Product Review: Baking Soda + Dish Soap as Household Cleaners
Garage cleaner is an often overlooked aspect of home cleaning, but it’s crucial all the same. Garages are notorious for being a catch-all space for every sort of mess – oil leaks, dirt tracked in from the outdoors, dust from the machinery, and grimy handprints from unfinished DIY projects. A clean garage prevents dirt and clutter from tracking into the house, reduces the risk of injuries caused by tripping over items, and helps prolong the lifespan of the tools and machinery stored therein.
Product Overview
Enter the dynamic duo of baking soda and dish soap – a cleaning solution that is not just effective but also environmentally friendly and safe for households, especially those with pets and kids. Baking soda, also known as bicarbonate of soda or sodium bicarbonate, is an alkaline compound with potent cleaning powers. It is commonly used for neutralizing odors, removing tough stains and can be used in a variety of surfaces.
Dish soap is a staple in most households due to its capability to break down grease and dirt. Its gentle formulation is designed to lift and remove grime without scratching surfaces. Pair this with baking soda, and you have a cleaner that’s easy to use, relatively cheap and available at nearly any store or online.
Ease of Use
Using this cleaner is as simple as mixing equal parts of baking soda and dish soap until it forms a paste. Apply this paste directly to stains, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub off with a brush. There is no set up required, and likewise, it doesn’t require buying any special tools or equipment.
Cleaning Effectiveness
Baking soda and dish soap are excellent for deep cleaning because baking soda’s slight abrasiveness helps scour dirt and grime while dish soap dissolves and lifts grease. It is effective on a variety of surfaces, such as metal tools, car parts, flooring, and painted surfaces. However, some delicate or porous materials, like wood and some types of plastic or rubber, might not fare so well, and it’s always best to perform a small patch test first.
Scent & Residue
The scent of the cleaner is primarily dependent on the dish soap used. So, if you prefer a mild scent, opt for a dish soap with a gentle fragrance. This combo doesn’t generally leave residue behind if rinsed properly. However, a significant amount of baking soda can leave a powdery residue if not thoroughly rinsed.
Price & Availability
Baking soda and dish soap are both affordable and widely available. You’re likely to find both in any supermarket, and they’re also readily accessible online.
Pros and Cons
The best part about this cleaning solution is its potency and versatility. It’s cheap, easy to prepare, and eco-friendly. However, the downside is that it might be not effective on certain surfaces. The scrubbing might also require a bit of elbow grease for stubborn stains.
Comparison
Compared to commercial garage cleaners, this solution definitely holds its own when it comes to cleaning power. While specialized garage cleaners may have more potent and specific formulas, the versatility, safety, and affordability of baking soda and dish soap make it a worthy contender.
Best Use Case
This cleaner is best for those who prefer a more natural method of cleaning. It’s particularly useful for oil stains, mildew, and grime common in garages.
Final Verdict
Would I recommend baking soda and dish soap as a garage cleaner? Absolutely. While it may require more effort with scrubbing and rinsing off than other cleaners, its benefits of being safe, eco-friendly, and affordable outweigh the cons. So the next time you tackle your messy garage, give this natural cleaner a try; you might just be pleasantly surprised.