Is it safe to add baking soda to laundry detergent?

Author: Eloisa Johns IV  |  Last update: Monday, April 28, 2025

Before going further, we have to warn you: adding vinegar or baking soda to the wash along with your laundry detergent increases the risk of poorer cleaning performance, as detergents are optimized for a specific pH level, which is altered by the presence of these two household additives in the wash.

What happens if you mix baking soda and laundry detergent?

``... adding baking soda to your usual amount of liquid laundry detergent really will give you ``whiter whites'' and brighter colors. The baking soda also softens the water, so you can actually use less detergent.''

How much baking soda should I add to my laundry?

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.

Is baking soda safe for colored clothes?

Will baking soda damage colored clothes? Baking soda is unlikely to damage your colored clothes, so long as they are not made out of a delicate fiber such as wool or silk. Everyday materials such as polyester or cotton hold their color better than delicates, making them easier to wash with baking soda and water.

Which is better for laundry, borax or baking soda?

Baking soda is substantially more alkaline than borax. Baking soda has a pH of 8, whereas borax has a pH of 9.5. It may be more successful in some instances as a result of this, but it is also a harsher cleaning agent.

Is it safe to wash clothes with vinegar and baking soda?

What are the benefits of adding baking soda to laundry?

Baking soda can be a beneficial laundry aid as it offers stain removal, odor elimination, fabric softening and detergent boosting potential. It's versatile and eco-friendly, and using a small amount in your wash load may leave your clothing cleaner, fresher and softer.

Is borax safe for laundry?

Borax is safe to use as a household cleaner and laundry booster, as long as you carefully follow the instructions on the product container. "Wear gloves when cleaning with borax, and when you are done cleaning, wash your hands immediately with soap and water," says Dr.

When should you not use baking soda in laundry?

In general, baking soda is safe for colored clothing. However, delicate fibers such as wool or silk may be damaged by baking soda so avoid using it with these types of materials.

What is the most natural laundry detergent?

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*

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.

Where does baking soda go in the washing machine?

To use baking soda in the wash, put it directly in the drum of the machine; do not add baking soda to the washer's built-in dispensers. It is best to avoid using baking soda as part of the washer's rinse cycle, as it can deposit residue that will leave clothing and household goods like sheets and towels feeling stiff.

What is the best laundry detergent?

The Best Laundry Detergent
  • Top pick. Tide Ultra Oxi Powder Laundry Detergent. ...
  • Top pick. Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent. ...
  • Runner-up. Persil Original Liquid Detergent Everyday Clean. ...
  • Best for... Tide Pods Free & Gentle Laundry Detergent. ...
  • Best for... Dirty Labs Free & Clear Bio Laundry Detergent.

Should I put vinegar in my laundry?

Vinegar can definitely be used with laundry detergent as a powerful cleaning combination. 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.

How much baking soda do I add to detergent?

Add ½ cup baking soda with your detergent to freshen your laundry and help liquid detergents work harder. Use baking soda instead of fabric softener. Add 1/2 cup at the rinse cycle. Add 1/2 cup baking soda (only 1/4 cup for front-loading machines) with the usual amount of bleach to increase whitening power.

Is baking soda better than OxiClean?

Baking soda might not be as powerful as OxiClean for stains, but it's still really good at getting rid of smells and can make your regular detergent work even better. Baking soda is great for everyday cleaning, making things smell fresh, and gently scrubbing surfaces without scratching them.

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.

Is Nellie's laundry soda non-toxic?

The All-Natural Laundry Soda from Nellie's is one of their signature products, providing an effective yet non-toxic clean for all loads of laundry.

Is powdered laundry detergent better than liquid?

Liquid detergents dissolve more easily at lower temperatures, making them suitable for energy-efficient cycles and machines. On the other hand, powder detergents can offer more cleaning power per kilogram, potentially providing a more cost-effective solution for heavy-duty washing needs.

Is it safe to mix baking soda and laundry detergent?

The Benefits of Mixing Baking Soda and Laundry Detergent

Baking soda is a versatile household staple known for its mild abrasive properties. Combined with laundry detergent, it can help break down dirt and grime more effectively, especially in heavily soiled clothing.

Will baking soda damage my washing machine?

Baking soda is usually safe to use in your washing machine, while vinegar is acidic and can corrode washer parts, so you may want to avoid using it. Keep in mind that baking soda's high pH and vinegar's low pH can cancel out their cleaning potency when combined.

Is borax better than baking soda?

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.

How do I make my own natural laundry detergent?

Utah State University Cooperative Extension provides its own set of simple homemade detergent recipes, including the following liquid formulation:
  1. 2 cups of bar soap (such as Fels-Naptha or Zote)
  2. 2 cups of borax.
  3. 2 cups of washing soda.
  4. 1 quart of boiling water.
  5. 2 gallons of water.

Which is better for laundry borax or washing soda?

In the battle of borax vs. washing soda, the winner depends on your specific needs. Borax is an excellent all-around laundry booster with odor control and whitening properties, while washing soda is the go-to choice for tackling tough stains and grease.

Is 20 Mule Team borax non-toxic?

20 Mule Team® Borax borax decahydrate, Neobor® disodium tetraborate pentahydrate, Optibor® boric acid, and other inorganic borates are safe (when properly handled) in a variety of industrial applications. These borates have a low acute toxicity in mammals and are negligibly absorbed through intact skin.

Previous article
What to do with a hot water heater during freeze?
Next article
Do you have to dry clean 100% cotton?