Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is one of the most versatile and affordable household staples ever discovered. For centuries, it has been celebrated for its wide range of uses—from baking and deodorizing to cleaning and personal care. Yet, one of its most powerful but often overlooked applications lies in laundry care and cleaning appliances.

Despite its popularity, many people still don’t know how to use baking soda effectively. When misused, its full cleaning and deodorizing potential can go untapped, leading to less-than-satisfactory results.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the science behind baking soda’s odor-fighting power, common mistakes to avoid, and the right techniques to get the best possible results. Whether your goal is to freshen up gym clothes, eliminate pet odors, or extend the lifespan of your washing machine, mastering the correct use of baking soda can completely transform your laundry routine.

---

1. The Science Behind Baking Soda’s Odor-Fighting Power

Baking soda’s remarkable ability to neutralize odors comes down to chemistry. As a mild alkaline compound, sodium bicarbonate reacts with both acids and bases in the air, neutralizing them and thereby eliminating unpleasant smells. This reaction is particularly effective against acidic compounds, which are responsible for most bad odors in fabrics and appliances.

When added to laundry, baking soda works by balancing the pH levels of the wash water. This not only neutralizes acidic odors but also creates a more favorable environment for detergents to perform at their best. As a result, clothes come out cleaner, fresher, and softer.

💡 Pro Tip: For most loads, use about ½ cup of baking soda. For larger or smellier loads, like gym wear or pet bedding, you can safely increase it to ¾ or 1 cup.

---

2. Common Mistakes People Make with Baking Soda

Even though baking soda is simple to use, a few common errors can reduce its effectiveness:

• Using too little: Many people underestimate the amount needed. A small sprinkle won’t be enough to tackle heavy odors.

• Adding it to the wrong compartment: Pouring baking soda into the detergent drawer can cause clumping, reducing its ability to dissolve and work efficiently.

• Relying on baking soda alone: It’s a booster, not a substitute for detergent. While it enhances cleaning power, it doesn’t contain the surfactants necessary to break down oils and heavy dirt.

✅ The right way: Always add baking soda directly to the drum, and use it alongside your regular detergent for optimal results.

---

3. How to Properly Use Baking Soda in Laundry

To get the most out of baking soda, measure about ½ cup and sprinkle it directly into the drum before adding your clothes. This allows it to dissolve evenly once the water fills in.

For extremely smelly or heavily soiled items, such as sports gear or kitchen towels, pre-dissolve the baking soda in warm water first. This ensures even distribution and helps prevent clumping.

If your load includes delicate fabrics, you can also add a few drops of essential oil (like lavender or eucalyptus) to the baking soda before adding it—creating a naturally fragrant wash.

---

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

Placement matters. Adding baking soda to the washing machine drum—not the detergent drawer—is the most effective method.

• Top-loading machines: Sprinkle baking soda evenly over the clothes before starting the cycle.

• Front-loading machines: Dissolve baking soda in about one cup of warm water, then pour it directly into the drum before loading your laundry.

This method ensures that baking soda mixes well with the water and detergent, allowing it to work evenly throughout the cycle.

---

5. Baking Soda Hacks for Freshening Up Gym Clothes

Workout clothes are notorious for harboring odors caused by sweat, bacteria, and synthetic fibers that trap moisture. Baking soda is a natural deodorizing hero for these tough cases.

Start by pre-soaking your gym wear in a solution of ½ cup baking soda and one gallon of warm water for 30–60 minutes. This pre-treatment breaks down sweat acids and body oils before the main wash.

Then, wash as usual—adding another ½ cup of baking soda directly to the drum along with detergent. The result? Fabrics that smell genuinely clean, not just perfumed.

💧 Bonus tip: Avoid fabric softeners with athletic wear, as they can coat fibers and trap odors. Baking soda naturally softens without buildup.

---

6. Using Baking Soda to Eliminate Pet Odors from Fabrics

If you share your home with pets, you know how persistent pet odors can be. Baking soda is a safe, natural solution for refreshing fabrics, bedding, and upholstery.

For non-washable surfaces, sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda directly over the area and let it sit for 15–30 minutes (or longer for strong smells). Vacuum it thoroughly to remove both the powder and the absorbed odors.

For washable pet bedding, add ½ to 1 cup of baking soda to your laundry cycle with your regular detergent. For particularly strong odors, soak the items first in warm water with baking soda before washing.

🐾 Safety note: Baking soda is non-toxic and safe for pets, making it a much better choice than chemical deodorizers.

---

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

Your washing machine also benefits from regular baking soda care. Over time, detergent residue and mineral deposits can build up inside the drum and hoses, causing odors and inefficiency.

Running an empty hot-water cycle with 1 cup of baking soda every month helps break down this buildup and keep your machine smelling clean. It also helps prevent limescale accumulation, which can extend the lifespan of the machine’s components.

For a deeper clean, alternate baking soda washes with vinegar cycles—just never mix them directly in the same cycle.

---

8. Combining Baking Soda with Vinegar: What You Need to Know

Baking soda and vinegar are often praised as the ultimate cleaning combo, but using them correctly is key. When mixed together, they neutralize each other—creating a fizzing reaction that’s fun to watch but short-lived in cleaning power.

To get the best results in laundry:

• Use baking soda during the wash cycle to neutralize odors and balance pH.

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

This alternating approach ensures each ingredient performs its unique role without canceling the other out.

---

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

Baking soda stands out as one of the most eco-friendly cleaning agents available. It’s biodegradable, non-toxic, and safe for septic systems—unlike many commercial detergents filled with artificial fragrances and harsh chemicals.

By incorporating baking soda into your laundry routine, you reduce your environmental footprint, protect waterways, and minimize exposure to unnecessary synthetic ingredients.

On top of that, it’s budget-friendly—a large box often costs less than a single bottle of fabric softener and lasts for dozens of loads. For families seeking a more sustainable and economical laundry routine, baking soda is an easy win.

---

10. Popular Viral Baking Soda Hacks: Do They Really Work?

The internet is full of “miracle” baking soda hacks—some true, others exaggerated. While it’s fantastic for odor removal, softening fabrics, and maintaining machine health, baking soda does have its limits.

For instance, it can brighten whites and help lift mild stains, but it’s not a bleach replacement and won’t remove set-in or dye-based stains. Similarly, while it helps soften fabrics, it doesn’t deliver the ultra-silky texture of commercial softeners.

In short, think of baking soda as a laundry enhancer, not a cure-all. Combine it strategically with detergents and stain removers for the best overall results.

---

11. Expert Tips for Maximizing Baking Soda’s Effectiveness

To wrap up, here are a few expert tips for getting the most out of baking soda in your laundry:

• Use the right amount: Stick to ½–1 cup per load, depending on size and odor level.

• Pre-soak for best results: Give heavily soiled clothes time to absorb baking soda before washing.

• Store it properly: Keep baking soda in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture from reducing its potency.

• Combine wisely: Use it with detergents and, occasionally, vinegar (in separate cycles) for a balanced, effective cleaning system.

With consistent use, you’ll notice not just fresher clothes—but also a cleaner, more efficient washing machine and a greener laundry routine overall.