That same box of baking soda (baking soda) in your home is also an inexpensive way to remove odors from clothes, increase detergent and bleach performance, soften clothes, clean an iron, and control detergent suds.
Safe to use in both standard and high-efficiency washers, it's one of the two best products (along with distilled white vinegar) for greening your clothes by reducing dependency on chemicals. So what can baking soda do? We will tell you about it below ... and you will never miss this product in your home again!
Reduces and eliminates odors from clothes
Body odors in our clothes and bedding are caused by bacteria. Bacteria are killed when detergent molecules break down bacterial cells on fabrics to kill them. However, less expensive detergents that do not contain enzymes Bacteria-fighting workers need a boost to function more effectively.
Baking soda helps regulate the pH level in your washing machine water by keeping it from being too acidic or alkaline. By adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to each load of laundry, detergents can work more effectively and reduce bacteria.
For severe odor problems, the ideal is to use baking soda and water in a pre-soak. Dissolve 1 and a half glasses of baking soda in a little warm water. Fill the washing machine or a large sink with cold water and add the dissolved baking soda. Add your smelly clothes and allow them to soak overnight and then wash as usual. If you have items that are not washable, you can place them in an airtight container such as a storage tub with an open box of baking soda. Leave them for at least 24 hours (longer is better) to help eliminate odors.
Increases bleach and detergent performance
Chlorine bleach is often used to help remove odors and general dirt from clothing. In water that is too acidic or alkaline, the bleach needs a boost to work more effectively. By increasing its cleaning properties, you may be able to use less bleach to achieve the same results, saving you money and reducing the impact of bleach on the environment.
Adding 1/2 cup of baking soda along with every 1/2 glass of bleach (be sure to add bleach at the right time) will help regulate the pH level in the water so that the bleach works more effectively to reduce bacteria .
Even if you're not using chlorine bleach, that 1/2 cup of baking soda will increase the performance of your detergent. Dry baking soda should be added to the empty washing machine tub before adding laundry. Don't put baking soda in a washing machine's automatic dispensers.
Natural fabric softener
Baking soda helps regulate the pH level in your washing machine rinse water by keeping it from being too acidic or alkaline. Adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to each rinse cycle acts as a balance to suspend detergent or mineral deposits in the water and prevent them from re-depositing on clothing that can cause clothing to "sag."
As a natural mineral, baking soda is less aggressive to the environment than synthetic fabric softeners with perfumes that mask odors. This also makes it a good option for people with allergies and sensitive skin. Unlike synthetic fabric softeners that can interfere with flame retardant finishes on children's pajamas, baking soda can be used safely.
Soft and natural abrasive
Baking soda is a mild, natural abrasive. To remove accumulated starch and scorch deposits from the faceplate of a cold griddle, mix a paste of baking soda and water. Using a white cloth, rub the paste over the surface of the iron. For a tough build-up, use the cloth to scrub gently and repeat until the build-up is gone. Finish by wiping the faceplate with a cloth dampened with white distilled vinegar. Your iron will glide smoothly making ironing much easier.
Now you know how to use baking soda effectively to treat clothes that you need to care for and clean. Feel free to go to the supermarket and buy a bottle of baking soda in case you don't have it at home yet. This product is quite inexpensive and has great uses that will make your life easier.