Baking soda is a common household item that can be used as a laundry booster for various reasons:
Odor removal: Baking soda is effective at neutralizing and absorbing odors, making it useful for eliminating smells from clothes, especially those caused by sweat or mildew.
Stain removal: Baking soda can help in breaking down certain stains, particularly acidic or protein-based stains like those from fruit, blood, or sweat.
Whitening: Baking soda is mildly abrasive, which can help to lift stains and brighten whites in the laundry.
Softening water: In some areas with hard water, adding baking soda to the laundry can help soften the water, improving the effectiveness of the detergent.
To use baking soda in your laundry, you can add it in various ways:
Directly in the washing machine: Add half a cup to a cup of baking soda directly to the washing machine drum before adding clothes.
Pre-soak: For heavily soiled or smelly clothes, you can soak them in a solution of water and baking soda before washing.
Combining with detergent: Mix baking soda with your regular laundry detergent to enhance its cleaning properties.
It's essential to note that while baking soda can be beneficial for certain laundry needs, it may not be suitable for all fabrics or stains. Always check care labels and conduct spot tests on a hidden area of the fabric before using baking soda on your laundry.