Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda, E500)
Sodium bicarbonate is the baking soda found in kitchens. It is used in cleaning as a mild abrasive, deodoriser and grease remover, and in food under the code E500 as a raising agent and acidity regulator. It is not classified as hazardous; it is one of the lowest-risk substances you can use for household cleaning. The fizz produced when it is mixed with vinegar, however, does not clean as powerfully as people think.
Risk range
1 is the lowest and 10 the highest risk. The range depends on the amount used, whether the product is rinsed off and how it is used. The Temiz İçerik app uses the same ranges.
It sits in the lowest range because it has no hazard classification; the upper end only reflects minor risks such as getting powder in the eyes or scratching delicate surfaces.
It is an additive permitted in the EU for which international assessments (JECFA) have not considered a numerical daily intake limit necessary; the upper end only reflects sodium intake, which adds up with salty and processed foods.
What is sodium bicarbonate and what does it do?
Sodium bicarbonate is a mildly alkaline salt in the form of a fine white powder. When it meets an acid it releases carbon dioxide gas; this is the reaction that makes dough rise. It is the main component of baking powder.
Three of its properties are useful for cleaning: its fine grains act as a gentle abrasive, lifting dirt without scratching the surface; its mildly alkaline nature loosens greasy dirt; and it removes odours by neutralising acidic odour molecules.
Which products contain it?
- Baking soda (pure sodium bicarbonate) and baking powder
- Cream and powder cleaners, some dishwasher products
- Fridge and shoe deodorisers
- In food: cakes, biscuits, crackers, effervescent drink tablets (E500)
- Cosmetic products such as toothpaste and deodorant
On food labels it appears as "raising agent (sodium bicarbonate)" or "E500". The code E500 covers sodium carbonates; E500(ii) specifically refers to sodium bicarbonate.
Is it harmful? The scientific assessment
Sodium bicarbonate is not classified as a hazardous substance under the EU CLP Regulation. Powder that gets into the eyes can cause temporary redness and stinging; rinsing with plenty of water is enough. In the environment it breaks down into sodium and bicarbonate ions, which occur naturally.
It is permitted as a food additive in the EU; international assessments (JECFA) saw no safety concern at the levels used and did not consider a numerical daily intake limit necessary. The only point to watch is its sodium content: together with salty, processed foods it increases total sodium intake.
Drinking baking soda carelessly and in large amounts for heartburn is a different matter; this can upset the body's acid-base and salt balance. People with frequent heartburn would do better to see their doctor than rely on home remedies.
Baking soda and vinegar: myth or fact?
The fizz when you pour vinegar onto baking soda looks impressive, but in fact a base and an acid neutralise each other: the result is water, carbon dioxide and sodium acetate. In other words, the cleaning power of both substances largely disappears. The fizzing may have a limited mechanical effect on a blocked drain, but it will not clear serious blockages.
For better results, use them separately: baking soda on grease, odours and surface stains; vinegar or citric acid on limescale.
What to do when you see it on a label
Sodium bicarbonate is nothing to worry about, whether in food or in cleaning. You can mix it into a paste with a little water and use it on surfaces such as oven doors, the bottoms of pans and sinks. On shiny, easily scratched surfaces (varnished wood, some plastics, acrylic), test it first in an inconspicuous spot. Do not mix it with strong products such as bleach or hydrochloric acid; baking soda does not remove the hazards of these products.
Frequently asked questions
Does mixing baking soda and vinegar increase cleaning power?
No. The acid and base neutralise each other; the fizz is visually impressive but cleaning power decreases. Using the two separately is more effective.
Is E500 harmful?
No. Sodium bicarbonate is an additive permitted in the EU with no safety concern at the levels used. Only its contribution to total sodium intake may be worth bearing in mind.
Are baking soda and baking powder the same?
Not exactly. Baking powder contains an acid and starch in addition to baking soda, so it can raise dough without any extra acid.
Can baking soda be used on any surface?
It is safe on most surfaces; however, test it on a small area first on varnished, easily scratched or aluminium surfaces.
Sources
Updated: 2026-10-11 · How we score
This page is for general information and is not personal medical advice. Warnings on the product label and the advice of a health professional always come first.