Many household cleaners advertise that they can make surfaces sparkle, but some combinations of cleaners can actually damage surfaces over time. Two common household products, baking soda and vinegar, are often mixed together in homemade cleaners. While this combination produces an exciting bubbling reaction, you may wonder – will baking soda and vinegar damage porcelain surfaces like sinks, tubs, and toilets? Here’s a quick overview of the potential risks and benefits of using baking soda and vinegar to clean porcelain.
The short answer
Using baking soda and vinegar as an occasional cleaning solution is generally safe for porcelain. But over time, the acidic vinegar may etch or dull the smooth glossy finish of porcelain. For regular cleaning, it’s better to use a mild detergent or soap and water.
The science behind baking soda and vinegar
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), is a powdered chemical salt with mild abrasive and alkaline properties. Vinegar contains acetic acid (CH3COOH) and has acidic properties. When baking soda and vinegar combine, an acid-base reaction occurs. The acid (vinegar) reacts with the base (baking soda) to form carbon dioxide gas. This produces the fizzing and bubbling mixture many homeowners love to use for cleaning.
While great for producing sensory excitement, the concern with using this mixture on porcelain is that porcelain enamel can be damaged by acidic substances over time. The vinegar may etch or corrode the glossy porcelain surface, causing it to appear dull or porous.
Vinegar’s effect on porcelain
Porcelain enamel is glass fused onto a ceramic base. It is non-porous and waterproof when intact. While durable, porcelain can be damaged by highly acidic substances.
Studies show that vinegar, which contains 4-9% acetic acid, can erode dental enamel. As dental enamel is similar in composition to porcelain enamel, experts caution against using vinegar as a long-term cleaning agent on porcelain.
Occasional use of vinegar likely won’t cause etching. But recurrent exposure to vinegar’s acidity can break down porcelain over time, creating microscopic pits and pores than allow stains and bacteria to accumulate. This permanently damages porcelain’s protective glassy barrier.
Is baking soda alone safe?
Baking soda is a gentle abrasive cleaner that will not harm most surfaces. It has a neutral pH of 8. The gritty texture of baking soda provides scrubbing power to lift dirt and stains when used with water. Baking soda alone should not damage porcelain with regular use. But harsh scrubbing may eventually cause minor scratching on delicate porcelain. Always use a soft cleaning cloth or sponge when using baking soda on porcelain.
Factors that increase porcelain’s risk of damage
Certain factors can make porcelain sinks, tubs, and toilets more prone to damage from acidic cleaners like vinegar:
Age and wear
Older porcelain that already has slight etching or scratches is more vulnerable to acid damage than smooth new porcelain. The damaged areas give vinegar an entry point to penetrate deeper into the enamel.
Quality
Lower grade porcelain with a thinner layer of glass enamel is more easily damaged than high-quality vitreous porcelain. Vitreous china has an extremely durable layer of glass that resists etching and staining.
Soft water
Porcelain exposed to soft water is more susceptible to acid damage. Hard water helps protect surfaces by leaving behind mineral deposits that provide a barrier against acids.
Temperature
Hot water accelerates acid etching on porcelain. Cleaning with vinegar and baking soda while the water is hot magnifies the risk. Always use cool water when cleaning porcelain with an acidic cleaner.
Contact time
The longer vinegar sits on porcelain, the more potential for damage. Don’t let vinegar cleaning solutions sit on porcelain. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning.
Signs of acid damage
How can you tell if your porcelain surfaces are starting to show signs of acid damage from vinegar or other cleaners? Etching damage is often subtle at first but becomes more noticeable over time. Signs of acid damage include:
Loss of shine and luster
Porcelain will appear duller and less glossy where etching has occurred. The enamel loses its smooth polished look.
Rough texture
You may be able to feel tiny pits, pores, or grooves in damaged areas. Healthy porcelain should feel smooth.
Difficulty cleaning
Etched porcelain is harder to clean because stains get trapped in etched grooves. Discoloration and mineral deposits accumulate faster.
Chalky whitish deposits
Damaged porcelain may develop a buildup of whitish deposits as minerals in the water fill in etched areas. These chalky deposits are difficult to remove.
Darkened areas
Acid erosion that exposes the porcelain beneath the glass enamel results in darker areas on the surface.
Cracking around edges
Advanced acid damage can cause the enamel to crack or chip around the edges of sinks, tubs, or other porcelain fixtures.
Long-term risks of acid damage
Surface damage from acid etching may seem merely cosmetic at first. But over years of use, the effects compound and can lead to more significant issues:
Permanent staining
Etching makes porcelain more prone to staining from hard water deposits, soap scum, mildew, and other grime. Stains become nearly impossible to remove once they seep into unprotected porous areas.
Bacteria buildup
The tiny grooves caused by acid erosion provide the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and mildew to take hold. Etching essentially makes porcelain less sanitary over time.
Weak spots
Acid wear caneat away the porcelain underneath the glass enamel layer. This causes structural weak spots that may eventually lead to cracks or chips.
Compromised waterproofing
The waterproof seal of porcelain depends on an intact glass enamel barrier. Once etching creates holes in this protective shield, moisture can seep in and undermine the subsurface material.
Expensive repairs
Badly damaged sinks, tubs, and toilets may need professional resurfacing or replacement if the acid etching is severe. This can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars.
How to clean porcelain safely
To keep your prized porcelain fixtures gleaming and prevent costly damage, opt for non-acidic cleaning products. Here are some safe, effective options:
Mild liquid dish soap
For routine cleaning, use a soft sponge or cloth with warm water and a small amount of liquid dishwashing soap. Avoid dish soaps with added bleach or harsh chemicals.
Baking soda
The abrasive but non-acidic properties of baking soda make it ideal for gentle scrubbing to remove stains from porcelain. Mix with water to form a paste.
Hydrogen peroxide
The bubbling reaction of hydrogen peroxide can help lift stains without etching porcelain.
Mild abrasive cleaners
Look for powdered or cream cleansers labeled “non-acidic” on porcelain-safe cleaning products like Bon Ami or Soft Scrub.
Neutral pH disinfectants
Disinfect porcelain fixtures safely using hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or other low-acid disinfectants. Avoid bleach and chlorine-based products.
When to call a professional
If your porcelain sink, tub, tiles or toilet are already showing signs of acid damage, a professional repair may be needed to restore their appearance and function. Consider calling in a specialist for:
Deep staining and erosion
Surface cleaning alone won’t fix etching damage beyond a certain point. Professional techniques like honing or pumice scrubbing may be required.
Re-enameling
Severe acid wear can be repaired by stripping off the damaged enamel and re-applying a fresh glossy coat. This restores the protective seal.
Cracks and chips
Minor surface damage can often be repaired by a professional through patching and bonding techniques.
Resurfacing
Heavily etched fixtures may need to be resurfaced by spraying on new layers of porcelain enamel. This requires specialty training and equipment.
The bottom line
While the fizzy reaction of baking soda and vinegar offers satisfying cleaning drama, it’s best saved for occasional use on durable surfaces like stainless steel or tile. Porcelain requires a gentle approach. Limit vinegar and other acidic cleaners to prevent permanent damage to your sinks, tubs and toilet over decades of use. With the proper care, quality porcelain should retain its beautiful glossy finish for generations.
FAQs about baking soda, vinegar, and porcelain
Q: Is it OK to use baking soda and vinegar to clean porcelain once in awhile?
A: Using baking soda and vinegar occasionally on porcelain likely won’t cause harm. But it’s best to avoid this mixture for routine cleaning. The acidity of the vinegar can damage porcelain over time.
Q: Can I use vinegar to remove hard water stains from porcelain?
A: Vinegar will successfully dissolve calcium and mineral deposits. But it does so by etching the enamel, leaving microscopic pits that enable stains to return more easily. It’s safer to remove hard water stains with non-acidic cleaners.
Q: Why does vinegar negatively affect porcelain but not tile or stainless steel?
A: Porcelain contains a glass enamel coating that is susceptible to erosion from acid. Stainless steel and ceramic tile do not share this vulnerability. Vinegar can dull and pit porcelain but won’t harm the surface of tile or stainless steel.
Q: How can I restore porcelain that is already etched by vinegar or other acids?
A: For porcelain with mild etching, vigorous cleaning with baking soda may help smooth the surface. Severely pitted porcelain may require professional restoration through re-enameling, resurfacing or replacement.
Q: Is it okay to mix baking soda and vinegar for drain cleaning?
A: For drain usage, mixing baking soda and vinegar is fine and helpful for breaking up clogs. The reaction is contained inside the drain rather than sitting on a porcelain surface, so etching is not a concern.
Conclusion
Baking soda and vinegar should be avoided as a regular cleaner for porcelain sinks, tubs, and toilets. The vinegar in this popular DIY mixture can damage porcelain over time by eroding the protective enamel coating. While vinegar effectively breaks up grime, the microscopic pits left behind permanently compromise porcelain’s beauty and longevity. Mild soap and water, along with non-acidic cleaning products, are safer for routine porcelain care.