break down soap scum (but avoid on stone like marble or granite).
Laundry refresher: add a splash in the rinse cycle to soften clothes and reduce odours.

When Baking Soda Works Best

Baking soda is also a superstar in the cleaning cupboard - as long as you let it shine solo:

Deodorising carpets, bins & fridges: sprinkle and let sit before vacuuming.
Mild abrasive scrub: great for sinks, stovetops, and stainless steel.
Boosting laundry: add to your wash for extra odour control.
Drain freshener: pour baking soda down the drain, leave a while, then flush with hot water.

The Only Time You Might Use Them Together

The one small exception: using the fizzing action as a mechanical reaction for loosening dirt or freshening drains. The bubbling can physically push debris up and out - but it’s not actually deep cleaning per se, just giving you a bit of help.

Think of it like shaking a soda can, the fizz moves things, but it doesn’t “deep clean” anything.

Natural Alternatives That Actually Work

So what should you reach for instead? Here are some powerhouse natural swaps that do the job:

Hydrogen peroxide (3%): amazing for bathrooms, mould spots, and disinfecting surfaces (without bleach).
Castile soap: gentle, plant-based, and safe for most surfaces.
Lemon juice: cuts grease and smells fresh (just don’t use on stone).
Microfibre cloths: sometimes the tool is just as important as the product!
Australian natural brands: like Koala Eco or proven formulas that work without the toxins.

Final Thoughts

Vinegar and baking soda are both brilliant eco cleaning staples but keep them separate to let each one work its magic (you can use vinegar AND THEN baking soda). Mixing them just creates a science fair experiment, not an ultra sparkling clean home.

If you want the benefits of a truly fresh, natural clean without the hassle of testing recipes, our Perth team at All Pure Cleaning has you covered. We only use safe, eco-friendly products that are gentle on your family, pets, and the planet and actually work.

✨ Ready for a home that shines without the toxins? Get a free quote here.