A £1.69 bag of soda crystals from Savers proved more effective than white vinegar for cleaning oven glass, shower glass and toilet limescale, according to a hands-on test by Nicola Roy of Reach PLC.
White vinegar is widely regarded as a powerful natural cleaning agent, capable of restoring shine to glass and work surfaces at a low cost. However, during one cleaning session, soda crystals were used instead, with even better results.
Oven Glass Transformed
The oven required the most attention, as the glass had accumulated considerable dirt and grime over four years of occasional cleaning. A thick paste was made by mixing soda crystals with small amounts of water, then applied generously to the glass with a cloth and left to sit for around an hour.
Afterwards, a rougher cloth was used in circular motions, lifting dirt with minimal effort. The process was repeated several times until the paste and grime were gone, followed by a quick spray of surface cleaner. The glass looked brand new, and the trick has since been recommended to many people.
Toilet and Shower Results
For the toilet, several cups of soda crystals were sprinkled into and around the bowl, left for an hour, then scrubbed with an old toothbrush to remove stubborn patches before flushing. The bowl was immaculately clean without harsh chemicals.
Shower glass, a frequent source of frustration due to daily fingerprints, soap residue and water marks, was treated with the same paste method. After an hour and circular scrubbing, all marks vanished, revealing a shine that is usually difficult to achieve.
Soda crystals cost £1.69 from Savers, and one bag is sufficient for multiple cleaning tasks.
