Kitchen cleaning hack: Mix baking soda with orange juice to tackle grease, sticky residue and bad odours

Kitchen grease, sticky residue and stubborn stains can be some of the most frustrating household cleaning problems. Removing them often means spending considerable time scrubbing surfaces and trying different sprays and chemical cleaners.

However, a simple two-ingredient combination already found in many kitchens can offer an alternative. Baking soda and fresh orange juice can be combined into a homemade cleaning paste that may help tackle everyday dirt while leaving behind a pleasant citrus scent.

How To Make The Baking Soda And Orange Juice Cleaner

Start with around two teaspoons of baking soda and gradually add fresh orange juice until the mixture forms a thick, spreadable paste.

For lighter cleaning jobs, such as wiping countertops, you can dilute the mixture with a little water to make it easier to spread and rinse away. Since the mixture contains fresh ingredients and no preservatives, it is best to prepare it when needed rather than storing it for long periods.

Clean Sinks And Basins

The paste can be used to gently scrub sinks and bathroom basins, helping remove everyday grime and residue. Apply it to the surface, scrub gently and rinse thoroughly with water.

Help Freshen Drains

The baking soda and orange mixture can also be used as a simple way to tackle lingering odours in drains. Rinse the area thoroughly afterward.

Remove Sticky Countertop Residue

For countertops with light grease or sticky food residue, a thinner version of the paste can be spread over the affected area and gently wiped away. Follow with clean water to remove any remaining mixture.

Things To Keep In Mind

Despite being made from household ingredients, this mixture should still be used carefully. The citric acid in oranges can irritate the skin, particularly with repeated exposure, so wearing gloves while cleaning is advisable.

Avoid using the mixture on porous or unsealed natural stone, including marble and granite, as acidic ingredients may dull or damage these surfaces over time.

Most importantly, never mix this homemade solution with bleach, ammonia or other commercial cleaning products. Combining cleaning substances can produce harmful fumes. For safety, use the baking soda and orange mixture on its own and rinse surfaces thoroughly afterward.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and shouldn't be treated as professional advice. Always do a small patch test before trying any DIY cleaning method on a new surface.

[With TOI inputs]