Is Baking Soda Safe to Use on Glass? (6 Alternatives to Consider)

glass of water

Baking soda is a popular cleaning ingredient that is often used to clean glass surfaces. However, it is important to note that baking soda being mildly adhesive in nature, can scratch glass if not used properly

When cleaning glass with baking soda, it is important to use a soft cloth or sponge and to apply the baking soda with a gentle touch. Scratching can occur if the glass is scrubbed too hard or if a rough cloth or sponge is used. 

Additionally, baking soda should be mixed with water to create a paste before being applied to the glass, rather than being used in its dry form.

If you are concerned about the potential for scratching, several alternative natural cleaning ingredients can be used to clean glass.

In this article, we’ll explore 6 household items that can be used as natural alternatives to baking soda for cleaning glass surfaces.

Let’s begin.

White Vinegar

White vinegar is an effective natural cleaning ingredient that can be used to safely clean glass surfaces. It is acidic, which helps to clean off dirt, grime, and even stains. When mixed with water, it can be used as a cleaning solution for glass surfaces. 

To clean the glass with white vinegar, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the glass and wipe it clean with a soft cloth or sponge.

Lemon Juice 

Lemon juice is another natural cleaning ingredient that can be used to clean glass surfaces. The acidic properties of lemon juice help to loosen and remove dirt and grime, and stains. 

To clean the glass with lemon juice, mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the glass and wipe it clean with a soft cloth or sponge.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch is a gentle abrasive that can be used to clean glass surfaces without scratching them. When mixed with water, it forms a paste that can be used to remove dirt and stains from glass. 

To clean glass surfaces with cornstarch, you can create a paste by mixing 1 part cornstarch and 2 parts water. Gently apply the paste to the glass and use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub the surface. Once you have finished scrubbing, rinse and use a damp cloth to wipe the glass clean and remove any remaining residue.

Club Soda

Club soda is a natural cleaning agent that can be used to clean glass surfaces. The carbonation in club soda can dissolve dirt and grime, making it an effective cleaner for mirrors and windows. 

To clean the glass with club soda, pour it directly onto the glass and wipe it clean with a soft cloth or sponge.

Distilled Water and a Few Drops of Mild Dish Soap: 

It is a simple yet effective solution to clean glass surfaces. The dish soap helps to break down dirt and grime while distilled water ensures that the glass is cleaned without leaving any scratches or stains. 

To clean the glass with this solution, mix a few drops of mild dish soap in a spray bottle filled with distilled water, then spray the solution onto the glass and wipe it clean with a soft cloth or sponge.

Rubbing Alcohol and Water

A rubbing alcohol and water solution is another simple and effective glass surface cleaner. 

To clean the glass with this solution, mix equal parts of rubbing alcohol and water in a spray bottle, then spray the solution onto the glass and wipe it clean with a soft cloth or sponge.

Important Reminders:

It is important to note that when cleaning glass surfaces, it is always best to test the cleaning solution on a small inconspicuous area first, to ensure that it does not damage the surface or leave any residue. This is particularly important if the glass has a special coating, such as an anti-glare or anti-fog coating, as some cleaning solutions can damage or remove these coatings.

It’s also important to use the right type of cloth when cleaning glass surfaces, microfiber cloths are considered the best option as they are soft, lint-free, and will not scratch the glass surface. They are also highly absorbent and can pick up dirt and grime easily. Read the Benefits of Using a Microfiber Cloth for Cleaning if you want to learn more.  

When cleaning glass surfaces, it is also important to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can scratch the glass. Always use a gentle touch and a soft cloth or sponge when cleaning glass surfaces, to avoid scratching the surface.

In addition to the above, it’s always best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations when cleaning glass surfaces with special coatings.

Conclusion:

While baking soda is a popular cleaning ingredient, it is important to note that it can scratch glass if not used properly. 

As an alternative, there are several cleaning ingredients that can be used to clean glass without the risk of scratching. White vinegar, lemon juice, cornstarch, club soda, distilled water, mild dish soap, and rubbing alcohol are just a few examples of effective homemade cleaning solutions for glass.

I hope you consider using some of these alternative cleaning solutions the next time you clean glass surfaces.

Thanks for reading.

-Baking Soda Guy

Image by Joel from Pixabay