Which is more effective in cleaning oil stains, alkali or baking soda

Alkali and baking soda each have their own advantages in cleaning oil stains, and the specific choice depends on the type of oil stain and the cleaning scenario. Alkaline cleaners have stronger ability to decompose stubborn oil stains, while baking soda is more suitable for daily mild oil stains and has higher safety.

Alkaline cleaners mainly achieve stain removal through saponification reaction between strong alkaline components and oils, and have significant effects on stubborn stains such as kitchen heavy oil stains and mechanical oil stains. Its molecular structure can quickly break down the chains of oil molecules, but high pH values may corrode metals and damage the skin. When using, protective gloves should be worn and contact with aluminum products should be avoided. The common edible alkali ingredient is sodium carbonate, while industrial alkali may contain more potent ingredients such as sodium hydroxide. After cleaning, the residue should be thoroughly rinsed. Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a weakly alkaline substance that loosens oil particles through gentle foaming during cleaning. Suitable for cleaning food contact surfaces such as stove tops and oven walls, without producing irritating odors or corroding tableware. Its fine particles have physical friction and can be combined with white vinegar to enhance the cleaning effect, but it needs to be repeatedly scrubbed when facing solidified oil stains or large amounts of grease. Baking soda solution can also be used to clean pesticide residues on the surface of fruits and vegetables, with higher safety than strong alkaline cleaners.

It is recommended to prioritize using baking soda for daily home cleaning, which is environmentally friendly and skin friendly; Alkaline cleaning agents can be used when dealing with accumulated dirt or industrial oil pollution for many years, but proper protection must be taken. Both substances should not be mixed with chlorine bleach. After cleaning, it is recommended to open windows for ventilation. For range hood filters with severe oil stains, soak them in hot water to soften before using cleaning agents. Regular maintenance is more effective than sudden cleaning, and timely wiping of the stove after cooking can greatly reduce the difficulty of cleaning.