Many people use baking soda to clean, but here are 9 things you should never clean with baking soda

The main ingredient in baking soda is sodium carbonate. This ingredient has been used as a cleanser since before the Great Pyramid of Giza was built. Although nobody is using baking soda to clean and preserve mummies anymore (yikes!), it's still used as a multipurpose cleaning agent around the world.

What many people do not discuss about baking soda is its reaction with certain metals and its abrasiveness. There are certain things baking soda should not be used to clean. So, before you polish an antique ladle or clean the countertop, make sure they do not appear on this list of nine things you should never clean with baking soda.

1. Ceramic cooktop
Baking soda is known as a wonderful natural cleanser. With that said, it shouldn't be used to clean every appliance. If someone suggests using baking soda to clean a ceramic cooktop, politely decline. Baking soda is too abrasive to use on it. In addition, it will leave a white film that is quite difficult to eliminate.

2. Your skin
Many beauty magazines encourage readers to use baking soda to combat acne. It's important to note, however, that baking soda may have a drying effect on skin. Baking soda may also cause rashes, redness and burning if a person has sensitive skin. 3. Antique silver
Baking soda may be used to remove tarnish from antique silver, but that doesn't necessarily make it a good idea. Silver may lose its patina and tarnish quickly after using baking soda as a cleanser. Baking soda may also scratch antique silver. Use a silver polish instead to reduce the risk of damaging an antique or consider taking it to a professional. 4. Wood furniture
There are no perks to using baking soda on wood. Not only will baking soda not clean the wood, but it may also scratch it and remove any existing finish. Use a wood polish to clean, shine and protect wood.

5. Marble
Some websites and magazines advise people to use baking soda on marble floors and countertops. This isn't a good idea. Using baking soda on marble, over time, removes the protective finish and causes scratches. 6. Glass
There are no benefits to using baking soda on glass. Instead, use vinegar or a commercial glass cleaner. Baking soda is an abrasive cleaner that may scratch glass. It can also cause smudges and a while film that is difficult to remove from glass.

7. Aluminum
Baking soda causes aluminum to oxidize, making it a poor option for cleaning aluminum. Extensive use of baking soda on aluminum may result in discoloration of pots and pans. If you insist on using baking soda to clean aluminum cookware, rinse pots and pans quickly and thoroughly after applying it. 8. Your hair
Someone told you to use baking soda in your hair? Don't do it. It may create damage. Baking soda will remove all the natural oils, so your hair will feel brittle and dry if applied regularly.9. Gold plated items
Don't turn to baking soda to clean gold plated utensils, dishes or drinkware. Because gold is a soft metal, baking soda is much too abrasive to use as a cleanser. Baking soda will damage the finish and cause discoloration.