Vinegar and baking soda emerge as versatile household cleaning solutions

Household items like vinegar and baking soda are seeing increased use as multifunctional, cost-effective, and sustainable alternatives to industrial cleaning products.

Vinegar, particularly alcohol vinegar, is being utilized for heavy cleaning, deodorizing, and laundry care due to its acetic acid content. It can be used as a degreaser, a mold fighter, a natural fabric softener, and a glass cleaner. However, experts warn it should not be used on marble or natural stones, and must never be mixed with bleach. It can also serve as a natural herbicide in gardening.

Baking soda is also widely used for its abrasive and alkaline properties to remove stains and neutralize odors. While effective on hard, non-porous surfaces like polished stainless steel sinks, its abrasive nature can cause scratches or damage the luster of delicate materials. Experts from the American Cleaning Institute and Good Housekeeping Institute recommend testing the product on a small, inconspicuous area before full application to avoid permanent surface damage.