Does Baking Soda Disinfect

Baking soda has long been praised as a cleaning wonder, a superb natural substitute for professionally manufactured chemicals. But what exactly may baking soda be used for when it comes to cleaning? Is baking soda a disinfectant? Are baking powder cleaning hints useful? Continue reading to find out!

Does baking soda disinfect?

Baking soda has been both vilified and lauded for its cleaning and disinfecting properties. To be sure, its adaptability is something to be reckoned with, and its range of action is not specific to or restricted to the kitchen.

Bakers understand that baking soda is responsible for making cookies chewy and cakes soft, housewives understand that it is essential as a kitchen sink cleanser, young women use it as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells, and everyone understands how it deodorizes stinky feet and even stinkier shoes and socks. But can baking soda work as a disinfectant?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified three distinct functions: “cleans,” “sanitizes,” and “disinfects.” The physical removal of surface or area detritus is referred to as “cleaning.”

To achieve “clean,” scrubbing with detergent or soap, washing, and rinsing with water are required in that sequence. According to the label, a product that “sanitizes” may eliminate 99.9% of recognized germs. “Disinfect” performs the same function, with a “almost 100%” success rate. Baking soda, according to the California Childcare Health Program, does not “kill germs sufficiently enough to be used to sanitize,” nor does it include disinfection as one of its purposes.

Does baking soda kill germs?

As you can see, whether you’re seeking for eco-friendly cleaning goods or want to make your own natural cleaning solutions, bicarbonate of soda is a terrific option. But, can baking soda be used as a disinfectant? Unfortunately, the answer is no; baking soda is useless against most germs, including salmonella, E. coli, and staphylococcus. Take a peek at some of these effective eco-friendly cleaning products!

How about combining it with vinegar? Does baking soda and vinegar clean? Unfortunately, no, albeit it is somewhat better than baking soda alone. Instead, use a tried-and-true antibacterial spray like Cif Anti-Bac and Shine. Check out the Seventh Generation line for additional natural cleaning products.

When making claims regarding a product’s effectiveness, the terms clean, sanitize, and disinfect are readily interchangeable. Arm & Hammer’s package says “baking, cleaning, and deodorizing,” but it never says “sanitizing” or “disinfecting,” despite the fact that it has “over 101 cleaning functions.”

The usage of baking soda to reportedly “disinfect” may have been misattributed to it, perhaps because people equate, or even conflate, the terms “clean” and “wipe away.” Because disinfectants “kill” bacteria, “kill” becomes a synonym for “wipe out” when discussing baking soda disinfectant applications.

The Department of Hospital Epidemiology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine did a research on the “antimicrobial activity of home disinfectants and natural products against possible human infections,” which included “selected antibiotic-resistant bacteria.”

Natural ingredients included vinegar and baking soda. The research concluded that natural products such as vinegar and baking soda “were less effective” than commercially made disinfectants, with only Lysol and Clorox proving effective against poliovirus.

Does baking soda disinfect?

But, can baking soda be used as a disinfectant? Unfortunately, the answer is negative; baking soda is useless against most germs, including salmonella and E. coli.

Can baking soda kill bacteria?

Baking soda may be used instead of harsh chemicals to clean your baby’s tray, highchair, and toys. Keep in mind that it does not destroy bacteria.

How long does it take for baking soda to disinfect?

Allow baking soda to settle on the dirty surface for 5 minutes. Wipe with a moist sponge, gently scrubbing. Clean with a gentle cloth.

Health and Beauty Uses for Baking Soda

Not Just for Your Kitchen

You may recognize it as the orange box that lies at the back of your fridge to eliminate odors. Or as a pantry staple that aids in the rising of baked products. But baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, deserves a place in your medical cabinet. Here’s how it contributes to your body’s health and cleanliness.

Green Teeth Cleaner

Baking soda is an excellent method for physically removing plaque, the sticky film of germs in your mouth. Plaque hardens into tartar over time and may lead to gum disease. Brush as normal after dipping a wet toothbrush into the powder. It lacks the fluoride required to defend against tooth decay and cavities. Fluoride has been added to several public water systems. To be safe, brush with ordinary toothpaste as well.

Inexpensive Mouthwash

That garlic aioli spaghetti was fantastic. But your breath is now repelling even your dog. Rinse your mouth with a teaspoon of baking soda in a half glass of water. It does not just conceal the odor with a minty aroma, like other mouthwashes do. Baking soda completely eliminates the stink.

Body Deodorant

The majority of stinky objects contain acidic or basic odor molecules. Baking soda neutralizes and neutralizes the odors. It’s no surprise that sewage treatment facilities and feedlots employ it. It also helps with body odor. In the morning, dust a bit beneath your arms. If you don’t like the powdery residue on your clothing, utilize baking soda-based stick deodorants. Look for products that include sodium bicarbonate as a primary component.

Helps Your Kidneys

These organs are responsible for removing waste and excess water from your body. Acid may build up in your body if you have chronic renal disease caused by diabetes, high blood pressure, or other factors. Sodium bicarbonate may lower acid levels and may aid reduce bone loss and muscular growth. If you wish to do this, you should consult with your doctor first. Scientists are still finding out when and how this happens.

Helps Fight Cancer

Sodium bicarbonate is kept on hand in emergency departments and hospitals as a therapy for cardiac arrests, poisoning, and other ailments. It also helps to neutralize the acidic qualities of cancer chemotherapy medicine. According to some research, reduced acid levels may decrease the growth and spread of some malignancies.

Soothes Your Skin

A mosquito bit you? Have you come into contact with poison ivy? Baking soda saves the day. It may provide temporary relief from slight discomfort, soreness, itching, and redness. Make a paste by combining 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water. Apply it to your skin and let it on for 20 minutes before washing it off. Alternatively, take a bath with a half-cup of baking soda poured to the water.

Eases Pain

Sodium bicarbonate may enhance the pain-killing properties of lidocaine, which is used in epidurals. Researchers are investigating if it might help relieve cancer discomfort. Soak a washcloth in a solution of 4 teaspoons baking soda per quart of water if you have sunburn. To soothe your skin, gently dab it on the afflicted areas. It may also assist with mild burns such as windburn.

Tamp Down Acid Reflux

Sodium bicarbonate combats excess acid that may rise from your stomach to your throat and even your mouth after eating. It is available as a chewable tablet over the counter. Alternatively, you may make your own antacid by combining a half-teaspoon of baking soda with 1/2 cup of water. Consult a doctor before giving it to children under the age of six, or if you plan to take it on a regular basis with other medications.

Facial Scrub

Baking soda has a slight abrasive property. Use it to gently wash your face. Wash your face with a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser and then rinse with water. Then, combine 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water to produce a paste. For a thorough cleaning, gently rub it in in circles. Rinse well with water.

Clarify Your Hair

To eliminate buildup from sprays, gels, conditioners, and other treatments, combine a teaspoon of baking soda with your preferred shampoo. Your hair will not only be cleaner, but it may also become simpler to style.

Soften Your Skin

To your bathwater, add a half-cup of baking soda. It will neutralize acids, remove perspiration and oil from your skin, and leaving it velvety smooth. Bonus: After you’ve dried off, use a little more of the stuff to scrub the tub clean!

Clean Your Child’s Toys

Baking soda may be used instead of harsh chemicals to clean your baby’s tray, highchair, and toys. Keep in mind that it does not destroy bacteria. However, you may combine it with vinegar, which acts as a disinfectant. Make careful to thoroughly rinse.

Freshen Dentures

2 teaspoons baking soda dissolved in a cup of warm water Simply soak your dentures to dislodge food, remove smells, and refresh any remaining foul taste. It is also effective for retainers and mouth guards. Clean them well with bicarbonate of soda and a toothbrush.

END!

Baking soda extinguishes grease fires; removes stains and scum without damaging tiles, grout, bathtubs, or sinks; absorbs even the strongest odors in trashcans, garbage bins, litter boxes, refrigerators, toilets, carpets, and pet areas; is sold as supplemental cattle feed; provides relief to tired feet when used as a foot soak; cleans teeth, jewelry, upholstery, and burnt pots or pans; and acts as an antacid

But does it really destroy “almost 100%” of germs, as an EPA-defined disinfectant should? While baking soda has been found to be efficient in controlling fungus development, the EPA has classified it as a “biopesticide” in the United States (biopesticides are interventions in the management and control of pests).

Neither to bust anyone’s bubble, but although baking soda has many applications, it is not a sanitizer or disinfectant. Saying “baking soda disinfection” puts it in the crosshairs of disinfectant purists and gives believers of its claimed disinfecting capabilities false optimism.