Cleaning with bi-carb (bi-carbonate of soda) is virtually the cheapest, most reliable and effective method of cleaning many surfaces and fabrics in your home. It’s an effective cleaning solution for every room in your home plus equipment, drains, silverware, windows and more.

So this Cleaning with Bi-Carb series will bring you tips co-ordinated by room and cross-linked with other cleaning with bi-carb tips as new articles are posted.

This article focuses on cleaning with bi-carb in the kitchen.

Image courtesy of Granite Transformations

Cleaning Kitchen Bench Tops

Not only will your kitchen LOOK pristine with clean bench tops, but cleaning will minimize the opportunities for bacteria to breed. Nowadays, common bench top surfaces include solid-surface synthetics, such as Corian, and marble, granite, synthetic stone and wood, plus formica and other laminates. Always read the manufacturers instructions for cleaning your kitchen benchtop as products do vary. However cleaning with bi-carb is likely to be accepted by most manufacturers.

1. For general maintenance, wipe, seep or vacuum away ‘debris’ that may scratch the surface. Sprinkle with bicarbonate of soda then rub with a soft, damp cloth. Rinse, then dry with a paper towel or soft cloth.

2. You can also make a paste using water and create the consistency of toothpaste as a gentle scrub for stubborn stains.

Image courtesy of the Lankford Design Group

Cleaning Chrome

You may have chrome equipment and accessories including a fridge, oven, or toaster so keeping them sparkling when they are ‘on display’ is important. NEVER wash chrome in greasy dishwater as the next time that item becomes hot during cooking, the grease may burn. Cleaning with bi-carb is a great alternative but be careful not to scratch the surface.

1. Sprinkle bi-card on to the item or onto a damp cloth and gently wipe. If the chrome is dirty or greasy, allow the bi-carb to sit on the chrome for an hour and then rinse with warm water and dry with a clean cloth.

Image courtesy of Domiteaux + Baggett Architects

Refreshing and De-Scaling a Dishwasher

1. Cleaning with bi-carb is perfect for dishwashers, that can get ‘stinky’. Place 4 to 5 tablespoons of bi-carb into the machine and run through the rinse cycle – without dishes of course

Image courtesy of sublimegroup.com.au

Cleaning Cupboards and Shelves

Assuming you clean spills immediately, cupboards and shelves should require cleaning only twice annually.

1. Sprinkle bi-card onto a damp cloth and gently wipe down the area. Rinse with warm water and dry with a cloth.

Image courtesy of Design Line Construction

Cleaning a Microwave or Oven

1. To remove stains from the microwave walls or turntable, make a paste of bi-carb and water. Apply to the stain, let it sit until the stain disappears, and then wipe down with a wet sponge or cloth.

2. Bi-carb is also great for cleaning greasy ovens, scouring pots & pans and also drip pans. Depending on the cleaning required, sprinkle and rinse or make a paste with water and gently scrub.

Image courtesy of Sam Fleet Photography

Keep refrigerator odours to a minimum

Regularly remove old lunch meats, rotting vegies, sour milk and mouldy leftovers from your fridge. Clean surfaces with a cloth dipped in water to which to you have added a few drops of vanilla essence. Clean the surfaces AND rubber gaskets on the door seals.

1. Then, keep an open box of bicarbonate of soda on a shelf (and another in the freezer) to absorb odours. Replace the box several times per year.

Image courtesy of CL Kitchens, Bath & Closets

Cleaning a Porcelain Sink

1. Use bi-carb with warm water. Sprinkle bi-carb around the sink and rub with a damp cloth. Rinse with vinegar or lemon juice to help neutralise the alkaline cleaner and then rinse with running water.

Image courtesy of Lauryson Kitchens

Cleaning Tiles & Grouting

1. Make a paste of bi-carb and bleach (add liquid bleach to bi-carb until you have a thick paste). Smear on tiles and grouting with a spatula. Allow to air-dry and then scrub with a toothbrush and water. NEVER use ammonia nearby as bleach and ammonia don’t play well together.

Do you have any other kitchen cleaning tips? Have you been cleaning with bi-carb? What were the results?

If you enjoyed these tips then check out Glass Maintenance & Cleaning, Bust The Rust with Hammerite and Polishing the Past with Tara Dennis. YES, that Tara Dennis.