How to Wash Clothes with Bicarbonate of Soda

Washing clothes with bicarbonate of soda has become a familiar practice in many households, particularly for people looking to improve cleaning results without relying on harsher products. This straightforward ingredient is used to boost the effect of detergent and address occasions when an ordinary wash does not achieve the desired result. It supports garment care without replacing detergent altogether.

How does bicarbonate of soda work on fabric fibres?

Bicarbonate of soda is a mildly alkaline salt which, once dissolved in water, can help neutralise acids found in sweat, food residues and strong odours. By lowering this acidity, it helps the cleaning agents in detergent work more effectively and makes it easier for dirt to lift away from the fibres, improving washing results for frequently worn garments.

This effect is particularly helpful for clothes that retain unpleasant smells, including gym wear, socks and uniforms, as it assists in chemically neutralising the molecules that cause odours. In areas with harder water, bicarbonate of soda may also leave fabrics feeling softer by reducing the stiffness caused by minerals and helping rinsing work more efficiently.

Why is washing clothes with bicarbonate of soda so widely recommended?

The recommendation to use bicarbonate of soda in the laundry is based on its ability to reinforce cleaning, tackle unpleasant smells and gradually protect fabric. When used in suitable amounts, it works alongside standard detergent on older light stains, deodorant marks and odours that do not disappear completely after the first wash, without being as harsh as powerful bleaches.

For many household routines, it has become a simple trick for improving more challenging washes. It can be incorporated in several ways in these circumstances, with the method adjusted for the garment type and amount of dirt, as shown below:

• Reducing lingering odours in sportswear, towels and heavily perspired garments;
• Supporting the removal of light sweat and deodorant stains, particularly around the underarms;
• Softening water to aid rinsing and reduce stiffness in clothes;
• Improving detergent performance in heavily loaded washes.

How should bicarbonate of soda be used in a washing machine and for hand washing?

In practical terms, bicarbonate of soda is easy to use and can be adapted for both machine and hand washing. For an average-capacity washing machine, around 2 to 4 tablespoons per cycle is commonly suggested, always alongside the usual detergent and in accordance with the washing machine manufacturer’s guidance to avoid unnecessary overuse.

For hand washing, 1 to 2 tablespoons in a medium-sized bucket of water will generally be enough, provided the product is fully dissolved before the garments are soaked. In either case, it is best not to leave fabrics in contact with it for too long, to rinse thoroughly, and to check for delicate textiles or care instructions that advise against using additives.

Which clothes benefit most from bicarbonate of soda?

Bicarbonate of soda usually delivers the best results on cotton items, denim, bed linen, towels and frequently used pieces that readily build up sweat. Synthetic sports fabrics may also benefit, as long as the care labels are followed, because neutralising unpleasant odours is one of this method’s main everyday advantages.

However, it is best avoided on delicate materials such as silk, wool, fine embroidery or garments labelled dry clean only. Specific products or professional cleaning should be prioritised instead. When used sparingly, in 1 or 2 washes each week and mainly for heavier or very sweaty loads, bicarbonate of soda can be a reliable ally, helping clothes retain that freshly washed feel without excessive wear to the fibres.