Baking Soda Is the Secret to Fresh Laundry and a Cleaner Washer — But Most People Use It Incorrectly. Here’s How to Do It Right

Baking Soda Is the Secret to Fresh Laundry and a Cleaner Washer — But Most People Use It Incorrectly. Here’s How to Do It Right

Baking soda — or sodium bicarbonate — has been a staple in kitchens and cleaning cabinets for generations. Beyond its role in baking and basic cleaning, one of its most powerful yet underused purposes lies in laundry care and appliance maintenance. Despite its popularity, many people don’t actually know the proper way to use it in their laundry routine. Missteps can lead to lackluster results or wasted product.

This guide breaks down how baking soda works, the most common mistakes, and expert-backed tips to get the most out of this humble powder—whether you want to neutralize odors, tackle pet smells, or keep your washing machine in top shape.

1. How Baking Soda Neutralizes Laundry Odors

Baking soda is a mild alkaline substance that reacts with both acidic and basic odor molecules, effectively neutralizing unpleasant smells. In laundry, it helps balance the pH of the wash water, making it easier to eliminate stubborn odors.

Adding ½ cup of baking soda per load enhances detergent performance, leaving clothes fresher and cleaner.

2. Frequent Mistakes to Avoid

A common error is using too little baking soda—just a light sprinkle won’t do the job. Another issue is putting it in the detergent drawer, where it may clump and fail to dissolve properly.

Also, baking soda should supplement, not replace, your regular laundry detergent for best results.

3. The Proper Way to Add Baking Soda to Your Wash

For maximum impact, measure out ½ cup and sprinkle it directly into the washing machine drum before adding clothes. This ensures it fully dissolves and blends with water and detergent.

For extra-smelly items like workout gear or towels, increase the amount to 1 cup. Pre-dissolving it in warm water can also help with even distribution.

4. Placement Matters: Drum vs. Drawer

Always add baking soda to the drum, not the detergent compartment.

For top-loaders, sprinkle it directly over the laundry.

For front-loaders, dissolve it in a cup of water and pour it into the drum before loading clothes.

This ensures it interacts fully with the water during the wash cycle.

5. Eliminating Odors from Workout Clothes

Sweaty gym gear can trap tough odors from bacteria and perspiration. To combat this, pre-soak the garments in a mixture of ½ cup baking soda and 1 gallon of water for about 30 minutes.

Then wash as usual, adding another ½ cup to the drum with your detergent. This two-step method tackles stubborn smells and restores freshness.

6. Tackling Pet Odors in Fabrics

Pet bedding and blankets often hold onto smells. Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda on the fabric, let it sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum it up.

For washable items, include ½ cup of baking soda in the wash cycle. For particularly strong odors, pre-soak in a baking soda solution before washing.

7. Keeping Your Washing Machine Clean

Baking soda doesn’t just clean clothes—it also freshens your machine. Its mild abrasiveness helps break down soap residue and mineral buildup.

To clean your washer, run an empty hot cycle with 1 cup of baking soda. Doing this regularly helps prevent odors and keeps your machine running efficiently.

8. Baking Soda and Vinegar: Use Separately

Though commonly paired in DIY cleaning hacks, baking soda and vinegar should not be used at the same time in laundry. Mixing them neutralizes their cleaning power.

Use baking soda during the wash for deodorizing and vinegar during the rinse for softening and residue removal. Separating their use gives you the full benefit of both.

9. A Green and Budget-Friendly Cleaning Solution

Baking soda is non-toxic, biodegradable, and free of harsh chemicals, making it an eco-conscious choice for households.

It’s also affordable—one box lasts through many loads, helping reduce reliance on chemical-heavy products while saving money.

10. Do Viral Baking Soda Hacks Work?

You may see baking soda featured in viral laundry hacks for whitening clothes or removing stains. While it can brighten and soften fabrics, it’s not a substitute for bleach or specialized stain removers.

Think of baking soda as a supporting player, not a miracle solution. It works best as part of a comprehensive laundry routine.

11. Pro Tips for Maximum Effectiveness

Use the correct amount—usually ½ to 1 cup per load, depending on odor strength.

Pre-soak for stubborn smells.

Store properly in a cool, dry spot to prevent clumping.

Pair with detergent for optimal results.

With the right technique, baking soda can transform your laundry routine, delivering fresher clothes and a cleaner machine—naturally and affordably.