Here are five reasons to keep baking soda handy in your laundry room. Baking soda helps to regulate the pH level in the washer’s water by keeping it from being too acidic or alkaline. By adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to each laundry load, detergents can work more effectively and reduce bacteria. For heavy odor problems like underarm perspiration or environmental odors like cigarette smoke, use baking soda and water as a pre-soak. Dissolve 1 or 2 cups of baking soda in some warm water. Fill the washer tub or a large sink with cool water and add the dissolved baking soda. Add your stinky clothes and allow them to soak overnight and then wash as usual. If you have garments that need refreshing and they are not washable, place them in a sealable container like a storage tub with an open box of baking soda. Leave them for at least 24 hours—longer is better—to help remove odors. Adding 1/2 cup of baking soda for each 1/2 cup of bleach (being sure to add the bleach at the proper time) will help regulate the pH level in the water so bleach will work more effectively to reduce bacteria and loosen the soil. If you’re not using chlorine bleach, that 1/2 cup of baking soda will boost the performance of your detergent. This is especially important if you have hard water or use a value detergent. The dry baking soda should be added to the empty washer tub before dirty laundry is added. Do not place baking soda in a washer’s automatic dispensers. As a natural mineral, baking soda is less harsh on the environment than synthetic fabric softeners with perfumes that mask odors. Unlike synthetic fabric softeners that can interfere with fire-retardant finishes on children’s pajamas, baking soda can be used safely. Your iron will now glide smoothly, making ironing much easier and leaving no tell-tale deposits. If it happens, turn off the washer and grab your box of baking soda. Sprinkle the powder directly on the suds to quickly break them down. The baking soda will absorb some of the moisture, and clean up will be easier.
