Baking soda is a versatile household item that can be used for many things, including laundry. Did you know that it can help keep colors from fading, remove tough stains, and even soften hard water? In this article, we’ll explore how to wash clothes with baking soda, the ultimate laundry hack.
What is Baking Soda?
Baking soda is a white, powdery substance that is commonly used in baking. Also known as sodium bicarbonate, it is a natural mineral that is found in many different types of rock. Baking soda is also used in many different household cleaning products because of its ability to neutralize odors and remove stains.
Why Use Baking Soda in Your Laundry?
Baking soda is an incredibly versatile and effective addition to your laundry routine. Here are some of the benefits of using baking soda in your laundry:
- Cleans and deodorizes: Baking soda is great at removing stubborn stains and neutralizing odors.
- Softens hard water: If you live in an area with hard water, adding baking soda to your laundry can help soften the water and improve the effectiveness of your detergent.
- Retains colors: Baking soda can help keep your colors from fading, even after many washes.
- Fragrance-free: If you’re sensitive to perfumes or fragrances, baking soda is a great alternative to scented laundry detergents.
How to Use Baking Soda in Your Laundry
As a Laundry Booster
You can add baking soda directly to your washing machine or as a pre-soak before washing to help remove tough stains and odor. You’ll need:
- Baking Soda
- Water
- Stained clothes
Here’s how to do it:
- Create a paste: Mix one-fourth cup of baking soda with just enough water to create a thick paste.
- Apply the paste: Apply the paste directly to the stain and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before washing.
- Wash the clothes: Wash the clothes as you normally would.
As a Fabric Softener
Baking soda can help soften your clothes and reduce static cling. You’ll need:
- Baking Soda
- Your fabric softener of choice
Here’s how to do it:
- Add half a cup of baking soda to your laundry load along with your detergent.
- When it’s time for the rinse cycle, add half a cup of your favorite fabric softener.
- Your clothes will come out feeling soft and smelling fresh.
As a Natural Laundry Detergent
You can make your own laundry detergent using baking soda and a few other natural ingredients. You’ll need:
- Baking soda
- Washing soda
- Castile soap or soap flakes
- Epsom salt
Here’s how to do it:
- Mix together 1 cup baking soda, 1 cup washing soda, 1/3 bar castile soap or soap flakes, and 1/2 cup Epsom salt.
- Use 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture per load of laundry.
- Your clothes will come out clean and fresh, without any harsh chemicals.
Tips for Washing Clothes with Baking Soda
Here are a few tips to help you get the best results when using baking soda in your laundry:
- Don’t overdo it: While baking soda can be incredibly effective, too much of it can actually damage your clothes. Use it sparingly, and never add more than a cup to a regular load of laundry.
- Combine with vinegar: For an extra boost, you can also add a cup of white vinegar to your rinse cycle. This will help remove any leftover detergent and leave your clothes feeling soft and fresh.
- Pre-treat stains: For tough stains, make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it directly to the stain. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before washing.
- Use hot water: If you’re washing white clothes or clothes with tough stains, use hot water for an extra boost of cleaning power.
Conclusion
Baking soda is an incredibly versatile and effective addition to your laundry routine. Whether you use it as a laundry booster, fabric softener, or natural laundry detergent, baking soda can help keep your clothes clean, fresh, and free from harsh chemicals. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to easily incorporate baking soda into your laundry routine and enjoy the benefits of this ultimate laundry hack!
FAQs
- How much baking soda should I use in my laundry? You can add up to one cup of baking soda to a regular load of laundry.
- Can I use baking soda on colored clothes? Yes! Baking soda can help keep your colors from fading.
- Can I use baking soda with my regular laundry detergent? Absolutely! Baking soda is a great addition to any laundry detergent.
- What other natural laundry hacks can I use? You can also try using vinegar, lemon juice, or essential oils to freshen up your laundry.
References
Healthline – Baking Soda and Laundry