Does Baking Soda Bleach Clothes? (All You Need To Know)

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a naturally occurring substance that has been used for various household cleaning purposes.

Its mildly abrasive and alkaline properties make it an effective cleaning agent for various surfaces and substances, including clothes.

Not surprisingly, baking soda has become increasingly popular as a laundry solution due to its natural odor-removal properties, affordability, and versatility.

But there is a common question that is often asked, “Does baking soda bleach clothes?”, and we are going to answer this commonly asked question.

Baking soda does not bleach clothes but can be used to whiten and brighten clothes when you do not want to use bleach. However, baking soda can be used to boost the effectiveness of bleach and remove undesirable bleach smells.

In this article, we’ll dive into the science behind baking soda and its ability to whiten clothes and explore the benefits and limitations of using baking soda as a bleach just as we did for hydrogen peroxide on clothes.

Difference between Bleach and Baking soda in laundry

Bleach and baking soda are two popular products used for laundry, but they have different properties and uses.

Understanding the differences between these two substances can help you choose the best option for your laundry needs.

Bleach is a strong oxidizing agent that is specifically designed for laundry use.

It can effectively remove tough stains, brighten clothes, and sanitize fabric.

We discussed the ingredients for 30 seconds bleach in a related post.

Bleach is available in various forms, including chlorine bleach and oxygen bleach, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.

Chlorine bleach is the most commonly used type and is best for removing tough stains and brightening white clothes.

Oxygen bleach is gentler on fabrics and can be used to remove stains from colored clothes without affecting their color.

On the other hand, baking soda is a naturally occurring substance that is often used as a cleaning and deodorizing agent.

While it can be an effective alternative to bleach in some cases, it is not as strong or effective as traditional bleach products.

Baking soda’s mild alkalinity can help to remove mild stains and brighten clothes, but it may not be able to effectively tackle tough stains.

It’s also important to note that while bleach is specifically designed for laundry use, baking soda is not.

Using baking soda in laundry can have unexpected results, and it’s important to follow proper instructions and dilution ratios to ensure that it does not damage your clothes.

Some users have observed baking soda leaving a residue on their clothes, affecting the color and feel.

Ways to use Baking Soda in laundry (11 Ways)

As you may already know, baking soda is a versatile and natural ingredient that can be used for a variety of cleaning tasks, from the kitchen to the laundry room.

Baking soda is a simple and affordable solution for many laundry-related problems.

Whether you’re looking for a natural alternative to traditional cleaning products or just want to streamline your laundry routine, baking soda could do some magic.

Here are 11 different ways to use baking soda in your laundry routine to keep your clothes looking and smelling their best.

Brightening Clothes

Baking soda is a natural whitening agent that can help brighten clothes and remove mild stains. To use, simply add 1/2 to 1 cup of baking soda to your laundry detergent before starting the wash cycle. This will help to boost the cleaning power of your detergent and leave your clothes looking brighter and fresher.

Removing Odors

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can help remove unpleasant odors from your clothes. To use, simply add 1/2 to 1 cup of baking soda to your laundry detergent before starting the wash cycle. You can also sprinkle a small amount of baking soda directly into the bottom of your laundry basket to help absorb odors before they transfer to your clothes.

Pre-treating Stains

To pre-treat tough stains with baking soda, mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the stain, let it sit for at least 10 minutes, and then wash as normal. This can be particularly effective for removing sweat, blood, and food stains.

Softening Clothes

Baking soda can help to soften clothes and reduce static cling, making it a great alternative to fabric softeners. To use, simply add 1/2 to 1 cup of baking soda to your laundry detergent before starting the wash cycle. This will help to soften your clothes and keep them looking fresh and wrinkle-free.

Deodorizing Laundry Baskets

Over time, laundry baskets can collect unpleasant odors, which can then transfer to your clothes. To help eliminate these odors, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda at the bottom of your laundry basket. The baking soda will absorb the odors, leaving your basket and clothes smelling fresh.

Removing Yellow Underarm Stains

Yellow underarm stains are a common problem, but baking soda can help to remove them. To use, mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the stain, let it sit for at least 1 hour, and then wash as normal. This should help to remove the stain and brighten the affected area.

Cleaning Washing Machines

Over time, washing machines can collect buildup and residue from detergents, fabric softeners, and minerals in the water. To help remove this buildup and keep your washing machine clean and fresh, add 1 cup of baking soda to the drum of your washing machine and run an empty cycle on hot water.

Removing Grease and Oil Stains

Baking soda can help to remove grease and oil stains from clothes. To use, mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the stain, let it sit for at least 10 minutes, and then wash it as normal. This should help to remove the stain and leave your clothes looking fresh.

Whitening Whites

To help brighten white clothes, add 1 cup of baking soda to your laundry detergent before starting the wash cycle. The baking soda will help to remove mild stains and brighten your whites, leaving them looking crisp and clean.

Cleaning and removing residue from reusable laundry bags

Fill a sink with warm water and add a cup of baking soda. Soak your reusable laundry bags for an hour to help remove residue and freshen them up.

Freshening up musty towels

Add a cup of baking soda to your wash cycle when washing musty towels to help remove odors and freshen them up.

How to hand wash clothes with baking soda

Hand-washing clothes with baking soda is a simple and effective way to clean delicate fabrics and remove mild stains.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to hand-wash clothes with baking soda:

Fill a basin or sink with warm water.

Add baking soda to the water: The amount of baking soda needed will depend on the size of the basin or sink, but a good rule of thumb is to add 1/4 cup of baking soda to a full basin of water.

Stir the water to dissolve the baking soda.

Add the clothes: Gently place the clothes into the basin or sink and let them soak for 15-20 minutes.

Agitate the clothes: Use your hands to gently agitate the clothes to help remove dirt and mild stains.

Rinse the clothes: Drain the basin or sink and rinse the clothes thoroughly with clean water.

Repeat as needed: If the clothes still have stains or dirt, repeat the process until they are clean.

Hang dry the clothes: Once the clothes are clean, hang them up to dry. Do not put them in the dryer as the heat can cause the fabric to shrink or become damaged.

How to use baking soda in my washing machine

You can use baking soda in the washing machine to enhance your laundry routine.

It’s a simple, cost-effective ingredient that can help boost your detergent’s cleaning power, remove tough stains, and even leave your clothes smelling fresher.

Follow the steps below to effectively use baking soda in your washing machine:

Sort your clothes: To avoid dye bleeding, sort your clothes by color, separating light from dark colors.

Prepare clothes: Turn your clothes inside out to protect the visible side, while exposing the dirtiest parts. Fasten zippers and open buttons, cuffs, and collars.

Load your washer: Remember to only place a proper amount of clothes in the washing machine, between two-thirds and three-quarters full.

Set wash temperature: Wash your clothes in cold water, with a temperature lower than 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

Add baking soda: Pour half a cup of baking soda directly into your load of dirty laundry in the washing machine, so it dissolves into the water.

Add detergent: Add your regular laundry detergent to the detergent dispenser.
Choose the wash cycle: Select a gentle washing and tumbling cycle, and avoid high spin speeds to prevent shrinking and wrinkling.

Wash clothes: Place your clothes in the washing machine and start the desired cycle.

Rinse: For best results, run a rinse cycle after the wash cycle to remove any remaining baking soda from your clothes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can baking soda discolor fabric?

The high pH level of baking soda can have an adverse effect on certain fabrics, leading to discoloration and fading.

For example, the white residue left by baking soda can dull the vivid hues of delicate materials like silk and cashmere wool.

This is because baking soda can damage the keratin protein present in organic fibers.

Some dyes can also react with baking soda, causing further discoloration of the fabric.

It’s crucial to be mindful of these potential consequences when using baking soda in your laundry routine.

Will baking soda ruin black clothes?

Using baking soda on black clothes is generally safe and won’t result in color fading. It’s recommended to start with a small amount and test a hidden area of the garment first to ensure there are no unwanted effects.

To create a solution, mix four tablespoons of baking soda with one glass of water.

This will help prevent overuse and potential damage to the fabric.

How long can you leave baking soda on fabric?

You should leave baking soda on fabric for approximately 15-30 minutes. This gives the baking soda enough time to penetrate and remove any dirt, odor, or stain. However, depending on the severity of the stain, you may need to leave it on for longer, up to an hour.

It’s important not to let the baking soda sit on the fabric for way too long, as it can eventually cause discoloration or damage to the fabric.

Can I wash clothes with baking soda only?

It is possible to wash your clothes using just baking soda.

As a cleaner and deodorizer, baking soda effectively removes stains and odors, leaving your clothes fresh and clean.

Using baking soda alone is a safe option as it does not contain any harmful additives that could harm your clothes, skin, or the environment.

However, baking soda alone may not be able to clean heavily soiled garments.

Can I mix baking soda with detergent?

You can mix baking soda with laundry detergent to boost its cleaning power. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and can help remove stains, so adding it to your detergent can enhance its cleaning performance.

To use baking soda in conjunction with laundry detergent, simply add 1/2 to 1 cup of baking soda to the washing machine along with your usual amount of detergent. You can use this mixture for any type of load, including whites, colors, and delicates.

Can baking soda damage washing machine?

Baking soda is a safe and gentle cleaning agent, and it is unlikely to cause damage to your washing machine.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using baking soda in the washing machine.

Baking soda is alkaline, so it can increase the pH levels in the water. If the pH levels become too high, it can lead to mineral buildup in the washing machine, which can cause damage over time. To avoid this, it is important to use baking soda in moderation and to regularly clean your washing machine.

Second, baking soda can leave a residue in the washing machine if not fully dissolved. This can lead to the buildup of mineral deposits, which can impact the machine’s efficiency and performance. To prevent this, it is recommended to regularly clean your washer tub with hot water, as the higher temperature helps to dissolve the baking soda more effectively.

Overall, if used in moderation, baking soda is a safe and effective laundry additive that is unlikely to cause damage to your washing machine.

Is Bicarbonate of Soda the same as Baking Soda?

Bicarbonate of soda and baking soda are the same thing. Bicarbonate of soda is the chemical name for sodium bicarbonate, which is commonly referred to as baking soda. Baking soda is a white, crystalline powder that is used in cooking and baking as a leavening agent, and also as a cleaning and deodorizing agent.

In the UK, Australia, and other countries, bicarbonate of soda is more commonly known as baking soda.

However, in the US and other countries, baking soda is the more commonly used term.

Regardless of what it’s called, bicarbonate of soda and baking soda refer to the same substance and can be used interchangeably in cooking, cleaning, and other applications.

Other Helpful articles on our blog:

Does Baking Soda Bleach Clothes? (All You Need To Know)

Difference between Bleach and Baking soda in laundry

Ways to use Baking Soda in laundry (11 Ways)

How to hand wash clothes with baking soda

How to use baking soda in my washing machine