Yes, you can use baking soda in a washing machine, and it can be a helpful addition to your laundry routine. Baking soda is a natural cleaning agent and deodorizer, and it can serve several purposes when added to your laundry:
Odor Removal: Baking soda is excellent at neutralizing and eliminating odors, which can be especially useful for clothes that have developed unpleasant smells over time.
Stain Removal: It can help to loosen and remove stains from fabrics, although it may not be as effective as specific stain removers for particularly stubborn stains.
Fabric Softener: Baking soda can act as a natural fabric softener, making your clothes feel softer and more comfortable to wear.
To use baking soda in your washing machine, follow these steps:
Add Baking Soda: Simply add half a cup to a cup of baking soda directly into the washing machine drum before adding your clothes.
Add Detergent: Baking soda is not a substitute for laundry detergent. You should still use your regular laundry detergent as usual in addition to the baking soda.
Wash as Usual: Run the washing machine as you normally would, using the appropriate water temperature and cycle for your laundry.
As for cleaning it off later, there's usually no need to worry. Baking soda is water-soluble, and it will dissolve and wash away during the rinse cycle. It won't leave any residue on your clothes or in the washing machine. However, if you notice any residue, it's likely due to using too much baking soda or not dissolving it properly before adding the clothes. In that case, you can simply rewash the clothes without baking soda to ensure they come out clean.
Overall, using baking soda in the washing machine can be a simple and effective way to freshen up your laundry and deal with mild odors and stains. It is also generally safe for most fabrics and washing machines. However, as with any laundry additive, it's a good idea to do a patch test on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric to ensure there are no adverse reactions.