Baking soda is the key to odor-free clothes and cleaner machines, but most use it wrong. Here’s the right way to use it

Sodium bicarbonate, better known as baking soda, has earned a spot in kitchens for baking and cleaning, but its real magic might just be in your laundry room. While many people reach for baking soda to freshen clothes or clean appliances, using it the wrong way can mean disappointing results—or even wasted effort.

Here’s how to get the most out of baking soda, avoid common pitfalls, and transform your laundry and cleaning routine.

How Baking Soda Neutralizes Odors

Baking soda is a mild alkaline powder that interacts with both acidic and basic substances, effectively neutralizing odors in laundry. By adjusting the pH of your wash water, it tackles the acids that cause unpleasant smells and even boosts the performance of your detergent.

For best results, use about 1/2 cup per laundry load. This small step makes a big difference in freshness and cleanliness.

Mistakes People Make with Baking Soda

A little sprinkle isn’t enough. Many people use too little baking soda or toss it in the detergent drawer, where it can clump and fail to dissolve. Another common mistake is replacing detergent with baking soda—while it’s a great helper, it isn’t a substitute for regular laundry soap.

The Right Way to Add Baking Soda to Laundry

For top results, measure out 1/2 cup of baking soda and add it directly to the washing machine drum before loading your clothes. This ensures it mixes properly with water and detergent. For especially smelly laundry like gym clothes or towels, you can use up to 1 cup. Dissolving the baking soda in warm water first can also help it spread evenly.

Where to Put Baking Soda in Your Washer

Always add baking soda straight to the drum, never in the detergent compartment.

• Top-load washers: Sprinkle baking soda over your clothes.

• Front-load washers: Dissolve it in a cup of water and pour directly into the drum before adding laundry.

Tackling Gym Clothes and Pet Odors

For stubborn gym smells, pre-soak clothes in a mix of 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 gallon (about 4 liters) of water for 30 minutes, then wash as usual with another 1/2 cup of baking soda and detergent. This two-step method fights tough odors at the source.

To refresh pet beds or blankets, sprinkle baking soda over the fabric and let it sit for 15 minutes before vacuuming. For washable items, add 1/2 cup to the wash cycle. For extra-strong odors, try pre-soaking first.

Cleaning Your Washing Machine

Baking soda doesn’t just clean clothes—it helps keep your washing machine in top shape. Run an empty hot cycle with 1 cup of baking soda to break down soap scum and mineral residue. Doing this regularly keeps your washer fresh and efficient.

Baking Soda and Vinegar: A Cleaning Duo—But Not Together

While baking soda and vinegar are both cleaning favorites, using them together in laundry is a common mistake. The fizzing reaction looks fun but actually cancels out their cleaning power. Use baking soda in the wash cycle to deodorize, then add vinegar in the rinse cycle to soften and remove residue. This way, you get the best of both.

Eco-Friendly and Budget Benefits

Baking soda is non-toxic, biodegradable, and free from harsh chemicals—making it safe for your home and the planet. It’s also easy on your wallet: a single box can freshen many loads of laundry and clean around your home for a fraction of the cost of specialty cleaners.

Do Viral Baking Soda Hacks Really Work?

You might see online tips claiming baking soda whitens clothes and removes stubborn stains. While it can brighten whites and soften fabrics, it isn’t a miracle solution for every stain or a substitute for bleach. Think of baking soda as a dependable helper in your laundry routine—not a magic fix for everything.

Expert Tips for Better Results

• Use 1/2 to 1 cup depending on your laundry load and odor level.

• For tough smells, pre-soak items in a baking soda solution before washing.

• Store baking soda in a cool, dry place to prevent clumping.

• Always pair baking soda with your usual detergent and fabric softener for best results.

Just that—when you know how to use baking soda right, you unlock its full power for cleaner clothes, fresher fabrics, and a healthier home.