Ever pull a load of laundry out, only to be met with that lingering, funky smell? Or maybe your whites are looking a little… beige? Before you go out and buy another expensive, chemical-laden laundry product, let me let you in on a little secret that’s probably already sitting in your kitchen pantry. We’re talking about the magic of Using Baking Soda In Washing Machine cycles. It’s a simple, cheap, and surprisingly powerful trick that can completely transform your laundry game.
I’ve been in the appliance world for years, and trust me, some of the best solutions are the oldest. Baking soda isn’t just for baking cakes; it’s a natural deodorizer, a gentle abrasive, and a water softener all in one. It’s the Swiss Army knife of natural cleaning. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how, why, and when to use this humble white powder to get cleaner clothes and a happier washing machine.
Why Bother Using Baking Soda in Your Laundry?
Let’s get straight to it. What does this stuff actually do? You might be surprised. Think of baking soda (or sodium bicarbonate, for the science geeks) as a regulator for your wash.
- It Neutralizes Odors, It Doesn’t Just Mask Them: Many laundry products use heavy perfumes to cover up smells. Baking soda works differently. It’s alkaline, so it neutralizes acidic odor molecules—like those from sweat or mildew—leaving your fabrics genuinely fresh. It’s especially brilliant for gym clothes, musty towels, and kids’ sports uniforms.
- It Softens Water and Boosts Detergent Power: Do you live in a hard water area? The minerals in hard water can stop your detergent from working properly. Baking soda helps to soften the water, allowing your detergent to lather up and clean more effectively. This means you might even be able to use less detergent.
- It Brightens Whites and Colors: By balancing the pH level in the wash water, baking soda helps your detergent work more efficiently to remove dirt and residue that can make clothes look dull. Your whites will look whiter and your colors will pop a bit more.
- It Helps Clean Your Washing Machine: The same properties that clean your clothes also work on your machine. Using baking soda helps prevent and remove the buildup of soap scum and detergent residue inside the drum and hoses, which is often the source of those mystery washer smells.
The “How-To”: A Step-by-Step Guide to Using Baking Soda in Washing Machine
Okay, you’re convinced. But how do you actually do it? The good news is, it couldn’t be simpler. The method just changes slightly depending on your goal.
For a General Laundry Boost (Deodorizing & Softening)
This is your go-to method for everyday loads to keep everything fresh and soft.
- Load Your Clothes: Put your laundry into the washing machine as you normally would.
- Add Detergent: Pour in your regular laundry detergent. If you use pods, toss one in.
- Add the Baking Soda: Measure out half a cup of baking soda. Sprinkle it directly onto your clothes inside the drum. Do not put it in the detergent or fabric softener dispenser drawers.
- Run the Cycle: Wash your clothes on your preferred cycle with the water temperature appropriate for the fabrics.
That’s it! The baking soda will dissolve in the water and get to work alongside your detergent.
For Tackling Tough Stains or Grime
For more targeted action on a particularly stubborn stain (like grease or wine), you can use baking soda to make a pre-treatment paste.
- Create a Paste: In a small bowl, mix a few tablespoons of baking soda with just enough water to form a thick, spreadable paste.
- Apply to the Stain: Gently rub the paste onto the stained area of the fabric. Let it sit for at least 15-30 minutes, or even longer for set-in stains.
- Wash as Usual: Toss the pre-treated garment into the machine with the rest of your load and wash as directed.
For Cleaning and Deodorizing the Washing Machine Itself
Your washer works hard, and it deserves a spa day every now and then. This is one of the most effective ways of using baking soda in washing machine maintenance. Do this once a month to keep it smelling fresh and running efficiently.
- Empty the Machine: Make sure there are no clothes inside the drum.
- Add Baking Soda: For a top-loading machine, sprinkle about one cup of baking soda directly into the drum. For a front-loading machine, put half a cup of baking soda inside the drum.
- Run a Hot Cycle: Set your washer to the longest, hottest wash cycle available (often called a “Tub Clean” or “Sanitary” cycle).
- Wipe Down: After the cycle finishes, use a clean cloth to wipe down the inside of the drum, the door, and the rubber gasket (especially on front-loaders, where gunk loves to hide).
Will Baking Soda Harm My Washing Machine?
This is a question I get all the time, and it’s a valid one. You want to solve a problem, not create a new one!
The short answer is no, baking soda is perfectly safe for all washing machines, including modern high-efficiency (HE) models. It’s a gentle, water-soluble powder that won’t harm your machine’s internal parts.
However, there is one crucial rule:
Always add baking soda directly into the washing machine drum with the clothes, not into the dispenser drawers. The dispensers are designed for liquid or specific powdered detergents that dissolve quickly. Thick powders like baking soda can clump and cause blockages in the dispenser lines over time.
As a seasoned appliance consultant, James Peterson, a certified appliance technician with over 15 years of experience, often tells his clients: “The most common mistake I see is people treating baking soda like a commercial additive. They pour it in the fabric softener slot. That’s a recipe for a service call. Just toss it in the drum—it’s simple, and it’s the right way to do it.”
The Great Debate: Baking Soda vs. Vinegar in the Wash
You’ve probably heard about using vinegar in laundry, too. So, what’s the difference, and which one should you use?
Think of it like this: baking soda is alkaline and vinegar is acidic. They solve different problems and, importantly, they cancel each other out if you use them in the same rinse cycle.
- Use Baking Soda to: Deodorize, soften, and brighten during the wash cycle.
- Use Vinegar to: Act as a natural fabric softener and rinse away soap residue during the rinse cycle.
If you want to use both for a super-powered load, add the baking soda at the beginning of the wash cycle with your clothes. Then, add half a cup of white distilled vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser. The machine will release it during the rinse cycle, after the baking soda and detergent have already done their job and been drained away.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some quick answers to the most common questions about using this laundry hack.
How much baking soda should I use in my washing machine?
For a standard load of laundry, half a cup of baking soda is the perfect amount to add to the drum. If you have a very large load or are dealing with extra-strong odors (like smoke or intense gym smells), you can increase it to a full cup.
Can I put baking soda directly on clothes?
Yes, absolutely. For a general laundry boost, you should sprinkle the baking soda directly on top of your dry or wet clothes in the drum before starting the cycle. For stains, you can apply a baking soda paste directly to the affected area before washing.
Is using baking soda in the washing machine safe for HE washers?
Yes, it is completely safe for High-Efficiency (HE) washers. Because it’s a low-sudsing and fully dissolving powder, it won’t interfere with the sensors or mechanics of HE machines. Just remember to add it directly to the drum.
Can I mix baking soda with my regular detergent?
You don’t need to pre-mix them. Simply add your detergent as you normally would (in the dispenser or drum, depending on the type) and then add the baking soda separately into the drum with the clothes. They will mix together in the water.
How often should I clean my washing machine with baking soda?
It’s a good practice to run a cleaning cycle with baking soda about once a month. This helps prevent the buildup of residue and mildew, keeping your machine and your clothes smelling fresh. If you do a lot of laundry or live in a humid area, you might do it every three weeks.
The Takeaway: A Simple Step for Better Laundry
Let’s be real—laundry is a chore that never ends. So why not make it easier, cheaper, and more effective? Incorporating the simple step of using baking soda in washing machine cycles is one of the most impactful changes you can make to your routine. It’s an eco-friendly, budget-friendly powerhouse that deodorizes, softens, and brightens your clothes while helping to maintain the health of your machine.
So next time you’re at the grocery store, grab that iconic orange box. Give it a try on your next load of towels or workout gear. We’d love to hear about your results in the comments below, and be sure to check out our other guides for more expert tips on getting the most out of your appliances.