There are literally hundreds of household uses for baking soda. Not to be confused with baking powder, which has added acidifying and drying agents — typically cream of tartar and starch, respectively — baking soda is pure bicarbonate of soda. The beneficial qualities of baking soda are the result of its ability to act as a buffer, neutralizing both acidic and alkaline substances to regulate pH. This is the secret behind its effectiveness in the laundry room.

Baking soda is inexpensive, nontoxic, fragrance-free, environmentally friendly, and safe to use on nearly all washable fabrics. Baking soda is as gentle as it is effective; because it leaves no harsh chemical residue behind, it will not irritate sensitive skin.

In the Wash

• Adding ½ cup (120 g) of baking soda to the washing machine along with liquid detergent will boost its effectiveness.
• There’s no need to use chemical fragrances to eradicate strong odors from laundry. Simply add ½ cup (120 g) of baking soda to the washing machine during the rinse cycle.
• Baking soda can reduce the amount of bleach needed to brighten whites. Instead of adding 1 cup (240 ml) of bleach, use just ½ cup (120 ml) and add ½ cup (120 g) of baking soda. It’s gentler on the laundry and reduces the strong smell that bleach leaves behind.

Removing Stains/Smells

• To remove a bloodstain from white or light-colored clothing, make a paste of three parts baking soda and one part cold water. Apply to stain and let stand for a few minutes. Rinse with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Repeat as needed until the stain is gone. Note: this may have a bleaching effect on darker fabrics.
• To eliminate the smell of vomit from clothing or bedding, place items in washing machine, allow machine to fill with water, then stop. Add 1 to 2 cups (240 to 480 g) baking soda and let soak for at least an hour. Then add detergent and launder as usual.
• For cloth diapers, prepare a solution of 1 gallon (3.8 L) water and 1 cup baking soda. Remove any solid material from diapers and soak diapers in this solution for a least an hour. Launder as usual, adding ½ cup (120 g) baking soda along with liquid detergent.
• To keep wet bathing suits and towels from smelling sour on the way home from a trip to the beach, place them in a large resealable plastic bag and sprinkle with a bit of baking soda.

Cleaning/Deodorizing

• Remove lint and dye residue from your washing machine without scratching the finish. Sprinkle baking soda liberally on a damp sponge and wipe down the interior and exterior. Rinse by wiping with a clean damp sponge and dry the outside of the machine with paper towels.
• Sprinkle baking soda in the bottoms of clothes hampers and laundry bags to eliminate odors there.
• Sprinkle the bottom of the washing machine with a light layer of baking soda between uses to eliminate a musty odor inside.