Washing Clothes with Bicarbonate of Soda: How It Works

Washing clothes with bicarbonate of soda has become commonplace in many homes, particularly for people who want better cleaning results without using harsher products. This straightforward ingredient is used to boost the effect of detergent and deal with occasions when a standard wash does not achieve the desired outcome. It works alongside laundry detergent when caring for garments, rather than replacing it entirely.

How does bicarbonate of soda work on fabric fibres?

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

This effect is particularly helpful for garments that retain unpleasant smells, including gym clothes, socks and uniforms, because it chemically neutralises the molecules responsible for 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 to work more effectively.

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 enhance cleaning, tackle unpleasant smells and provide gradual fabric protection. Used in suitable amounts, it complements ordinary detergent when dealing with older light stains, deodorant residue and smells that do not disappear fully after the first wash, without being as harsh as strong bleaches.

In many household routines, it has become a simple tip for improving more difficult washes. It can be incorporated in several ways in these circumstances, with the amount adjusted according to the garment type and how dirty it is, as shown below:

• Reducing persistent odours in sportswear, towels and heavily perspired garments;
• Helping to remove light sweat and deodorant marks, particularly around the underarms;
• Softening water, which aids rinsing and makes clothes less stiff;
• Boosting 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 average-capacity washing machines, around 2 to 4 tablespoons per cycle is commonly advised, always alongside the usual detergent and in line with the washing machine manufacturer’s instructions 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 items are left to soak. 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 materials or care instructions that advise against additives.

Which clothes benefit most from bicarbonate of soda?

Bicarbonate of soda generally produces the best results on cotton garments, denim, bed linen, towels and frequently used items that readily build up sweat. Synthetic sports fabrics can also benefit, provided their care labels are followed, as odour neutralisation is one of this method’s strongest everyday advantages.

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