If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s a simple trick to fresher, brighter, and cleaner laundry, the answer may already be sitting in your pantry.

Baking soda, often used for cookies or quick breads, doubles as a powerful laundry booster that’s natural, affordable, and gentle.

While commercial products can be packed with harsh chemicals, this household staple offers an easy way to keep clothes soft, odor-free, and looking their best.


Generations of families have relied on it not only in the kitchen, but throughout the home.

And now, it’s being rediscovered as one of the best-kept secrets of the laundry room.


Why baking soda works so well in laundry

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is mildly alkaline, meaning it can balance pH levels, neutralize odors, and loosen grime.

It’s safe for most fabrics, gentle on sensitive skin, and costs only pennies per load.

That’s why it’s become a go-to for removing stubborn smells, brightening whites, and even tackling stains—all without harsh detergents or chemical additives.

How to use baking soda in your laundry routine

1. Remove stubborn odors

Forgotten loads, sweaty gym gear, or musty towels can smell unpleasant even after a wash.

To freshen them up, dissolve ½ to 1 cup of baking soda in warm water and pour it directly into the drum (or detergent compartment) with your detergent.

Wash as usual, and for tough odors like smoke or food, add an extra rinse cycle.


Also read: Stop wasting time on Tide! This simple laundry trick will change your routine

2. Freshen up non-washable items

For items you can’t put in the washer—like hats, cushions, or curtains—try this trick:

• Place 1 cup of baking soda in a jar.
• Add 10 drops of your favorite essential oil.
• Cover with fabric or parchment paper, secure the lid ring, and leave it near the items overnight.

The baking soda absorbs odors while the oil adds a light scent. You can also tuck the mixture into small fabric sachets to keep closets and drawers fresh.

3. Tackle tough stains

For grease, sweat marks, or food splatters, rinse the fabric from the back, sprinkle baking soda over the stain, and add a drop of mild dish soap.

Gently rub with your fingers or a soft brush, let sit for 15 minutes, then launder as usual. Repeat before drying if needed, since heat can set stains.


Also read:This "genius" laundry trick has everyone talking—helpful tip or too much for toddlers?

4. Boost detergent power and whiten fabrics

To brighten dull fabrics, dissolve ½ to 1 cup of baking soda in warm water and add it directly to your load.

Combined with your regular detergent, it helps cut through dirt, enhance cleaning power, and keep whites from looking gray.

5. Clean your iron

If your iron has scorch marks, make a paste of baking soda and water.

With the iron unplugged and cool, gently rub the paste onto the plate with a soft cloth.

Wipe clean with a damp cloth, and your iron will look refreshed!



Also read: This secret dryer detail could be sabotaging your laundry game and safety—find out what cleaning pros know!

Frequently asked questions

• Can you mix baking soda and detergent? Yes, just dissolve it in warm water first for best results.
• Which is better—baking soda or vinegar? Both can be useful, but don’t combine them in the same wash. Use baking soda during the wash cycle and vinegar during the rinse cycle.
• Can baking soda replace detergent? No—it’s best as a booster, not a substitute.
• Is it safe for all fabrics? Mostly, but avoid overusing it on delicate fibers like wool, cashmere, or silk, where the alkaline pH may cause damage or fading.
• Does it help with hard water? Yes, it can soften water and improve detergent performance, though moderation is best if your water is very hard.
• Where should I add it in a front-loader? Dissolve it in warm water and pour it into the drum with your clothes for best results.

Also read: The surprising truth about how long you can really leave wet clothes in the washer—find out now!

Extra laundry tips

• Buy baking soda in larger bags—it’s cheaper than the small boxes in the baking aisle.
• Keep a dedicated container in your laundry room to avoid mixing it with your baking supplies.
• Pair it with vinegar by using baking soda in the wash and vinegar in the rinse for natural softening—just not together in the same cycle.

Sometimes the best laundry solutions aren’t found in fancy bottles but in the simple staples we’ve had all along.

Baking soda proves that keeping clothes fresh, bright, and clean doesn’t have to be complicated—or expensive.

By making small changes in your routine, you can save money, cut down on chemicals, and keep your laundry looking its best.


Why not give it a try and see the difference for yourself?

Read next: 5 easy ways to dry your laundry faster—No extra heat or cost required!


Have you tried baking soda in your laundry? Do you have your own favorite cleaning hacks or household tricks that keep clothes fresh and bright? Share your tips in the comments—your ideas may help another member of The GrayVine community.