By Charlotte Reid 
A mixture that only requires two ingredients can remove all kinds of dirt: the key is to leave it on for 15 minutes.
Keeping the kitchen clean seems like a complex task: grease and oil often stick to utensils and even the countertop, making cleaning difficult. However, it is essential to remove dirt so that there is no odour and to prevent the eventual intrusion of unwanted insects, such as cockroaches and ants.
The kitchen is an ideal place for pests to appear, eager to find food scraps, sugars, spilled drinks, stored and poorly covered food, moisture, and accumulated organic dirt. One of the most problematic areas, logically, is the tiles, which are difficult to keep spotless and always have a little dust on them.
However, there is an extraordinary trick that will leave them sparkling clean: curiously, neither vinegar nor grease-cutting products are entirely effective in achieving the desired result. The mixture that works best in this case is lemon and bicarbonate of soda, which will not only remove the dirt embedded in the edges but will also have a powerful effect in just 15 minutes.
How to make the lemon and baking soda mixture
To prepare the mixture, you need to use a couple of citrus fruits to squeeze out half a glass of juice. Then pour it into a bowl and add a few tablespoons of baking soda to make a thick paste: the intention is for the mixture to become effervescent, especially once it comes into contact with the wall.
Therefore, do not be alarmed when you notice some bubbles appearing. The key is to apply this paste with a microfibre cloth or, failing that, with another softer cloth. If there are joints that are particularly dirty, you will need to scrub a little harder: you can use an old toothbrush that you no longer use.
Before removing the substance, it is essential to leave it to work for 15 to 20 minutes. During this time, the lemon juice will penetrate the grease on the tile and break it down. The last step is to use a clean sponge with some warm water; then, dry with a cloth to achieve a shine and make the tiles look as good as new.
Why you need to be careful with the paste and its application on tiles
The scientific explanation for the mixture is relatively simple: the fruit is a natural degreaser par excellence, and the acidity helps to remove any residue, dry stains and dissolve grease. At the same time, it provides a fresh scent that is perfect for the occasion. On the other hand, bicarbonate of soda is important for neutralising odours and its properties can be enhanced without using industrial products.
The good thing is that the combination can be applied to difficult areas such as the inside of the microwave, ceramic surfaces and even bathroom tiles. Although they may appear smooth, over time a layer of biofilm forms, with communities of bacteria, fungi and mould: in general, it resists simple surface cleaning and encourages the adhesion of new dirt.
Even so, special care must be taken: ceramic tiles have a protective glaze, and if highly acidic solutions—such as pure lemon juice—are used for several minutes or with mechanical aggression, it is possible to erode that glaze, especially in areas with microcracks. For this reason, many manufacturers recommend using pH-neutral products.