Simply sprinkle baking soda onto a wet stain, leave it overnight and you'll be surprised by the results. Not only will the stain likely be gone, but so too will any related odors – no need for an additional paste. As long as you cover the entire area of the stain with baking soda, it should do the trick!
Turns out that baking soda is extremely absorbent, so it's a great tool to have on hand for stubborn oil, grease, and other stuck-on stains. Baking soda is also a deodorizer, so go ahead and sprinkle it into the sweaty gym clothes wash – no judgement here.
In this case the baking soda could affect the fibres in the material and could weaken and/or discolour the delicate fabric. If you have doubts about leaving your clothes submerged in water and baking soda overnight, you should perform a patch test on the fabric to see what happens.
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.
Baking powder is not as effective as baking soda for removing stains. The reason is that baking powder contains both an acid and a base, neutralising its reactivity – the property that gives baking soda its cleaning power. That said, baking powder can still be used for light cleaning tasks or minor stains.
Soaking gives the baking soda time to go to work as a deodorizer. Mix 1 cup of baking soda with 1 gallon of water in a bucket. Add your clothes to the bucket, and swirl them around to make sure they are fully soaked. Leave the clothes overnight and launder them the next day.
Be patient: While baking soda can absorb heavy smells like burnt, fried, and spoiled food, it can take several days to make a noticeable difference.
As an Alternative to Bleach
For whites and colors, baking soda does double duty. When added to the washer, it makes whites whiter and brightens colored items. It's a good substitute for people who prefer not to use bleach. Or, for loads of white clothing, give bleach a boost by adding a half-cup of baking soda.
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.
It's slightly abrasive.
Although both are basic (not acidic), soap contains fat molecules that make it less harsh. Baking soda, on the other hand, is abrasive, which gives it the grit to dislodge particles and remove stains from a number of surfaces.
Which natural detergent comes out on top? Well, that would depend on its intended use. For instance, vinegar is potent at fighting mold while baking soda is great at fighting wine and coffee stains. The former is a better disinfectant but the latter is a phenomenal deodorizer.
Baking Soda & Water
If you're sure that the staining is caused by the foods or beverages you're consuming, there's a simple home remedy that can often help whiten them again. Mix baking soda and water, and brush your teeth with it every few days to supplement your typical oral care routine.
But when baking soda comes into contact with an acid, it pretty much reacts immediately. And that's a problem. For many baking recipes, you want an extended reaction, so that the rising doesn't take place all at once.
Baking soda begins reacting immediately when it comes into contact with acidic ingredients. So, a long resting period could potentially expend much of its leavening capabilities.
Symptoms of baking soda overdose include: Constipation. Convulsions. Diarrhea.
Dissolving one cup of baking soda in four litres of warm water makes not only a great whitening solution but also an effective deodoriser. Soak your white clothes in the solution for around eight hours before popping them in your usual wash.
Most stains can be lifted by making a paste with vinegar and baking soda, rubbing it on the stain, and letting it sit for about half an hour. This works great for yellow underarm stains and old stains, as well as most food and drink stains.
Use a pre-treatment stain remover or rub spots with bar soap. Soak in warm water for 30 minutes with either oxygen-based cleaner or a mixture of 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and 1/2 cup of baking soda. Wash using warm water settings. Dry in the sun for even brighter results.
Adding baking soda or vinegar to your laundry can help you clean both your washing machine and your garments better. Both of these pantry staples are an effective and inexpensive way to remove mildew odors, soften fabrics, and even brighten your whites.