LUXURY hotels always look immaculate, but the secret to keeping them spotless isn’t expensive cleaning products or high-end solutions.
According to an ex-hotel cleaner, the real secret weapon used in five-star hotels is a cheap £1 supermarket staple.
A former hotel cleaner says staff swear by bicarbonate of soda[/caption]
Speaking to Hyperion Tiles, specialists in flooring and maintenance, the former hotel cleaner revealed that bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) is a go-to cleaning essential across high-end hotels.
And that’s all thanks to its versatility, stain-removing power, and odour-neutralising properties.
The handy product can be used to lift stains from carpets and upholstery without the need for harsh chemicals.
It also neutralise odours in rooms, bathrooms, and even inside mini-fridges.
You can even use it to keep bathroom grout and tile looking fresh by removing built-up dirt.
Other uses include gently polishing metal fixtures without scratching surfaces and absorbing moisture in humid environments to prevent musty smells.
According to Hyperion Tiles, bicarbonate of soda is particularly useful for cleaning high-end tiles and flooring, as it breaks down grime without damaging delicate materials—something many chemical cleaners fail to do.
And they say this is perfect for luxury hotels focusing on long-term maintenance, as they can avoid harsh chemicals that can damage surfaces over time.
Many professional cleaners find that commercial cleaning sprays leave a sticky residue or strong chemical odours, whereas bicarbonate of soda cleans gently and absorbs unwanted smells without overpowering fragrances.
So if you want to clean like a luxury hotel professional, here’s some baking soda tricks you can try at home:
Carpets & upholstery: Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the fabric, leave for 30 minutes, then vacuum to remove trapped odours.
Grout & bathroom tiles: Mix bicarbonate of soda with a little water to form a paste, apply it to grout lines, let sit for 10 minutes, then scrub with a brush.
Fresh-smelling fridges & bins: Place an open container of bicarbonate of soda inside to absorb lingering odours.
Scuff-free floors: Lightly sprinkle on marks or stains, wipe gently with a damp cloth, then buff clean.
A spokesperson for Hyperion Tiles added: “Bicarbonate of soda is one of the most effective and affordable cleaning solutions, and it’s surprising how many high-end hotels rely on it.
“It’s proof that expensive doesn’t always mean better when it comes to cleaning.”
