How to Use Baking Soda for Laundry and Cleaning

I also found baking soda a great resource on a budget for cleaning and laundry. I could get baking soda on our food card or from at a local free food distribution pantry. It’s great as a scrubbing powder. I keep my pots and pans shiny, great for glass top stoves and the bathroom tub. We even used baking soda as a tooth powder for oral hygiene.

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a versatile, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solution that can be used for a variety of cleaning tasks in your home. From brightening your clothes to disinfecting surfaces, here’s how you can use baking soda for laundry and cleaning.

Using Baking Soda for Laundry

Baking soda is a miracle product when it comes to laundry ¹. It can brighten clothes, remove stains, eliminate odors, and even act as a natural fabric softener ¹.

Stain Removal

Baking soda is excellent at tackling stubborn stains. Especially on white fabrics, baking soda can be added directly to your laundry or used as part of a pre-treating soaking solution ¹. It’s particularly useful for getting rid of oil-based stains ¹.

Odor Elimination

Baking soda can help neutralize odors on clothes, especially when the odor is caused by sweat. A quick baking soda rinse or soak can help break down even the worst smells ¹.

Softening Clothes

If your clothes often feel stiff after coming out of the laundry, adding some baking soda to the load can help. Baking soda softens clothes by breaking down excess detergent that remains, making clothes feel stiff ¹.

To use baking soda in your laundry, simply add a cup of it to your washing machine’s drum ². Do not add baking soda to the washer’s built-in dispensers ². It is best to avoid using baking soda as part of the washer’s rinse cycle, as it can deposit residue that will leave clothing feeling stiff ².

Using Baking Soda for Cleaning

Baking soda is an effective cleaning agent that you probably already have in your house. It’s great for countertops, sinks, bathrooms, stainless steel appliances, and even windows ³.

To make a cleaning solution with baking soda, simply dilute it with water in a 1:1 ratio (equal parts baking soda and water)⁴. This creates a non-toxic and effective cleaning solution that’s safe to use on most surfaces ⁴.

You can also make an all-purpose cleaner by combining two-parts baking soda and one-part water in a spray bottle ³. If you don’t like the smell, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil ³.

Remember to exercise caution when using baking soda for cleaning as it isn’t suited to all materials ¹. Avoid mixing baking soda with bleach or chlorine bleach products as the combination is highly toxic and shouldn’t be inhaled ² ⁵.

In conclusion, baking soda is an inexpensive and eco-friendly alternative to commercial cleaning products. Whether you’re doing laundry or cleaning your home, this natural cleaner can help you maintain cleanliness while being kind to the environment.