Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, has long been a trusted staple in American households thanks to its remarkable versatility. While it’s commonly associated with baking, one of its most powerful and often underutilized roles lies in laundry and appliance maintenance.

Many people use baking soda casually, tossing in a sprinkle here and there, but few understand the best techniques to really unlock its full potential. When used properly, baking soda can do wonders—from neutralizing odors and boosting detergent performance to freshening gym clothes, removing stubborn pet smells, and even prolonging the life of your washing machine. At the core of baking soda’s odor-fighting ability is its alkaline chemical makeup, which allows it to neutralize both acids and bases that cause bad smells. When added to laundry, it balances the pH level in the wash water, which not only helps eliminate odors but also enhances the cleaning efficiency of your detergent. For general use, adding about half a cup of baking soda per load is the sweet spot for most laundry needs. However, many people make common mistakes that reduce its effectiveness.

One such mistake is under-dosing. Using less than the recommended amount might not fully neutralize odors. Another issue is pouring it into the detergent compartment, where moisture can cause clumping and reduce its cleaning power. The best way to add baking soda is directly into the washer drum before adding your clothes. This simple step ensures it will be evenly distributed and do its job effectively. For heavily soiled or extra smelly items like gym wear or pet bedding, consider bumping that amount up to a full cup. If you’re concerned about clumping, dissolving baking soda in a little warm water first can help with even dispersion. Whether you have a top-load or front-load washing machine, the direct-to-drum approach is the most effective.

For top-loaders, sprinkle the baking soda over your clothes before starting the wash cycle. For front-loaders, pre-dissolve it in a cup of warm water and pour it into the drum before adding clothes. This ensures your laundry benefits from baking soda throughout the entire cycle. Gym clothes can be especially tough to clean because of the deep-set combination of sweat and bacteria. A helpful method is to pre-soak them in a solution of half a cup of baking soda mixed with a gallon of water for about 30 minutes before tossing them in the wash. Add another half-cup directly to the drum along with your detergent to really neutralize odors and leave your workout gear fresh and clean.

Baking soda also excels at removing stubborn pet odors. For fabrics like pet beds or blankets, sprinkle baking soda over the surface, let it sit for 15 minutes to absorb odors, and then vacuum it up. When machine-washable, add half a cup of baking soda to the wash along with your usual detergent. If odors are particularly strong, a pre-soak in a baking soda solution works wonders. Beyond laundry, baking soda can help maintain the cleanliness and efficiency of your washing machine. Its mild abrasiveness breaks down detergent residue and mineral deposits that can build up over time. To clean your machine, run an empty hot water cycle with a full cup of baking soda. Doing this regularly keeps your machine fresh and functioning smoothly. Although often paired with vinegar, it’s important to use them separately in laundry routines. When combined, baking soda and vinegar react to form carbon dioxide and water, which is great for scrubbing surfaces but not ideal for laundry. To get the most from both, use baking soda in the wash cycle for odor control and vinegar in the rinse cycle to soften fabrics and eliminate leftover detergent. Baking soda’s appeal isn’t just about performance—it’s also eco-friendly and budget-conscious. It’s biodegradable, non-toxic, and a safer alternative to chemical-heavy products. Plus, it’s inexpensive and lasts a long time, making it ideal for families looking to cut costs without sacrificing cleanliness. Despite viral hacks claiming it can bleach whites or remove every stain, baking soda works best as a support to your regular detergent, not a replacement. While it can brighten fabrics and soften clothes, it won’t completely replace bleach or commercial fabric softeners. To maximize its effectiveness, always store baking soda in a cool, dry place, and pair it with other products for the best results. When used correctly, baking soda is a laundry game-changer that delivers freshness, cuts odors, protects your appliances, and helps you clean smarter and greener.