Baking Soda in Laundry: The Right Way to Eliminate Odors, Freshen Clothes, and Clean Your Washing Machine

Freshening Gym Clothes

Workout clothing often traps sweat and bacteria that ordinary washing doesn’t completely remove.

For best results:

1. Fill a bucket or sink with one gallon of warm water.
2. Dissolve ½ cup baking soda.
3. Soak gym clothes for about 30 minutes.
4. Wash normally with detergent.
5. Add another ½ cup baking soda during the wash cycle.

This combination helps eliminate lingering odors without harsh chemicals.

Removing Pet Odors from Fabrics

Pet blankets, bedding, and washable furniture covers can benefit from baking soda.

For washable fabrics:

• Add ½ cup baking soda during the wash cycle.

For non-washable fabrics:

• Sprinkle baking soda over the surface.
• Leave it for 15–30 minutes.
• Vacuum thoroughly.

This helps absorb many everyday odors naturally.

Cleaning Your Washing Machine

Laundry machines also need regular cleaning.

Once a month:

1. Empty the washer.
2. Add 1 cup baking soda directly into the drum.
3. Run the hottest cleaning cycle available.

This helps remove detergent residue and reduce unpleasant odors. However, if your machine manufacturer recommends a specific washer cleaner, follow those instructions.

Can You Use Baking Soda and Vinegar Together?

Both are excellent cleaners—but timing matters.

When mixed together immediately, baking soda and vinegar react and largely neutralize each other, producing water, carbon dioxide, and a fizzing action.

For laundry:

• Add baking soda during the wash cycle.
• Add white vinegar during the rinse cycle (if your washer allows it).

Using them separately allows each ingredient to perform its intended function more effectively.

Eco-Friendly Benefits

Baking soda is a popular choice for environmentally conscious households because it is:

• Biodegradable
• Fragrance-free
• Non-toxic when used as directed
• Inexpensive
• Widely available

It can reduce the need for heavily scented laundry additives while still improving freshness.

Do Popular Baking Soda Laundry Hacks Really Work?

Some do—but others are exaggerated.

Supported Uses

• Neutralizing odors
• Boosting detergent performance
• Freshening towels
• Reducing musty smells
• Cleaning the washing machine

Overstated Claims

Baking soda is not a substitute for:

• Chlorine bleach for whitening
• Enzyme stain removers
• Heavy-duty disinfectants
• Commercial fabric softeners for maximum softness

It works best as a helpful addition to a complete laundry routine.

Expert Tips for Better Results

• Store baking soda in a cool, dry place.
• Use fresh baking soda for maximum effectiveness.
• Pre-soak heavily odorous clothing before washing.
• Clean your washer regularly to prevent odor buildup.
• Follow your washing machine manufacturer’s care recommendations.

Final Thoughts

Baking soda remains one of the simplest and most affordable ways to improve your laundry routine. It helps neutralize odors, supports detergent performance, and can even help keep your washing machine cleaner over time.

While it isn’t a miracle product that replaces every laundry solution, using it correctly can leave clothes fresher, reduce unpleasant odors, and make everyday laundry more effective—all with a product many households already have on hand.