That claim is partly true but exaggerated and clickbait-style.
🧂 What sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) actually does
Baking soda is a mild alkaline cleaner, which means it can:
- Help loosen light grease
- Neutralize odors
- Soften grime so it’s easier to scrub
But it is not a strong degreaser by itself—it works best with water, time, and sometimes a little friction.
🧼 Where it does help with grease
You can use it on:
- Kitchen stovetops (light grease)
- Baking trays and oven doors (with paste)
- Sinks and countertops
- Microwave interiors
- Stainless steel (gentle cleaning)
🧪 The correct way to use it (simple paste method)
A common safe method:
- Mix:
- 2–3 tablespoons baking soda
- A small amount of water
- Make a thick paste
- Apply to greasy area
- Let sit 10–20 minutes
- Scrub gently with a sponge or brush
- Wipe clean with water
⚠️ Important limitations
- ❌ Won’t dissolve heavy, baked-on grease alone
- ❌ Not a substitute for dish soap or degreasers
- ❌ Can scratch delicate surfaces if scrubbed too hard when dry
For stronger grease, it works better when combined with:
- Dish soap (for oil breakdown)
- Warm water (to loosen fat)
- Vinegar (for some residue, but not all grease types)
🧠 Bottom line
Baking soda is a useful mild cleaner, not a magic grease remover. The “only way to work is to prepare it like this” part is marketing exaggeration.
If you want, I can give you a simple homemade kitchen degreaser that actually works better than baking soda alone.
