You probably won’t find a household product more versatile than baking soda. One moment, it’s part of a baking recipe; another moment you’re using it as a cleaning agent. That’s why you might be left wondering if you can put baking soda in the washing machine.
This article will explain the do’s and don’ts of using baking soda in the washing machine: how and when to use it, and whether you should combine baking soda with vinegar.
Ever tried a dishwasher tablet in the washing machine?
We explored this topic in-depth.
Can You Put Baking Soda in The Washing Machine?
You can put baking soda in the washing machine. Firstly, because baking soda dissolves filth and minerals. Using it to clean your washing machine will result in a spotless and odor-free washer. Secondly, you can even use it to clean your laundry.
So basically, baking soda is an excellent cleaning agent and laundry cleaning remedy combined. On top of that, it’s also inexpensive and usually readily available.
Here are some of the main benefits of using baking soda in the washing machine:
- Softens water. Baking soda is an alkaline substance that softens the water. Hard water may cause problems in your washer, like limescale buildup or residue on your clothes.
- Tough stain remover. Baking soda is excellent for removing stubborn stains on white and colored clothes alike.
- Eliminates strong odor. Baking soda removes all types of nasty smells, leaving both your washing machine and your clothes smelling fresher.
- Removes rust. If there is any rust in your washing machine, baking soda will dissolve it.
Can You Use Baking Soda Instead of Laundry Detergent?
You can use baking soda without detergent to do laundry. Whether you have run out of detergent or don’t want to use it, baking soda can be an effective alternative.
The properties of an effective detergent are as follows:
- Alkalinity
- Effective cleanser
- Deodorizer
Baking soda has all of these qualities. So, you can use it to wash clothes and still get similar results. Just pour a cup of baking soda into the washing machine, add your clothes, and spin.
While you’re at it, remember that baking soda needs space to penetrate the clothes, so don’t overfill the washing machine. If you have a lot of clothes to clean, wash them in batches for optimum results.
Doing your laundry with baking soda
- Pour half to one cup of baking soda into the drum of your washing machine. How much you use, depends on how full you are going to load up your washer. If you’re washing a few clothes, half a cup of baking soda should suffice.
- Add your laundry.
- Don’t overfill the washing machine. Do not put too many clothes into the washing machine; the baking soda will not have enough space to penetrate the fabric properly, and you won’t get the desired result.
- Run the washing cycle you usually choose.
Using Baking Soda To Eliminate Tough Stains
If you have some especially tough stains on your clothes, you can remove them by using baking soda as well.
Here’s what to do:
- Make a paste by mixing one cup of baking soda with half a cup of warm water.
- Apply the paste to the stained spot(s). Leave it for a while until it has dried off.
- Remove the paste off the clothes by running it under lukewarm water.
- Add the piece of clothing to your next load of laundry. Afterward, the stain will be removed and your clothing will be spotless and clean again.
Laundry Detergent vs. Baking Soda in The Washing Machine
Like mentioned above, baking soda is a wonderful substance you can safely add to your washing machine. It can even replace your laundry detergent once in a while, given their similar properties. However, you should be careful about replacing your laundry detergent completely.
Frequent exposure to fiber-based materials isn’t advisable. Using it too often can degrade these materials after some time. In addition, many laundry detergents have enzymes that remove protein-based stains, like sweat for example. Baking soda is less effective in this.
That’s why we urge you to see baking soda as an extra help in getting your clothes clean, but not as a way to fully replace your laundry detergent.
Can I Use Baking Soda To Wash All Fabrics?
You can use baking soda for almost all fabrics. White and colored clothing are both fine. However, you should be careful using baking soda when washing fiber-based materials such as silk, wool, and cashmere. These materials are not very alkaline-friendly. This doesn’t mean you can never use baking soda to wash them–instead, it means that you shouldn’t be doing this too often. Apart from the materials mentioned above, baking soda is an excellent go-to cleaning agent, and you can use it as often as you want.
Using Baking Soda in Combination With Other Cleaning Agents
We know that baking soda is effective on its own. But how good is it when combined with other cleaning agents?
The most popular laundry cleaning agents are detergents and vinegar. Let’s see how they work when paired with baking soda.
Baking Soda is Compatible with Detergent
Baking soda is alkaline and contains sodium bicarbonate. Detergents also contain sodium carbonate. The combination of baking soda, detergent, and the right amount of water will give you cleaner clothes. However, you don’t want to exaggerate with the amount baking soda you use.
Half a cup of baking soda is sufficient when combined with detergent. Don’t use this combination frequently, as it can damage sensitive fabrics. It is best for stubborn stains and stinky clothes.
Baking Soda Isn’t Compatible with Vinegar
You shouldn’t combine baking soda with vinegar. While baking soda is alkaline, vinegar is acidic. Combining these chemicals in the laundry will only cancel their individual effect and make them ineffective. Keep this in mind when combining baking soda with other cleaning agents.
Cleaning your washing machine with baking soda
Baking soda is a highly effective household cleaning agent for laundry and other household cleaning tasks. In fact, it is wel suited to clean and help maintain your washing machine.
How to use baking soda to clean your washing machine:
- Put half to one cup of baking soda into the inner drum of your washer.
- Run a self-cleaning cycle. If you don’t have a washing machine with this option, run a washing cycle with the highest possible temperature.
Conclusion
So can you put baking soda in the washing machine? Absolutely! Baking soda is an essential ingredient in the kitchen, but it’s also useful for doing laundry. It’s safe to use in your washing machine and will keep your clothes stain-free and odor-free. Additionally, it will also help maintain your washing machine.
If you have really tough stains, you can soak your clothes overnight in a paste made of baking soda and water. Then add them to your washing machine, to get the best results.
Finally, remember not to wash your cashmere, silk, and wool often with baking soda. Exposure to baking soda will damage these materials.
