You can mix baking soda and vinegar, but the fizz does not mean the mixture keeps the full cleaning power of both products. The acid and base largely neutralize each other, so they are often more useful separately.
The fizz is an acid-base reaction
Baking soda releases carbon dioxide when it reacts with acetic acid in vinegar. The bubbling can help disturb loose debris, but it does not create a miracle cleaner.
Use vinegar for compatible mineral deposits
Vinegar can help dissolve mineral scale on acid-safe surfaces. Do not use it on natural stone or finishes whose manufacturer warns against acids.
Use baking soda when you need mild abrasion
A damp paste can help on some durable surfaces, but it can still scratch glossy or delicate finishes. Test first.
Do not store the mixture in a sealed container
The reaction produces gas. Mixing the ingredients and sealing them in a bottle can build pressure; once the fizzing stops, most of the reaction has already happened.
Sources
- American Cleaning Institute — Cleaning Tips — Household cleaning practices, product dosing, and label-compatible surface care.