No, bicarbonate of soda does not disinfect. It is a superb cleaner and deodoriser with a mild antibacterial effect, but studies show it does not reliably kill germs such as E. coli and salmonella, and it is no substitute for a proper disinfectant or bleach. The simple rule: use bicarb to clean and deodorise, and use something else to actually kill germs.
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Does bicarbonate of soda disinfect?
It is one of the most useful things in the cupboard, so it is easy to assume bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) also kills germs. It does not, at least not to any level you could call disinfecting. Sodium bicarbonate is not a registered disinfectant, and when researchers have tested it head to head against products like bleach and alcohol, it comes off far worse.
One peer-reviewed comparison found baking soda eliminated less than three logs of the test pathogens, well short of what a disinfectant must achieve, while commercial products cleared them easily. In plain terms: bicarb might weaken or inhibit some bacteria, but it leaves plenty alive.
What bicarbonate of soda actually does
None of this makes bicarb useless, far from it. It is genuinely excellent at several jobs, which is why it earns its place in every cleaning cupboard.
- It cleans. As a mild abrasive, bicarb scrubs off grime, baked-on food and tea stains without scratching most surfaces.
- It deodorises. This is its superpower. Bicarb neutralises acidic and greasy odour molecules rather than masking them, which is why it works in fridges, bins, carpets and trainers.
- It softens water, helping detergents work better.
- It boosts other cleaners. Research suggests bicarb can weaken bacteria and make a proper cleaner or disinfectant more effective, so it works well as a partner, not a replacement.
What bicarbonate of soda cannot do
The flip side matters just as much, because relying on bicarb to sanitise is where people go wrong.
- It does not disinfect surfaces. After raw meat, or in a bathroom, bicarb will not do the germ-killing job.
- It does not reliably kill the bacteria that make you ill, such as E. coli and salmonella.
- It is not a bleach replacement. For mould, sickness bugs or genuine disinfection you need the right product.
If your goal is to kill germs rather than clean and freshen, reach for a disinfectant spray, or use heat (a hot wash, boiling water, or a dishwasher). For what actually works on mould, see our guide to what kills mould.
What about baking soda and vinegar?
The internet’s favourite combination is not a disinfectant either. When you mix bicarbonate of soda (an alkali) with vinegar (an acid) they react, fizz, and largely neutralise each other, leaving mostly salty water. It is satisfying and handy for shifting a drain blockage by physical fizzing, but it does not sanitise anything. We dig into this in detail in does mixing baking soda and vinegar actually clean. And if you are wondering whether vinegar alone disinfects, the short answer is “barely”, which we cover in does vinegar disinfect.
Why people think bicarb disinfects
The myth sticks because bicarb feels hygienic. It leaves surfaces visibly clean and, crucially, smelling fresh, and our brains read “smells clean” as “is germ free”. Add the popularity of natural, low-chemical cleaning and it is easy to assume a jar of bicarb is doing everything, including killing germs. It is doing a lot, just not that.
The fix is not to bin the bicarb, but to pair it with the right tool for each job:
| The job | What to reach for |
|---|---|
| Scrubbing grime and stains | Bicarbonate of soda paste |
| Getting rid of smells | Bicarbonate of soda |
| Killing germs (after raw meat, illness) | A disinfectant spray, or heat |
| Limescale on taps and kettles | White vinegar or citric acid |
| Mould on grout or sealant | A mould spray or the right cleaner |
How to use bicarbonate of soda well
- Deodorise: sprinkle bicarbonate of soda on carpets, mattresses or trainers, leave for a few hours, then vacuum. Keep an open tub in the fridge to absorb smells.
- Scrub: make a paste with a little water to clean sinks, hobs, pans and oven doors without scratching.
- Freshen bins and drains: a good shake down the plughole, followed by hot water, keeps smells down.
- Boost the laundry: a scoop in the drum helps with odours and softens the water.
- Then disinfect separately: once a surface is clean, if it needs sanitising (after raw meat, or someone being ill), follow up with a proper disinfectant.
Bicarb handles cleaning and odours brilliantly. Pair it with these for the jobs it cannot do.
Myths vs facts
| Claim | The reality |
|---|---|
| Baking soda disinfects surfaces | No. It is not a registered disinfectant and kills far fewer germs than bleach or alcohol in tests. |
| Bicarb kills E. coli and salmonella | Not reliably. It may weaken some bacteria but leaves plenty alive. |
| Baking soda and vinegar make a powerful disinfectant | No. They neutralise each other into salty water. Good for fizzing a drain, not for sanitising. |
| Bicarb is useless then | Far from it. It is an excellent cleaner and the best natural deodoriser going. |
Frequently asked questions
Does bicarbonate of soda disinfect?
No. Bicarbonate of soda is not a disinfectant. It cleans and deodorises very well and has a mild antibacterial effect, but studies show it does not reliably kill germs such as E. coli and salmonella, and it performs far worse than bleach or alcohol. Use it to clean, and a proper disinfectant to sanitise.
Does baking soda kill bacteria?
Only weakly. Research has found some inhibition of certain bacteria, and better results when bicarb is combined with a detergent, but on its own it leaves most bacteria alive. It is not an effective germ killer for everyday hygiene.
Is baking soda and vinegar a disinfectant?
No. Mixing the two makes them react and largely cancel out, leaving mostly salty water. The fizz is useful for dislodging a drain blockage, but the mixture does not disinfect surfaces.
What is bicarbonate of soda actually good for?
Cleaning and deodorising. It is a gentle abrasive that scrubs off grime and stains, and it neutralises odours rather than masking them, which is why it works in fridges, bins, carpets and shoes. It also softens water and can boost other cleaners.
How do I actually disinfect a surface then?
Clean it first, then use a proper disinfectant such as a spray or a diluted bleach solution, following the contact time on the label, or use heat like a hot wash or a dishwasher. Bicarb is a cleaning step, not the germ-killing step.
Does baking soda kill mould?
It can slow and help clean up light mould, and it deodorises the musty smell, but it does not reliably kill mould at the root. For genuine mould removal, see our guide to what actually kills mould, which compares bleach, vinegar and hydrogen peroxide.
Can I use baking soda instead of bleach?
Not for disinfecting. Bleach kills germs and mould; baking soda cleans and deodorises. They do different jobs. If you want to avoid bleach, use a suitable disinfectant rather than relying on bicarb to sanitise.
Is baking soda the same as bicarbonate of soda?
Yes. In the UK it is usually called bicarbonate of soda, and in the US baking soda. They are the same thing, sodium bicarbonate. Do not confuse it with baking powder, which is bicarb mixed with an acid and a starch for baking.
