When it comes to our washing machines, many of us are searching for alternative ways to not only clean our machines but keep our clothes smelling fresh and staying soft.
We have tried all the methods imaginable, from traditional softeners and detergents to the wacky homemade recipes your grandma used to teach you as a child. No matter the outcome, our inner Kermit is there, asking us, but could your clothes be cleaner?
It’s what we are here today to find out! We are taking on the household staple baking soda to see if it can be added to your washing machine or not. We will also explore the results you should expect from adding baking soda! Keep reading to find out more.
Can you put baking soda in the washing machine to clean clothes?
Yes, you can put baking soda in the washing machine! Adding baking soda to your washing machine works to balance the pH levels in your washing machine’s water. Not only is baking soda an environmentally friendly swap from traditional detergents, but its ability to balance pH levels will help your clothes become cleaner, a win for us all!
Adding baking soda to your washing machine can also help to remove stubborn stains from clothing. Instead of forking out for Vanish or other whitening or stain remover products, why not give baking soda a whirl? You’ll be surprised at how easily the stain lifts and your clothes come out looking good as new!
Now that we have addressed that baking soda can be used in the washing machine let’s answer some of your other questions.
Where do you put baking soda in a washing machine?
To use baking soda in your washing machine, pour it into the machine directly. For front load machines and other types, you can do this with the detergent drawer.
Alternatively, you can add it directly to the drum if you wish. Adding the soda to the detergent drawer ensures the powder enters the drum of your machine as a detergent would and provides you with the best clean possible.
Now that we have established where the baking soda goes, we need to look at when you should put the baking soda into the machine. For best results, allow the machine to fill with water first. Once the machine is full, open the detergent drawer and pour the baking soda straight into the machine.
Close the drawer and allow the machine to work as normal. The baking soda will enter the drum of your machine and get to work, leaving you with fresh and clean clothes once your cycle ends!
What does baking soda do for your laundry?
Baking soda cleans your laundry, removing any odors and stains to return it to its former glory. Adding baking soda to your washing machine, as we saw earlier, regulates the pH levels in the water, stopping it from being too acidic or alkaline, which benefits your laundry, preventing them from being exposed to unsuitable water.
Baking soda also enables your laundry powder to work more effectively and reduces bacteria for cleaner and safer clothes to wear. Baking soda also eliminates odors too for fresh clothes that smell brand new! It is a fantastic addition for those with babies or small children; you can rest easy knowing their clothes are clean.
Baking soda is also a fantastic stain remover and can be used in the whole machine or to spot clean stains before placing them in the machine to restore your clothes to their clean glory!
Not only does it remove stains, but adding baking soda to your load of laundry will leave them feeling fresh and soft too! Have you got an itchy or scratchy jumper? Why not add some baking soda to your laundry and enjoy a soft jumper instead?
How much baking soda do I put in my washing machine?
Depending on the amount of laundry in your washing machine, add ½ to 1 cup of baking soda to your washing machine. For those running half a load of washing or a few items on a delicate wash, half a cup of baking soda will be more than enough to clean your clothes and leave them soft.
For a full load of washing, one full and level cup of baking soda is the perfect amount. It’s enough soda to clean all the clothes and ensure they smell fresh and are stain-free! As always, be mindful not to overload your washing machine. Overfilling it results in the clothes not being cleaned properly and even causes leaks in some cases!
For those using baking soda to spot clean stains before placing your clothes in the machine, a teaspoon and some water combined will make a paste that you can place on the stains. If you add these clothes to the machine, use the same amount of baking soda to our machine to clean your laundry.
Can you mix bleach and baking soda in a washing machine?
Yes, you can mix bleach and baking soda in a washing machine! We are constantly told bleach should not be mixed with other chemicals to avoid creating harmful vapors or chemicals released into the air. However, baking soda is a safe substance your bleach can be mixed with!
You can mix ½ cup of bleach and ½ cup of baking soda and place it into your washing machine. It is best to use bleach when washing whites or cleaning the machine, as the bleach will stain darker or colored laundry.
The addition of baking soda will mask some of the bleach smell, so you won’t smell as though you have bathed in chlorine! Also, the bleach will be enhanced by the baking soda, making it an excellent and effective stain remover! Have you tipped tomato soup on your favorite white shirt? This may be the combination for you!
You can even use the bleach and baking soda combination to clean your washing machine! Run the same mixture through the machine on a warm cycle, and your machine will smell clean and fresh! Bleach is an excellent mold killer too, so if your machine is smelling musty, give this cleaning solution a whirl!
Related Washing Machine Articles:
- What Is The Best Washing Machine Cleaner
- What Is The Best Mould Remover UK
- How To Clean A Front Loading Washing Machine With Vinegar And Baking Soda
- How To Use Bicarbonate Of Soda For Cleaning
- How To Clean A Washing Machine With White Vinegar
- Is Washing Machine Mold Dangerous?
- Where To Buy White Vinegar For Cleaning
