Baking soda is a versatile, affordable household cleaner that can be helpful in many circumstances. You can use it to clean certain types of pots and pans, remove stains from clothing, clean and deodorize carpet, and even unclog a drain, just to name a few common uses.

That said, while many people sing the praises of baking soda, it isn’t a one-size-fits-all cleaning product.

“While baking soda is great for cleaning many surfaces, such as countertops, sinks, and tubs, its abrasive texture can cause damage to more delicate materials,” Robin Murphy, the founder of Maid Brigade, says.

In order to preserve certain types of surfaces and materials in your home, it is important to develop an understanding of when to avoid cleaning with baking soda. Keep reading to learn about five categories of items that you should never clean with baking soda and why.

Metals

Baking soda and certain metals do not go hand in hand.

For one, you won’t want to use baking soda to clean your jewelry, Logan Taylor, the founder of The Dazzle Cleaning Company, explains. This is due to the fact that baking soda can scratch materials like gold jewelry as well as remove coatings from other finishes, Taylor shares.

Aluminum is another type of metal that you should not pair with baking soda. As Murphy explains, using baking soda on aluminum can result in tarnishing or discoloration. The results will only become worse if you leave baking soda on such a surface for too long, she adds, weakening it and reducing shine.

Want more cleaning and organizing tips? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest hacks, expert advice, and more!

Electronics

You’ve likely spent a pretty penny on your electronics, so you do not want to take any chances when it comes to cleaning them. Baking soda is something to avoid, Taylor notes, as it can scratch screens. But that’s not all—the powder may also make its way into the inside of your device, which can lead to larger issues, the cleaner adds.

To play it safe, stick to using a traditional screen cleaner that is made specifically for electronic devices like phones, or follow more detailed instructions for how to best clean something like a flatscreen tTV

Marble and Granite Countertops

Baking soda is not a good cleaning solution to use on marble or granite countertops. This is because it can scratch these materials, which will result in dullness and signs of wear, Murphy shares.

The best alternative is to avoid any type of harsh cleaner when dealing with these countertop materials and instead make your own cleaning solution that contains water and dishwashing liquid.

Wood Furniture and Floors

Marble and granite aren’t the only common household materials that don’t pair well with baking soda; wood is also a no-no, Murphy adds. Again, she says, baking soda can cause dullness while also stripping away protective oils and sealants.

Instead, using a commercial hardwood floor cleaner is your best bet when it comes time to get wood floors looking nice and new.

Leather

Leather and baking soda are not a great duo. This is because leather is sensitive to abrasives, Murphy says, so when you apply baking soda to it, you run the risk of causing scratches or wearing down its surfaces.

Moreover, leather and powder are not a great mix, she explains, noting that baking soda can also be tough to remove from leather furniture.

Glassware or Mirrors

Do not apply baking soda to glassware or mirrors in your home, Murphy cautions, explaining that baking soda can actually scratch glass surfaces. This will contribute to a cloudy look, which is the exact opposite of what you want when cleaning.

When it does come time to clean your mirror, experts recommend using a microfiber cloth paired with a traditional glass cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water to successfully get the job done.