3-ingredient DIY cleaning hack: Use baking soda, vinegar and detergent to remove dirt, grease and bad odours

Baking soda, vinegar and detergent are among the most commonly used household cleaning products. They are affordable, easy to find and can be useful for tackling several everyday cleaning problems around the home. Used appropriately, these ingredients can help loosen accumulated dirt, remove grease, reduce unpleasant odours and make stubborn residue easier to clean. Each ingredient works differently, making them useful for different types of household messes.

How Baking Soda, Vinegar And Detergent Help With Cleaning
Baking soda is commonly used as a mild abrasive and deodoriser, making it useful for areas affected by stains, grease and unpleasant smells. Detergent helps break down oils and food residue, while white vinegar is often used to tackle mineral deposits and certain types of residue.


Rather than relying on the three ingredients for every cleaning task, they can be used separately or in suitable combinations depending on the surface and type of dirt.

Where Can You Use These Cleaning Ingredients?

1. Drains

Kitchen and bathroom drains can collect food particles, grease and other residue over time. Baking soda can help with odour control, while detergent can help loosen greasy buildup. For mineral deposits around the drain, diluted white vinegar may also be useful. Avoid pouring different cleaning products together without checking whether they are safe to combine.

2. Countertops

Countertops can develop greasy patches and food residue with regular use. A small amount of detergent diluted with water can help clean everyday dirt, while baking soda can be useful for certain stubborn spots on suitable surfaces. Always check the manufacturer's cleaning instructions, especially for marble, granite and other natural stone surfaces.

3. Trash Cans

Trash cans can develop unpleasant smells even after the garbage has been removed. Baking soda can help absorb odours, while detergent and water can be used to clean the inside of the bin. After washing, allow the bin to dry completely before putting in a new garbage bag.

4. Refrigerators

Spills, food residue and strong smells can build up inside refrigerators. Baking soda is commonly used to help control odours, while a mild detergent solution can be used to clean removable shelves and surfaces.

Avoid using strong or highly scented products directly around exposed food, and wipe surfaces thoroughly after cleaning.

5. Kitchen Sinks

Kitchen sinks regularly come into contact with food scraps, oil and soap residue. Detergent can help remove grease, while baking soda can provide gentle scrubbing for suitable sink surfaces.

White vinegar can be useful for mineral deposits around taps and other areas affected by hard-water residue.

Things To Keep In Mind

Not every cleaning ingredient is suitable for every surface. Before using baking soda, vinegar or detergent, check the manufacturer's instructions for the material you are cleaning.

White vinegar should not be used on certain natural stone surfaces such as marble and limestone because its acidity can damage the finish. Baking soda can also be abrasive, so avoid vigorous scrubbing on delicate or easily scratched surfaces.

Most importantly, never mix vinegar with bleach or products containing bleach, as this can release dangerous chlorine gas. It is also better to use cleaning products separately unless their combination is specifically known to be safe.

A Simple Cleaning Routine

For regular household cleaning, start by removing loose dirt and debris. Use a suitable detergent solution for grease and everyday grime, rinse or wipe the surface clean, and allow it to dry.