Can You Mix Baking Soda and Vinegar?
Yes, you can safely mix baking soda and vinegar - it creates a fizzy reaction but is not dangerous. However, this combination is not an effective cleaner despite its popularity. The acid and base neutralize each other, leaving mostly salt water. Used separately, both are better cleaners than when combined.
Key Takeaways
- When baking soda (a base) meets vinegar (an acid), they undergo a neutralization reaction producing carbon dioxide gas (the bubbles), water, and sodium acetate (a [salt](/does-salt-expire)).
- The combination can help unclog drains through physical bubble action, not chemical cleaning.
- Mixing them in a closed container builds pressure and can cause the container to burst.
Explanation
When baking soda (a base) meets vinegar (an acid), they undergo a neutralization reaction producing carbon dioxide gas (the bubbles), water, and sodium acetate (a salt). The dramatic fizzing looks impressive but does not indicate cleaning power.
The misconception persists because the bubbling action appears to be doing something. While the physical agitation of bubbles can help loosen some debris, the resulting solution has little cleaning power. The useful properties of both ingredients cancel out.
For actual cleaning, use baking soda and vinegar separately on different tasks. Baking soda is a gentle abrasive good for scrubbing and absorbing odors. Vinegar is excellent for cutting grease, removing mineral deposits, and sanitizing (except on certain surfaces like marble).
Things to Know
- The combination can help unclog drains through physical bubble action, not chemical cleaning.
- Mixing them in a closed container builds pressure and can cause the container to burst.
- The 'volcano' science project demonstrates this reaction dramatically and safely.