Good call on the baking soda paste—I used it on an old enamel bathtub once, and it cleaned up nicely without scratching. Vinegar's great, but yeah, sometimes it's just too aggressive for delicate finishes...
Baking soda paste is definitely underrated—I've used it on stainless steel appliances too, and it works wonders without leaving those annoying streaks. Vinegar can be tricky; I once tried it on a client's marble countertop (rookie mistake, I know...) and learned the hard way how sensitive some surfaces can be. Natural cleaners are fantastic, but it's always good to double-check compatibility first. Lesson learned!
Totally agree about baking soda—it's saved me more than a few times. One thing I'd add is that citrus (like lemon juice) can also be tricky. Tried it once on brushed nickel fixtures, and it left weird discoloration spots. Learned the hard way to always test a small hidden area first. Also, microfiber cloths are your best friend for buffing afterward...no streaks, no lint, just shiny surfaces.
"Tried it once on brushed nickel fixtures, and it left weird discoloration spots."
Ha, been there myself. I once thought vinegar was the miracle cleaner for everything—until I used it on stainless steel appliances in a rental property. Ended up with streaks that looked like abstract art... tenants weren't impressed. Now I stick to mild dish soap and microfiber cloths for stainless steel. Natural cleaners are great, but sometimes simple store-bought stuff saves you from awkward tenant conversations later.
"Natural cleaners are great, but sometimes simple store-bought stuff saves you from awkward tenant conversations later."
Yep, learned that lesson the hard way too. Vinegar's fine for glass or porcelain, but metals can be tricky. For antique brass fixtures, I've found diluted dish soap and soft cloth works best—no weird spots or streaks.