Mixing detergent with baking soda & sugar: How to use this cleaning hack correctly and what is recommended

Looking for a simple way to tackle everyday grime without reaching for a cupboard full of cleaning products? A mixture of liquid detergent, baking soda and sugar is often shared as a homemade cleaning hack for dealing with grease, dirt and unpleasant smells around the house.

The three ingredients each have different properties. Detergent helps loosen grease and dirt, while baking soda is commonly used as a mild cleaning and deodorising ingredient. Sugar can add some texture to the mixture, although it is not a substitute for a proper disinfectant.

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What happens when you mix detergent, baking soda and sugar?

Liquid detergent contains surfactants that help lift grease and dirt from surfaces, making them easier to wash away with water.

Baking soda, meanwhile, is mildly abrasive and is often used to help tackle grime and odours. When combined with detergent, it can make a thicker cleaning paste that may be useful for certain everyday cleaning jobs.

Sugar mainly adds a slightly gritty texture to the mixture. However, it should not be considered a powerful disinfectant or sanitiser. If you need to kill specific germs, it is better to use a suitable household disinfectant according to its label.

Where can you use this homemade cleaning mixture?

The mixture may be useful for tackling everyday dirt on suitable hard surfaces around the kitchen and bathroom. Some people use similar pastes on areas such as kitchen worktops, sinks, tiles, the outside of pots and pans, and other washable surfaces.

It can be particularly handy when you are dealing with greasy or stuck-on residue. Simply apply a small amount, gently work it over the area and rinse thoroughly with clean water.

How to make a detergent, baking soda and sugar paste

You only need three basic ingredients to try this cleaning hack:

• 2 tablespoons of liquid detergent
• 1 tablespoon of baking soda
• 1 tablespoon of sugar

Add all three ingredients to a small bowl and mix them until you get a reasonably smooth paste. If it feels too thin, add a little more baking soda. If it becomes too thick, add a few drops of water and mix again.

There is no need to make a huge batch. Preparing a small amount when you need it can be more practical and means you are not left storing a homemade mixture unnecessarily.

How to use the mixture safely

Before applying the paste, remove loose dirt from the surface. Apply a small amount of the mixture and gently rub it with a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse the area afterwards and wipe it dry.

Be a little more careful with delicate materials. Untreated wood, polished stone, marble and some coated or painted surfaces can be sensitive to abrasive cleaners. Always test the mixture on a small, hidden area first.

Also, don't assume that because something is homemade it is automatically safer than a commercial cleaner. Keep the ingredients away from children and pets, and avoid mixing this paste with bleach or other cleaning chemicals.

Does adding vinegar make it better?

You may come across recipes that suggest adding white vinegar to homemade cleaning mixtures. Vinegar is acidic and can be useful for certain cleaning jobs, but adding it to baking soda causes an acid-base reaction that produces fizzing and largely neutralises the ingredients.

So, rather than throwing every household ingredient into one bowl, it is generally better to use each product for the job it is actually suited to.

A simple cleaning hack, but not a miracle solution

The detergent and baking soda combination can be a handy option for ordinary grease and grime, while the sugar mainly changes the texture of the paste. However, there is no need to treat this mixture as a replacement for every household cleaning product.

For routine cleaning, the simplest approach is often the best one: use an appropriate cleaner for the surface, follow its instructions and rinse thoroughly where required.


Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional cleaning advice. Homemade cleaning mixtures may not be suitable for all surfaces and should be tested on a small, inconspicuous area first. Do not mix the ingredients with bleach or other cleaning chemicals, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for commercial cleaning products. Sugar and baking soda should not be considered disinfectants or replacements for products specifically designed to kill germs.