What Does Baking Soda Do for Laundry: Benefits and How to Use It

Are you tired of clothes coming out of the wash still smelling musty or looking dingy? Many people struggle to achieve truly fresh and clean laundry, battling lingering odors, stubborn stains, and the general dullness that can build up over time. It’s frustrating to invest in detergents and follow washing instructions, only to find your clothes don’t look or smell their best.

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, enhances laundry by neutralizing odors, softening water, and boosting detergent effectiveness. It’s a natural and affordable way to improve the cleanliness and freshness of your clothes.

With over a decade of experience helping people optimize their home routines, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of simple, natural solutions. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover how to harness the power of baking soda to revolutionize your laundry routine. We’ll explore how it works, its many benefits, and practical tips for incorporating it into your wash cycles. You’ll learn how to tackle tough stains, eliminate persistent odors, and achieve brighter, softer clothes, all while being kind to your washing machine and the environment. Get ready to unlock the secrets to truly clean and fresh laundry!

• Key Facts:

• Odor Neutralization: Baking soda neutralizes odors by balancing pH levels in the wash water, effectively eliminating persistent smells in clothes.

• Water Softening: Adding baking soda to the wash softens the water, allowing for reduced detergent usage while improving its cleaning efficacy.
• Detergent Boosting: A half cup of baking soda can significantly enhance the cleaning power of regular laundry detergent, leading to cleaner clothes.
• Stain Removal: A paste made from baking soda and water is effective in removing acidic stains like coffee, fruit juices, and bodily fluids.
• Environmental Impact: Baking soda is a safe, eco-friendly alternative to harsh chemicals, making it a sustainable choice for laundry care.

What Does Baking Soda Do for Laundry?

Baking soda, a common household staple, is a powerhouse in the laundry room. Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, acts as a natural deodorizer and cleaning agent in laundry. It helps to regulate the pH level in the washing machine’s water, preventing it from becoming too acidic or too alkaline. This pH regulation boosts the performance of your detergent, making it more effective at cleaning away dirt and grime.

By neutralizing odors and softening water, baking soda allows detergents to work more efficiently. According to a study by The Spruce, adding a half cup of baking soda to your wash can significantly enhance the cleaning power of even value laundry detergents. This is because baking soda helps to break down and remove odor-causing molecules and stains that can cling to fabric fibers.

Moreover, baking soda acts as a natural fabric softener. It helps to reduce the stiffness that can occur when clothes are washed in hard water, leaving them feeling softer and more comfortable against the skin. This is particularly beneficial for those with sensitive skin who may react to the harsh chemicals found in commercial fabric softeners.

How Much Baking Soda Should You Use in Laundry?

Using the right amount of baking soda is crucial for optimal results. Adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to the washing machine is generally recommended for a standard load of laundry. This amount is sufficient to freshen and soften clothes without leaving any residue. For larger loads or heavily soiled items, you might consider increasing the amount slightly, but it’s best to stay within the range of 1/2 to 1 cup.

According to cleaning expert Becky Rapinchuk, founder of Clean Mama, adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to the washing machine is effective for freshening and softening laundry. This recommendation is consistent for both top-loading and front-loading machines. For smaller loads, you can proportionally reduce the amount of baking soda.

It’s important to add the baking soda directly to the drum of the washing machine before adding your clothes. This allows it to dissolve properly and distribute evenly throughout the wash. Avoid putting baking soda in the detergent or fabric softener dispensers, as it can cause clogs and potentially damage your machine.

Can Baking Soda Remove Odors from Laundry?

Baking soda is highly effective at removing odors from laundry. Yes, baking soda can effectively remove odors from laundry by neutralizing them at a molecular level. Its alkaline nature allows it to react with acidic odor molecules, effectively neutralizing them and leaving clothes smelling fresh. This is particularly useful for items like gym clothes, towels, and pet bedding, which tend to retain persistent odors.

Arm & Hammer, a leading manufacturer of baking soda, highlights its ability to neutralize odors by balancing pH levels. When added to the wash, baking soda helps to regulate the water’s pH, preventing it from becoming too acidic or alkaline. This creates an environment where odor-causing molecules are broken down and removed more easily.

To effectively remove odors, add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the washing machine along with your regular detergent. For particularly strong odors, you can pre-soak clothes in a solution of baking soda and water before washing. Allow the items to soak for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for heavily soiled items.

How to Pretreat Stains with Baking Soda

Baking soda can be an effective pre-treatment for various types of stains. To pretreat stains with baking soda, create a paste by mixing equal parts baking soda and water. Apply this paste directly to the stain and gently rub it in. Allow it to sit for at least 15-30 minutes before washing as usual. For stubborn stains, you can leave the paste on for several hours or even overnight.

This method works particularly well for acidic stains like coffee, tea, wine, and tomato sauce. The alkaline nature of baking soda helps to neutralize the acidic components of these stains, making them easier to lift from the fabric. It’s also effective for grease and oil-based stains, as the baking soda can help to absorb and break down the oils.

When using baking soda as a pre-treatment, it’s essential to test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first, especially for delicate or colored items. This ensures that the baking soda won’t damage the fabric or cause discoloration.

Can Baking Soda Soften and Freshen Fabrics?

Baking soda is a natural fabric softener and freshener. Yes, baking soda can soften and freshen fabrics by neutralizing odors and reducing mineral buildup in the water. When added to the wash, it helps to regulate the water’s pH level, preventing it from becoming too hard. Hard water can leave mineral deposits on clothes, making them feel stiff and rough.

Baking soda helps to counteract this effect, leaving clothes feeling softer and more comfortable against the skin. It also helps to remove any lingering odors that can make clothes smell stale, even after washing. This makes baking soda a great alternative to commercial fabric softeners, which often contain harsh chemicals and fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin.

To use baking soda as a fabric softener and freshener, simply add 1/2 cup to the washing machine along with your regular detergent. You can also add it to the rinse cycle for extra softening power. However, it’s important to note that some experts recommend avoiding using baking soda in the rinse cycle, as it can sometimes cause fabrics to stiffen, especially in hard water conditions.

How to Boost Bleach Whitening with Baking Soda

Baking soda can enhance the whitening power of bleach. Adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to a load of laundry along with bleach can boost its whitening abilities. Baking soda helps to regulate the water’s pH level, creating an optimal environment for bleach to work more effectively. This can lead to brighter whites and more effective stain removal.

According to Arm & Hammer, using 1/2 cup of bleach along with 1/2 cup of baking soda can achieve the same whitening results as using a full cup of bleach alone. This not only reduces the amount of bleach needed but also helps to minimize the strong bleach odor that can linger on clothes.

When using this method, it’s important to add both the baking soda and bleach to the wash cycle, not the rinse cycle. This ensures that they have enough time to work together to whiten and brighten your clothes.

How to Clean Your Washing Machine with Baking Soda

Baking soda can also be used to clean and deodorize your washing machine. To clean your washing machine with baking soda, run a hot water cycle with 1 cup of baking soda added directly to the drum. This helps to remove any built-up residue, detergent, or fabric softener that can accumulate over time and cause odors.

For a more thorough cleaning, you can also create a paste of baking soda and water and use it to scrub the inside of the drum, paying particular attention to any areas with visible buildup or mildew. This can help to remove stubborn stains and leave your machine smelling fresh.

It’s a good idea to clean your washing machine with baking soda every few months, or more often if you notice any unpleasant odors or if your clothes aren’t coming out as clean as they should be. This simple maintenance routine can help to extend the life of your machine and keep it performing at its best.

Is Baking Soda Safe for All Fabric Types?

While baking soda is generally safe for most fabrics, there are some exceptions. Baking soda is safe for most fabrics, but it should be used with caution on delicate materials like silk and wool. These protein-based fibers can be damaged by baking soda’s alkalinity over time. It’s always a good idea to test baking soda on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric before using it on the entire garment, especially if you’re unsure.

For most cotton, linen, and synthetic fabrics, baking soda is perfectly safe and can be used without worry. However, according to Tide, baking soda’s high pH can potentially damage natural, protein-based fibers like wool, cashmere, and silk if used excessively. It can also cause colors to fade over time.

If you’re washing delicate items, it’s best to err on the side of caution and use a gentle detergent specifically designed for those fabrics. You can also consider using a smaller amount of baking soda, or skipping it altogether, if you’re concerned about potential damage.

Can You Use Baking Soda in High-Efficiency (HE) Washers?

Baking soda is safe to use in high-efficiency (HE) washers. Yes, baking soda is safe for use in high-efficiency (HE) washing machines. In fact, it can be particularly beneficial in these machines, as they use less water than traditional washers. The concentrated wash environment in HE machines can sometimes lead to a buildup of detergent and fabric softener residue, which baking soda can help to remove.

To use baking soda in an HE washer, simply add 1/2 cup directly to the drum before adding your clothes. This allows it to dissolve properly and distribute evenly throughout the wash. Avoid putting baking soda in the detergent or fabric softener dispensers, as it can cause clogs.

Whirlpool, a leading manufacturer of HE washers, confirms that baking soda is safe to use in their machines and can help to deodorize both the washer and the laundry. However, they always recommend checking your washer’s owner’s manual for specific guidelines before adding anything other than detergent to your machine.

Where to Put Baking Soda in the Washing Machine

Proper placement of baking soda in the washing machine is essential for optimal results. Baking soda should be added directly to the drum of the washing machine before adding clothes. This allows it to dissolve properly and distribute evenly throughout the wash. Avoid putting baking soda in the detergent or fabric softener dispensers, as it can cause clogs and potentially damage your machine.

For top-loading machines, sprinkle 1/2 cup of baking soda into the empty drum before adding your laundry. For front-loading machines, add the baking soda directly to the drum before loading your clothes. This ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed and can work effectively to clean, deodorize, and soften your clothes.

It’s important not to overload your machine when using baking soda, as this can prevent it from dissolving and distributing properly. Make sure there’s enough room for the water and clothes to move freely, allowing the baking soda to reach all areas of the load.

Can You Mix Baking Soda and Vinegar in Laundry?

While both baking soda and vinegar can be used in laundry, it’s generally not recommended to mix them together. Mixing baking soda and vinegar in laundry is not recommended as they neutralize each other, reducing their effectiveness. Baking soda is alkaline, while vinegar is acidic. When combined, they react to form water and carbon dioxide, essentially canceling each other out.

According to The Spruce, while you can use vinegar and baking soda individually to clean your washing machine, combining them will neutralize their cleaning properties. This means that you won’t get the full benefits of either ingredient if you use them together in the same wash cycle.

If you want to use both baking soda and vinegar in your laundry routine, it’s best to use them separately. For example, you can add baking soda to the wash cycle to help boost your detergent’s cleaning power and remove odors, and then add vinegar to the rinse cycle as a natural fabric softener. This way, you get the benefits of both ingredients without reducing their effectiveness.

Can Baking Soda Damage Your Washing Machine?

When used correctly and in moderation, baking soda is unlikely to damage your washing machine. Baking soda is unlikely to damage your washing machine when used in moderation and according to instructions. However, excessive or improper use could potentially lead to buildup or clogs in some parts of the machine.

Tide notes that while baking soda shouldn’t be harmful to your washing machine if used in moderate amounts, extreme use could impact some of the coatings on the drive shaft components. These components are responsible for switching cycles from agitate to spin.

To avoid any potential issues, it’s important to follow the recommended guidelines for using baking soda in your washing machine. Add 1/2 cup directly to the drum for a standard load, and avoid putting it in the detergent or fabric softener dispensers. It’s also a good idea to run a cleaning cycle with baking soda every few months to prevent any buildup and keep your machine in good working order.

Can You Use Baking Soda as a Substitute for Laundry Detergent?

While baking soda can enhance the cleaning power of your detergent and even be used as a pre-treatment for stains, it’s not a complete substitute for laundry detergent. Baking soda is not a substitute for laundry detergent, but it can enhance its cleaning power and provide additional benefits like odor removal and fabric softening. Detergents contain surfactants that are specifically designed to lift and remove dirt, stains, and oils from fabrics.

According to The Laundry Brothers, while baking soda can help boost your detergent’s performance, remove stubborn stains, neutralize odors, and brighten white clothes, it doesn’t contain the necessary ingredients to clean clothes on its own effectively.

If you’re looking to reduce the amount of detergent you use, adding baking soda to your wash can help. By softening the water and boosting the detergent’s cleaning power, baking soda allows you to use less detergent while still achieving clean and fresh results. However, it’s important to still use some detergent to ensure that your clothes are properly cleaned.

Alternatives to Baking Soda in Laundry

If you don’t have baking soda on hand or are looking for alternative natural cleaning boosters, there are a few options to consider. Alternatives to baking soda in laundry include white vinegar, borax, and washing soda. White vinegar can be used as a natural fabric softener and can help to remove odors and stains. Add 1/2 cup to the rinse cycle for soft, fresh-smelling clothes. However, avoid using vinegar on delicate fabrics like silk or wool, as it can damage the fibers.

Borax is another natural mineral that can boost your detergent’s cleaning power and help to remove stains and odors. Add 1/2 cup to the wash cycle along with your detergent. Washing soda, also known as sodium carbonate, is a more potent cleaner than baking soda and can be used to tackle tough stains and odors. However, it’s important to use it sparingly and avoid using it on delicate fabrics.

While these alternatives can provide some of the same benefits as baking soda, they may not be as versatile or gentle. Always test any new cleaning product on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric before using it on the entire garment, especially if you’re unsure.

FAQs About What Does Baking Soda Do for Laundry

How does baking soda help with odors in laundry?

Baking soda neutralizes odors by balancing the pH levels in the wash water, effectively eliminating persistent smells.

Can baking soda be used to remove stains?

Yes, a paste made from baking soda and water can be applied to stains to help lift them before washing.

Is baking soda safe for all types of washing machines?

Baking soda is generally safe for both standard and high-efficiency washing machines.

Will baking soda damage my clothes?

When used correctly, baking soda is safe for most fabrics, but it should be used with caution on delicate materials like silk and wool.

Can baking soda replace laundry detergent?

No, baking soda is not a substitute for laundry detergent but can enhance its cleaning power.

How much baking soda should I add to my laundry?

Adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to a standard load of laundry is generally recommended.

Can baking soda soften hard water?

Yes, baking soda can help soften water, improving the effectiveness of laundry detergent.

Is baking soda environmentally friendly?

Baking soda is a natural and environmentally friendly alternative to many harsh laundry chemicals.

Can baking soda brighten white clothes?

Yes, baking soda can help brighten white clothes and boost the effectiveness of bleach.

Can I use baking soda with colored clothes?

Baking soda is generally safe for colored clothes, but it’s always best to test it on a small area first.

The Bottom Line

Baking soda is a versatile, effective, and affordable addition to any laundry routine. By understanding how to use it properly, you can harness its power to tackle tough stains, eliminate odors, and achieve brighter, softer, and fresher clothes. Whether you’re looking to boost your detergent’s cleaning power, pre-treat stains, or simply give your laundry an extra boost of freshness, baking soda has got you covered. Remember to always follow the recommended guidelines and test baking soda on a small area of fabric before using it on the entire garment, especially if you’re dealing with delicate materials. With a little know-how, you can make baking soda your secret weapon for achieving laundry success.

So, why not give baking soda a try in your next load of laundry? You might just be surprised at the difference it can make. Are you ready to experience the transformative power of baking soda for yourself? Experiment with it, see the results, and let us know how it revolutionizes your laundry routine!

According to a study by the American Cleaning Institute, natural laundry boosters like baking soda can significantly improve the cleaning performance of detergents, especially in hard water conditions. For more information on optimizing your laundry routine, check out these tips from the Environmental Working Group. If you’re interested in exploring other natural cleaning solutions, The National Geographic offers a wealth of information on eco-friendly practices. For those dealing with persistent odors in fabrics, a guide by the International Association for Soaps, Detergents, and Maintenance Products (A.I.S.E.) provides valuable insights into effective odor removal techniques. To learn more about how to properly maintain your washing machine and optimize its performance, visit the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM).

As you continue to explore ways to improve your laundry routine, consider checking out our guide on how to cook in a cast iron pan, best non-Teflon pans, or even how long do ribs take in the oven.