One of the most common mistakes people make is using too little baking soda, which can result in ineffective odor removal. It’s important to use the right amount, typically around 1/2 cup per load, to ensure that it can adequately neutralize odors.
Another mistake is adding baking soda directly to the detergent compartment, which can cause clumping and reduce its effectiveness. Instead, it should be added directly to the drum of the washing machine. Additionally, some people mistakenly believe that baking soda can replace detergent entirely, but it should be used as a supplement to enhance the cleaning power of your regular detergent.
3. How to Properly Use Baking Soda in Your Laundry
To properly use baking soda in your laundry, start by measuring out about 1/2 cup and adding it directly to the drum of your washing machine before adding your clothes. This ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed and can interact with the water and detergent effectively.
For particularly smelly loads, such as gym clothes or pet bedding, you can increase the amount to 1 cup. It’s also beneficial to dissolve the baking soda in a small amount of warm water before adding it to the machine, as this can help it to dissolve more evenly and prevent clumping.
4. The Right Way to Add Baking Soda to Your Washing Machine