Stains happen. A coffee spill on the carpet. A pen mark on a desk. A tea ring on the meeting table. In a busy office, these little marks add up fast.
The good news? You don’t always need strong chemicals to deal with them. Bicarbonate of soda is one of the simplest and safest stain removers you can keep in the office cupboard. In this guide, we’ll show you how to use it properly, where it works best, and when it’s time to call in the professionals.
What Is Bicarbonate of Soda?
Bicarbonate of soda (also called baking soda) is a fine white powder. It’s mild, safe, and gentle on most surfaces. As a bicarbonate soda cleaner, it works in two ways:
- It gently scrubs away dirt without scratching
- It helps lift stains and absorb odours at the same time
This makes it useful for many everyday messes around the workplace.
Can Bicarbonate of Soda Remove Stains?
Yes, in most cases. Bicarbonate of soda works well on fresh stains and many older ones too. It’s especially good for:
- Coffee and tea stains
- Ink and pen marks
- Grease and food marks
- Light scuff marks on hard floors
It works best when used as soon as possible after the stain appears. The longer a stain sits, the harder it is to lift.
How to Make a Baking Soda Paste
Most stain removal jobs start with a simple baking soda paste. Here’s how to make it:
- Mix 3 parts bicarbonate of soda with 1 part water
- Stir until it forms a thick paste
- Apply it directly to the stain
This paste is the base for most of the methods below.
Step-by-Step: Baking Soda for Cleaning Stains
1. Coffee and Tea Stains on Desks or Tables
- Make a baking soda paste
- Apply it to the stain and leave for 10 minutes
- Wipe away with a damp cloth
2. Ink and Pen Marks
- Sprinkle a small amount of bicarbonate of soda directly onto the mark
- Gently rub with a soft, damp cloth
- Repeat if needed, then wipe clean
3. Carpet Stains
- Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the stain
- Leave for at least 15 minutes (longer for tougher stains)
- Vacuum thoroughly
4. Grease Marks Near Kitchen Areas
- Make a thick paste of bicarbonate of soda and water
- Apply to the grease mark and leave for 10–15 minutes
- Wipe with a clean, damp cloth
5. Scuff Marks on Hard Floors
- Sprinkle a little bicarbonate of soda onto a damp cloth
- Rub gently over the scuff mark
- Wipe the area clean with water
Does Baking Powder Remove Stains Too?
This is a common mix-up. Baking powder and bicarbonate of soda are not the same thing. Baking powder contains bicarbonate of soda plus other ingredients used for baking. It can sometimes help with very light stains, but it’s not as reliable or as strong as pure bicarbonate of soda. For proper stain removal, always use bicarbonate of soda on its own, not baking powder.
A Simple Table: Which Stains Work Best
| Stain Type | Works Well? | Best Method |
| Coffee/tea | Yes | Paste, leave 10 minutes |
| Ink/pen | Yes | Dry sprinkle, gentle rub |
| Grease | Yes | Paste, leave 10–15 minutes |
| Carpet stains | Yes | Dry sprinkle, vacuum |
| Old, set-in stains | Sometimes | May need repeat treatment |
| Coloured fabric dyes | No | Risk of fading — avoid |
Safety Tips Before You Start
- Always test on a small, hidden area first
- Don’t use on aluminium surfaces, as it can leave dark marks
- Don’t mix with bleach or vinegar at the same time
- Use a soft cloth to avoid scratching delicate surfaces
- Keep away from children and pets when not in use
When Office Stains Need a Professional Touch
Bicarbonate of soda is brilliant for small, everyday marks. But offices deal with more than the odd coffee spill. Carpets, upholstery, and shared spaces build up dirt over time, and some stains need proper equipment and training to remove fully without damage.
This is where it helps to bring in a trained team. Our office cleaning services in London include proper carpet and upholstery care, so stains don’t become a permanent part of your workspace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can bicarbonate of soda remove stains from carpet?
Yes. Sprinkle it over the stain, leave it for at least 15 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly. For older or larger stains, you may need to repeat the process or use a professional carpet cleaning service.
Does baking powder remove stains as well as bicarbonate of soda?
No, not reliably. Baking powder contains other ingredients besides bicarbonate of soda, which makes it weaker for cleaning. Stick to pure bicarbonate of soda for the best results.
Is bicarbonate of soda safe for office furniture?
In most cases, yes. Always test a small area first, especially on fabric, polished wood, or coloured surfaces, to avoid any unwanted marks.
How long should I leave a baking soda paste on a stain?
Around 10 to 15 minutes for most stains. Tougher or older stains may need a longer soak or a second application.
Final Thoughts
A bicarbonate of soda cleaner is one of the easiest ways to deal with everyday stains around the office. It’s cheap, simple, and safe to use on most surfaces. But for deeper stains, carpets, and shared spaces that see daily wear, a professional clean makes all the difference.
Want your office looking spotless, stains and all? Get in touch with Xpect Group and let our team, backed byclinical-level hygiene standards, take care of it for you.
