Laundry day is rarely the highlight of the week, but having a few clever tricks up your sleeve can make the process significantly smoother. While baking soda is a staple in the kitchen for fluffy pancakes and scrubbing sinks, it turns out this humble white powder is a powerhouse in the laundry room as well.
Instead of relying solely on expensive detergents or chemical-heavy fabric softeners, incorporating baking soda into your routine offers a natural, cost-effective way to boost cleaning power. Here are five practical ways to use baking soda to upgrade your laundry game.
1. Boost Bleach Potency
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Chlorine bleach keeps whites bright but can be harsh and smelly. Adding baking soda helps balance the water’s pH, making bleach more effective so you can use less.
For brighter whites, add 1/2 cup of baking soda with your bleach and detergent. This combo works wonders on dingy fabrics, lifting grayness and restoring brilliance.
2. Eliminate Musty Odors
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Towels and gym clothes often harbor lingering smells that regular detergent just can’t seem to kick. This usually happens because bacteria get trapped in the fibers or detergent residue builds up over time.
Baking soda acts as a natural deodorizer, neutralizing acidic and basic odor molecules rather than just masking them with artificial fragrances. It penetrates deep into the fabric to break down the particles responsible for the funk.
Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the wash cycle. For particularly stubborn smells, like mildewed gardening gloves or damp towels, pre-soak the items in a bucket of warm water mixed with one cup of baking soda overnight before washing.
3. Natural Fabric Softener
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Tired of commercial fabric softeners that irritate your skin and leave a waxy residue on your clothes? Baking soda is a great alternative. It regulates the pH level of the rinse water, preventing detergent and mineral deposits from resettling on your clothes.
This leaves your laundry feeling naturally soft and fresh, without any chemical coatings or heavy perfumes.
Add 1/2 cup of baking soda during the rinse cycle. This is especially beneficial for those with sensitive skin or allergies, as it removes irritants while softening the fabric.
4. Pre-Treat Tough Stains
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Grease, oil, and sweat stains can be tough to remove with detergent alone. Baking soda’s mildly abrasive and absorbent nature makes it excellent for lifting these stains from fabric. A simple paste can draw out the stain before you even wash the item. It’s gentle on most fabrics but tough enough for heavy grime.
Mix water and baking soda to form a thick paste. Apply it directly to the stain and let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or until dry) before washing as usual. Always test a small, hidden area first if you are worried about colorfastness.
A Fresher, Brighter Laundry Day
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Integrating baking soda into your laundry routine is a simple adjustment that yields impressive results. It tackles odors, brightens fabrics, and softens clothes without the need for harsh chemicals or expensive additives.