Can you use baking soda as laundry detergent?

Author: Mrs. Kaya Graham  |  Last update: Monday, June 2, 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 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.

Can I use just baking soda to wash my clothes?

You can safely wash your clothes with baking soda only. Baking soda is a natural cleaner and deodorizer that helps your clothes stay fresh and clean by removing stains and odors. Using baking soda doesn't have any additives that can damage your clothes, your skin, or the environment.

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

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.

7 Smart Uses for Baking Soda in Laundry

What works the same as laundry detergent?

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

Is baking soda better than washing soda for laundry?

Baking Soda is more Versatile

While still alkaline, it is closer to neutral than washing soda, which means it is less effective and should only be used for mild cleaning. So, while it will clean and deodorize your clothing, it will perform a poor job of removing tenacious dirt.

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.

Which is better for laundry, vinegar or baking soda?

Is vinegar or baking soda better for laundry? Vinegar and baking soda do different things in the laundry. Vinegar is more versatile, and since it's a liquid, it's easier to use in a washing machine. Baking soda will get rid of odors, but vinegar can do the same thing—and remove minerals too!

What happens if you use vinegar and laundry detergent together?

Adding vinegar directly to the wash with your laundry detergent may compromise its cleaning performance. Laundry detergents are formulated for specific pH levels, which may be disrupted by the acidity of vinegar, leading to less effective cleaning. It's best to avoid mixing them to ensure optimal results.

Can you use baking soda as dishwasher detergent?

If you've got particularly stuck-on food, you can add a bit of kosher salt for extra scrubbing power. However, you don't want to use baking soda as dish detergent regularly. Baking soda is a bit gritty, so after multiple washes, you could start to scratch decorations off plates or etch glasses.

Can you wash laundry with baking soda only?

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.

Can I use Dawn to wash my clothes?

A: 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.

How do the Amish make laundry soap?

Amish Laundry Soap Recipe
  1. ½ cup washing soda (Arm and Hammer works)
  2. 1 ½ cup of Borax.
  3. 1 Bar of Fels Naptha Soap.
  4. 5-Gallon bucket completely cleaned out.
  5. Stove pot.
  6. Medium bowl.

How do you make laundry detergent with baking soda?

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 does borax do for laundry?

Borax is often confused with other cleaning agents, but it stands out due to its ability to soften water, neutralize odors, and enhance the cleaning power of regular laundry detergents. The combination of these properties makes borax a go-to solution for many households looking to elevate their laundry game.

Why do some people use baking soda in their laundry?

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and cleanser, making it a perfect addition to your regular laundry routine. It can brighten colors, whiten whites, and even tackle that stubborn gym clothes odor. In this article, we'll guide you step-by-step on how to use baking soda to enhance your laundry experience.

Is OxiClean the same as washing soda?

However, they should not be used interchangeably because they are not the same. OxiClean is a brand of cleaning products that often contain sodium carbonate, including washing soda. Unlike OxiClean, washing soda is entirely pure sodium carbonate and does not come with any additional additives.

What is better, borax or 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 can you use if you run out of laundry detergent?

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.

What is the best natural laundry deodorizer?

Lavender, lemon, orange, lemongrass, and eucalyptus are excellent options for a homemade laundry scent. Combine a quart of white vinegar with 30 – 40 drops of the essential oil you've selected. This mixture will be your natural laundry freshener.

Is it cheaper to make your own laundry detergent or buy it?

In some cases, it's certainly cheaper to make homemade laundry detergent than buy it in a store. However, the high likelihood of it causing damage to your clothes or washing machine outweighs the upfront costs (and time investment), so it's better to use a trusted brand over making it yourself.

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