Can I use baking soda instead of laundry detergent?

Author: Lonie Ferry  |  Last update: Sunday, November 9, 2025

Because baking soda helps to break down the bacteria on clothes, thus lifting out odors, this is one of the best laundry detergent alternatives if you've got sportswear or kids' clothes to wash. So how can you use baking soda? Add half a cup of baking soda to your washing machine.

Can I wash clothes with baking soda only?

Yes, you can use baking soda to wash your clothes. It acts as a natural detergent booster and can help to remove odors, brighten whites, and soften fabrics. Here's how you can use it effectively:

What is a good substitute for laundry detergent?

  • Baking Soda: Add about 1/2 cup to your laundry load.
  • White Vinegar: Use 1 cup of white vinegar in place of detergent.
  • Borax: This is a natural mineral that can be used as a laundry booster.
  • Washing Soda (Sodium Carbonate): Similar to baking soda, washing soda can help remove stains and odors.
  • Castile Soap: A natural

Can you use baking soda as a substitute for laundry detergent?

Yes, you can use 1/4 cup of baking soda mixed with water as a substitute for detergent in your washing machine.

How much baking soda for laundry detergent?

Measure the Baking Soda: Use about 1/2 cup (approximately 120 grams) of baking soda for a regular load of laundry. You can adjust the amount based on the size of your load or the level of odor/stains. Add to the Wash: - Top-Loading Machines: Add the baking soda directly to the drum before adding your clothes.

🧺 How to Use Vinegar and Baking Soda for your Laundry in your Automatic Washing Machine

Is vinegar or baking soda better for laundry?

Vinegar's main component is acetic acid, which helps make it an option to perform small laundry tasks. Baking soda can control overflowing suds and revitalize aged linens.

Can I use dish soap as laundry detergent?

No, it's not a good idea. Dishwashing detergent has enzymes and chemicals to dissolve the 3 components of food: fat, carbohydrates and proteins. They will eat away the fabric, especially natural fibers like cotton.

How to wash laundry without detergent?

1. Baking Soda + Vinegar
  1. Add half a cup of distilled white vinegar to your washing machine.
  2. Add 1 cup baking soda.
  3. Run the desired laundry cycle, and that's it.

What happens if you use baking soda instead of washing soda?

Baking soda is gentler than washing soda, so it won't be as efficacious. Think of washing soda as a more amped-up version of baking soda. Washing soda can do a better job of removing stains and brightening clothes—there's a reason why it's usually included in laundry stripping recipes and baking soda isn't.

What does vinegar do for laundry?

By adding vinegar to your laundry, you can remove tough stains, eliminate odors, and even soften your clothes. It's a safe and effective way to boost the cleaning power of your detergent while also being eco-friendly. So go ahead and add some vinegar to your next load of laundry for cleaner, fresher-smelling clothes.

What can I use if I've run out of laundry detergent?

One cup of baking soda per large load of laundry should do the trick.
  • Arm & Hammer Baking Soda. Keep things clean and odorless by cleaning with baking soda. ...
  • Lucy's White Vinegar. ...
  • 20 Mule Team Borax. ...
  • Vanicream Gentle Body Wash. ...
  • Dove Beauty Bar Soap. ...
  • Dawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap.

How to make your own laundry detergent?

Here are our experts' steps for making homemade laundry detergent:
  1. Begin by boiling 8 cups of water.
  2. Next, add 2 cups of borax and 2 cups of baking soda.
  3. Dilute 1 cup of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with 2 cups of water; add to mixture.
  4. Add 2 cups of dish soap and another 8 cups of boiling water.

What's the healthiest laundry detergent to use?

The best non-toxic laundry detergent is one that delivers cleanliness to your clothes while ensuring safety and sustainability.
  • NaturOli* (Our Top Pick)
  • Truly Free*
  • Ecos Free & Clear*
  • Meliora Unscented Powder Detergent*
  • Molly's Suds*
  • Aspen*
  • ATTITUDE*
  • Clean Cult*

Can I use just washing soda for laundry?

It's an alkaline substance that can be used for general household cleaning, and even for the laundry. However, it doesn't clean clothes perfectly, so using laundry detergents is always recommended for the best results.

How long can you leave baking soda on clothes?

Pre-Treat with Baking Soda

Grease stains- apply baking soda onto stain and leave for 30 mins to 1 hour. Sweat stains- rub paste on stained area and let sit for a few mins. Blood stains- rub paste on stained area and let sit for a 1 hour.

How much baking soda to remove odor?

Next, sprinkle about ¼ cup of baking soda evenly over the affected area, and let it sit out for awhile. Overnight or around 8 hours would work, but the longer it's left out, the more effective it will be. After the baking soda has had time to neutralize the odor, vacuum it all up.

Can you wash clothes with just baking soda?

You can generally use baking soda in a load of laundry. Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a mild alkaline compound that works well in freshening and brightening clothing. It's safe to use in most washing machines and can have deodorizing capabilities for both your washer and laundry.

Is borax better than baking soda for laundry?

Both baking soda and Borax are effective because they are alkaline and abrasive. But Borax has a higher PH than baking soda, making it a slightly harsher but arguably more effective cleaning agent. It inhibits fungi, mold, and bacteria. Have a pile of clothing from your kid's sports that has taken on a stink?

What not to use baking soda for when cleaning?

Keep baking soda away from any wood surface, including wood floors, wooden coffee or dining tables, and cutting boards. "Baking soda is slightly abrasive, and if used to clean wood furniture, especially with a polished finish, it can leave scratches," explains Brown.

What is the best substitute for laundry detergent?

Baking Soda + Lemon Juice

Many people know that baking soda and lemon juice are the go-to combinations for many cookies, cocktails, and cakes. However, these two powerful ingredients are also the greenest replacement for laundry detergents.

What to use in a washing machine if there is no detergent?

10 Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent Alternatives For When You've Run Out
  1. Baking soda. Baking soda, aka sodium bicarbonate, is a naturally occurring substance that can do wonders for your laundry. ...
  2. White vinegar. ...
  3. Lemon juice. ...
  4. Borax. ...
  5. Dishwashing soap or liquid. ...
  6. Shampoo. ...
  7. Body Wash. ...
  8. A Bar of Soap.

Can I use Dawn dish soap as laundry detergent?

Yes, you can do laundry with dish soap in a pinch—just don't do it often. If you're desperate to do laundry and have no detergent, you can use a very small amount of liquid dish soap like Dawn to wash your clothes (just a few drops, and definitely no more than about 3 teaspoons (15 mL).

Can I use vinegar instead of laundry detergent?

Using vinegar in the wash shouldn't be an everyday thing for every load. Using it daily can damage the washing machine, especially the rubber parts, and repeated use could damage delicate fabrics. Limit use to an as-needed basis, after clothes have dulled or as residue begins to build up.

How to wash clothes without detergent in a washing machine?

Probably the most common substitute for detergent is baking soda, as it leaves clothing smelling fresh and works hard to break up stains. Add about a half cup of this traditional baking ingredient straight to your washing machine drum or detergent drawer.

Can I use shampoo for laundry detergent?

I use them to hand-wash delicates (shampoo won't work well on heavily soiled clothes). If you're washing lingerie or sweaters in a large kitchen sink, pour in a whole bottle; use only half if you're cleaning a couple of items in a smaller bathroom sink.

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