Baking soda has become one of the most popular natural cleaning products, and it’s easy to see why. It’s inexpensive, versatile, and works well for scrubbing grime, absorbing odors, and tackling plenty of household messes.

But despite its reputation as a miracle cleaner, baking soda isn’t safe for every surface. Because it’s mildly abrasive, using it in the wrong places can leave scratches, wear away protective finishes, or even damage expensive household items. Here are 12 things you should never do with baking soda.

Clean Electronic Screens

Phones, laptops, tablets, televisions, and computer monitors have delicate protective coatings that can be damaged by abrasive cleaners. Even though baking soda feels soft, its fine particles can leave tiny scratches that permanently affect screen clarity.

Polish Fine Jewelry

Gold, silver, pearls, and gemstones require gentle cleaning methods, not abrasive powders. Baking soda can scratch soft metals, wear away protective finishes, and dull delicate stones over time.

Scrub Aluminum Cookware

Aluminum reacts differently than many other metals, and baking soda can leave behind discoloration or a dull finish. Instead, wash aluminum pots and pans with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft sponge.

Clean Waxed Wood Furniture

Wax protects wood from moisture while giving furniture its rich appearance. Baking soda can slowly strip away that protective coating, leaving wood looking dull and more vulnerable to scratches.

Wash Marble or Granite Countertops

Natural stone may be durable, but polished surfaces can become scratched from repeated scrubbing with baking soda. Stone-safe, pH-neutral cleaners are a much better option for preserving both the finish and protective sealant.

Strip Your Cast Iron Skillet

A well-seasoned cast iron pan depends on its baked-on layer of oil to stay naturally nonstick. Baking soda can remove that seasoning, leaving the pan more likely to rust and forcing you to season it all over again.

Related: 14 Practical Uses for Windex

Scrub Glass Cooktops

Glass and ceramic cooktops require gentle cleaning to prevent surface damage. Using baking soda as a heavy-duty scrub can leave fine scratches and stubborn white residue that’s difficult to remove.

Clean Hardwood Floors

Many hardwood floors have protective finishes that help prevent scratches and moisture damage. Baking soda can gradually wear down that finish, causing floors to lose their shine and become more susceptible to damage.

Polish Mirrors or Windows

While baking soda removes grime well, it isn’t the best choice for glass surfaces. The powder can leave behind streaks, cloudy residue, and tiny scratches that make mirrors and windows look worse instead of better.

Use It on Antique Furniture

Older furniture often has delicate finishes that can’t withstand abrasive cleaning products. Even gentle scrubbing with baking soda can reduce the value of antique pieces by damaging their original finish.

Unclog Drains With Aluminum Plumbing

Many homemade drain-cleaning recipes call for baking soda and vinegar, but they aren’t ideal for every plumbing system. If parts of your plumbing contain aluminum, repeated exposure can contribute to corrosion and shorten the life of the metal.

Use It as an Everyday Skin Scrub

Some people use baking soda as a DIY facial scrub or exfoliator, but it’s often too harsh for regular use. Its abrasive texture and high alkalinity can disrupt your skin’s natural barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, and increased sensitivity.