That same box of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) that you have in your fridge is also an inexpensive way to remove odors from laundry, boost detergent and bleach performance, soften clothes, clean an iron, and control detergent suds. Safe to use in both standard and high-efficiency washers, baking soda is one of the top two best products (along with distilled white vinegar) for making your laundry greener by reducing your dependence on harsh chemicals.
So, what can baking soda do? Read on to learn how baking soda can:
- Reduce and remove laundry odors
- Boost detergent and bleach performance
- Soften fabrics naturally
- Clean an iron
- Control excess suds
01 of 05 Reduce and Remove Laundry Odors
Body odors on our clothes and linens are caused by bacteria. The bacteria are removed when detergent molecules break up the bacteria cells on the fabrics to be flushed away. However, less expensive detergents that don’t contain hard-working enzymes to tackle bacteria need a boost to work more effectively.Baking soda helps to regulate the pH level in the washer’s water by keeping it from being too acidic or alkaline. By adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to each laundry load, detergents can work more effectively and reduce bacteria.For heavy odor problems like underarm perspiration or environmental odors like cigarette smoke, use baking soda and water as a pre-soak. Dissolve 1 or 2 cups of baking soda in some warm water. Fill the washer tub or a large sink with cool water and add the dissolved baking soda. Add your stinky clothes and allow them to soak overnight and then wash as usual.If you have garments that need refreshing and they are not washable, place them in a sealable container like a storage tub with an open box of baking soda. Leave them for at least 24 hours—longer is better—to help remove odors.
02 of 05 Boost Bleach and Detergent Performance
Chlorine bleach is often used to help remove odors and general grime in our laundry. In water that is too acidic or alkaline, bleach needs a boost to work more effectively. By boosting its cleaning properties, you may be able to use less bleach to achieve the same results, saving yourself money and reducing the bleach’s impact on the environment. Adding 1/2 cup of baking soda for each 1/2 cup of bleach (being sure to add the bleach at the proper time) will help regulate the pH level in the water so bleach will work more effectively to reduce bacteria and loosen the soil. If you’re not using chlorine bleach, that 1/2 cup of baking soda will boost the performance of your detergent. This is especially important if you have hard water or use a value detergent. The dry baking soda should be added to the empty washer tub before dirty laundry is added. Do not place baking soda in a washer’s automatic dispensers.
03 of 05 Soften Fabrics Naturally
Baking soda helps to regulate the pH level in the washer’s rinse water by keeping it from being too acidic or alkaline. Adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to each rinse cycle acts as a balance to suspend detergent or mineral deposits in the water and keep them from redepositing on clothes, which can make clothing feel stiff. As a natural mineral, baking soda is less harsh on the environment than synthetic fabric softeners with perfumes that mask odors. Unlike synthetic fabric softeners that can interfere with fire-retardant finishes on children’s pajamas, baking soda can be used safely.1
04 of 05 Clean Irons
Baking soda is a natural gentle abrasive. To remove built-up starch and scorch deposits from the faceplate of a cool iron, mix a paste of baking soda and water. Using a white cloth, rub the paste over the face of the iron. For tough build-up, use the cloth to scrub gently and repeat until the build-up is gone. Finish by wiping off the faceplate with a cloth dampened with distilled white vinegar. Your iron will now glide smoothly, making ironing much easier and leaving no tell-tale deposits.
05 of 05 Control Washer Suds
Overflowing suds from the washing machine looks funny on TV, but it isn’t much fun when it happens to you in the laundry. With the popularity of the new HE or high-efficiency front-loading washers, suds control is a priority. If you mistakenly use regular laundry detergent rather than HE detergent, you’ll see those suds begin to flow. If it happens, turn off the washer and grab your box of baking soda. Sprinkle the powder directly on the suds to quickly break them down. The baking soda will absorb some of the moisture, and clean up will be easier.
