Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) has long been a popular household ingredient. Besides its familiar role in cooking, it is also a powerful helper in cleaning tasks—especially laundry and washing machine maintenance. However, many people still use it incorrectly, which leads to lower cleaning and deodorizing results than expected.

This guide explains why baking soda works so well, the mistakes most people make, and the correct techniques to boost the freshness of your laundry, remove pet odors, and keep your washing machine operating efficiently.

1. Why Baking Soda Is So Effective at Fighting Odors

Baking soda is a mildly alkaline compound. When it comes in contact with odor-causing acids, it neutralizes smells at the molecular level instead of covering them up.

During laundry, baking soda helps balance the pH of the wash water, creating a more effective environment for detergent to break down dirt. That’s why adding around ½ cup of baking soda per load can noticeably improve both cleanliness and freshness.

2. Common Mistakes People Make When Using Baking Soda

Many people unknowingly reduce its effectiveness by:

• Using too little, leading to weak odor removal. The proper amount is around ½ cup per load.

• Pouring baking soda into the detergent drawer, which can cause clumping and prevent proper dissolving.

• Replacing detergent entirely, which baking soda cannot do. It enhances cleaning but should not be used alone.

3. How to Use Baking Soda Properly in Laundry

For the best deodorizing and cleaning results:

1. Measure ½ cup baking soda.

2. Add it directly into the washing machine drum before placing your clothes inside.

3. For heavy-odor items—gym wear, towels, pet bedding—use up to 1 cup.

4. Optional: Dissolve baking soda in warm water first to help it dissolve more evenly.

4. The Right Way to Add Baking Soda to a Washing Machine

• Top-loading machines: Sprinkle baking soda on top of clothes before starting the cycle.

• Front-loading machines: Mix baking soda with a cup of water and pour it directly into the drum.

Avoid adding it to the detergent compartment, as this reduces its ability to mix thoroughly with water.

5. Baking Soda Hacks for Freshening Gym Clothes

Gym clothes often hold onto sweat and bacteria, causing stubborn odors. Here’s the best method:

Before washing:

• Soak items for 20–30 minutes in a solution of ½ cup baking soda + 1 gallon of water.

During washing:

• Add another ½ cup into the drum along with your regular detergent.

This two-step method breaks down strong odors and leaves workout clothes smelling clean and fresh.

6. Removing Pet Odors from Fabrics Using Baking Soda

Pet smells can cling to fabric, but baking soda makes deodorizing simple:

• Sprinkle a generous layer over the fabric, leave it for 15–20 minutes, then vacuum.

• For washable items, add ½ cup baking soda during the wash cycle.

• For severe odors, pre-soak the fabric in a baking soda solution before washing.

This helps remove trapped odors and keeps fabrics smelling neutral and fresh.

7. How Baking Soda Helps Extend the Life of Your Washing Machine

Baking soda doesn’t only clean clothes—it also helps maintain the machine itself. Its mild abrasive properties help remove detergent residue, mineral buildup, and lingering odors.

To clean the machine:

1. Add 1 cup baking soda to the drum.

2. Run a hot water cycle with no clothes.

Doing this once a month helps your washer stay clean and work more efficiently.

8. Can You Combine Baking Soda and Vinegar? Here’s What to Know

Although both baking soda and vinegar are great cleaners, they shouldn’t be used together in the same wash cycle. When mixed, they neutralize each other.

The correct method is:

• Use baking soda during the wash cycle to remove odors.

• Use vinegar during the rinse cycle to soften fabrics and eliminate detergent residue.

Used separately, each ingredient performs at full strength.

9. Eco-Friendly Benefits of Using Baking Soda in Laundry

Baking soda is a natural, non-toxic, biodegradable ingredient—safe for families, pets, and the environment. Its benefits include:

• Reducing the need for harsh chemical cleaners

• Being extremely cost-effective

• Providing long-lasting freshness for a low price

A single box can be used for dozens of loads, making it a budget-friendly option for eco-conscious households.

10. Do Viral Baking Soda Laundry Hacks Really Work?

Many online hacks claim baking soda can:

• Whiten clothes like bleach

• Remove tough stains instantly

• Replace fabric softener

Reality check:

• Baking soda can brighten whites, but it’s not a bleach substitute.

• It helps with some stains but cannot remove all deep or old stains.

• It softens fabrics slightly but is not as strong as a dedicated fabric softener.

Use it as a supporting ingredient, not a replacement for specialized products.

11. Expert Tips to Maximize Baking Soda’s Effectiveness

To get the best results:

• Always use ½–1 cup per load depending on odor level.

• Pre-soak extremely smelly items for better deodorizing.

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

• Combine baking soda with detergent and other laundry products for optimal cleaning power.