The baking soda and vinegar mixture is a powerful and helpful solution for removing stains from glass shower doors. However, when using this mixture to clean shower screens, it's essential to do it gently so that you don't end up scratching the surface.
Fill a spray bottle with 75ml of baking soda and 75ml of vinegar, mix the solution well and spray onto the windows. Finish with a dry cloth to wipe over the window, giving it a fantastic shine. Be sure to wash your windows on a cloudy day so the direct sun won't cause any streaks on the glass.
Glass. You're going to want to stick with Windex when cleaning glass surfaces in your house. “Baking soda is an abrasive cleaner, so there is a chance that it will scratch your glass or mirror,” says Marcos Franco, an employee of Mighty Clean Home.
Many hotels use ammonia-based cleaning solutions because ammonia readily cuts through dirt and soap scum. Because of the way it dries, ammonia also decreases the possibility of streaks on glass.
Sodium bicarbonate and acetic acid reacts to carbon dioxide, water and sodium acetate. The solid baking soda was placed in liquid vinegar producing carbon dioxide gas, which is evident because of the formation of bubbles in the foaming mixture.
Some of the most effective household cleaners aren't meant to be mixed. You probably already know never to combine harsh chemicals like bleach and ammonia (or really, bleach and anything). But common pantry essentials that are often used for cleaning — like baking soda and vinegar — shouldn't be mixed either.
Make a paste of baking soda and vinegar, spread it on the stains, and allow it to sit for about 20 minutes. If the watermark stains have built up, allow the paste to settle for a little longer. Finally, rinse the shower screen and wipe it dry.
All you need to do is pour white vinegar into a plastic bag, wrap it around the showerhead, and secure it using a rubber band or elastic tie. Leave the plastic bag concoction overnight and remove in the morning, revealing your brand new-looking showerhead. Get tips to clean the entire bathroom step by step here.
Baking soda is abrasive enough to remove grime, but won't damage the glass.
Use straight vinegar.
If you have really grimy windows, you'll want to wash them with an extra strength solution. Simply warm 1 cup (240 mL) of white vinegar and apply it directly to glass (a spray bottle is best for this particular solution).
The methylated spirits will evaporate within a few seconds leaving crystal clear and shiny windows behind. Both vinegar and lemon juice are acids. They may be natural, but they are also quite harsh. When used on treated glass, they can eat away at UV filters and the window finish.
Spray a stronger mix of 1:1 water and vinegar (or Windex, or glass cleaner) at your window, so that the solution covers most of the glass. (I found Windex to work better, but if you have pets—or kids—who frequently lick outdoor windows, vinegar may be the best route for you.)
Vinegar is acidic and basic soda is basic, so the by-products are sodium acetate, carbon dioxide, and water that are not toxic. The mixing reaction causes the baking soda to foam up and produce carbon dioxide gas.
Pour baking soda into the drain (about half a cup), followed by one cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain and let it sit for 30 minutes. After waiting, boil a kettle of water and dump all of the boiling water down the drain to flush out the loosened clog.
You should use a ratio of 1:2 baking soda to vinegar. In other words, if you're using ½ cup of baking soda, use 1 cup of vinegar, or if you're using a cup of baking soda, use 2 cups of vinegar.
If you're planning to use baking soda and vinegar together, Morris suggests using the mixture while it's still bubbling – and ideally, directly on the surface you're cleaning. For example, one useful method Morris suggests is to dump a bit of baking soda down a garbage disposal, followed by a couple glugs of vinegar.
Anything with Bleach
Bleach and ammonia can create a toxic gas, and the same goes for vinegar–an acid that releases toxic chlorine vapors when mixed with bleach. Separating your cleaning products will keep your home clean and safe.
When baking soda is mixed with vinegar, the acid breaks down baking soda, releasing carbon dioxide gas that can help lift dirt from the surfaces being cleaned. Here are some recipes to try. Freshen your sink by mixing one part of baking soda with two parts of vinegar.
Dip some paper towels into the hot vinegar and adhere them to the glass door. The acid in the vinegar should soak into the limescale and loosen deposits. Wait 30 minutes to an hour to allow the vinegar to break down the limescale.