Bicarbonate of Soda: The Laundry Game Changer You Need to Know About
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We all know that bicarbonate of soda (also known as 'baking soda') is a nifty little kitchen item that's indispensable for many types of baking, but did you know that this inexpensive ingredient can also be used to remove odours from laundry, boost detergent and bleach performance, soften clothes, clean an iron, and control detergent suds? That's right – this stuff is the real deal!
Safe to use in both standard and high-efficiency washers, bicarbonate of soda is one of the top two best products (along with distilled white vinegar) for making your laundry greener by reducing your dependence on harsh chemicals. Here at the SDC, we're all about saving money and being eco-friendly, so we're pretty big fans of this life hack!
If you're not convinced yet, read on for five reasons why you should keep bicarb handy in your laundry room. Trust us; once you see what it can do, you'll never go back to doing things the old-fashioned way again.
If you only use baking soda in the kitchen, you're missing out!
But first, what is bicarbonate of soda?
Bicarbonate of soda is a natural product that comes from underground rock formations. It's mined and then ground into a fine powder that we can use for cooking, cleaning, and even personal care.
When mixed with water, it forms a weak alkaline solution that can neutralise acid-based odours and stains. This is why it's such an effective laundry booster – it helps to break down and remove dirt, grime, and stains that detergent alone can't handle.
Here are 6 laundry-related facts about bicarbonate of soda that you need to know.
1) It's a Natural Fabric Softener
Bicarbonate of soda can be used in place of commercial fabric softeners, which can contain harmful chemicals that can irritate your skin. It's also much cheaper than store-bought fabric softeners, so you'll save money in the long run!
To use it as a fabric softener, simply add 1/2 cup to your washing machine's rinse cycle. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to give your laundry a fresh, natural scent.
2) It's a Suds Control Agent!
If you have a high-efficiency washer, you know that using too much detergent can result in a lot of suds. This can actually hinder the washing process, so it's important to use the right amount of detergent.
If you find that your washer is leaving your clothes too sudsy, try adding a cup of bicarbonate of soda to your next load. This will help to control the suds and get your clothes clean without all the extra bubbles.
If you’ve already run a load, simply sprinkle baking soda on the suds and the particles will break down the bubbles. This makes clean-up much easier!
3) It Removes Laundry Stains
Bicarbonate of soda is a natural stain remover that can be used on a variety of fabrics, including clothing, linens, and upholstery. It's especially effective on tough stains like sweat, blood, and grass.
To use bicarbonate of soda as a stain remover, simply make a paste with water and rub it into the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wash the item as usual.
4) It Freshens Laundry
Bicarbonate of soda can be used to freshen your laundry and remove musty smells. Simply add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your washing machine along with your regular amount of detergent.
5) It Cleans Your Washing Machine
Bicarbonate of soda can also be used to clean your washing machine. Simply add 1 cup of baking soda to the machine and run it on a hot cycle (without anything else in it). This will help to remove any build-up of detergent, fabric softener, and grime.
6) You Can Use It To Clean Your Iron!
If your iron is looking a bit dull, give it a quick clean with some bicarbonate of soda on a damp cloth. Wipe it over the soleplate (the flat part of the iron that comes into contact with your clothes), then buff it dry with a clean cloth. This will remove any build-up of residue and leave your iron looking shiny and new.
So there you have it – six reasons why you should keep bicarbonate of soda on hand in your laundry room. Give it a try and see for yourself how this inexpensive ingredient can make your laundry cleaner, fresher, and softer!
Any uses we missed? Let us know in the comments.
Safe to use in both standard and high-efficiency washers, bicarbonate of soda is one of the top two best products (along with distilled white vinegar) for making your laundry greener by reducing your dependence on harsh chemicals. Here at the SDC, we're all about saving money and being eco-friendly, so we're pretty big fans of this life hack!
If you're not convinced yet, read on for five reasons why you should keep bicarb handy in your laundry room. Trust us; once you see what it can do, you'll never go back to doing things the old-fashioned way again.
If you only use baking soda in the kitchen, you're missing out!
But first, what is bicarbonate of soda?
Bicarbonate of soda is a natural product that comes from underground rock formations. It's mined and then ground into a fine powder that we can use for cooking, cleaning, and even personal care.
When mixed with water, it forms a weak alkaline solution that can neutralise acid-based odours and stains. This is why it's such an effective laundry booster – it helps to break down and remove dirt, grime, and stains that detergent alone can't handle.
Here are 6 laundry-related facts about bicarbonate of soda that you need to know.
1) It's a Natural Fabric Softener
Bicarbonate of soda can be used in place of commercial fabric softeners, which can contain harmful chemicals that can irritate your skin. It's also much cheaper than store-bought fabric softeners, so you'll save money in the long run!
To use it as a fabric softener, simply add 1/2 cup to your washing machine's rinse cycle. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to give your laundry a fresh, natural scent.
2) It's a Suds Control Agent!
If you have a high-efficiency washer, you know that using too much detergent can result in a lot of suds. This can actually hinder the washing process, so it's important to use the right amount of detergent.
If you find that your washer is leaving your clothes too sudsy, try adding a cup of bicarbonate of soda to your next load. This will help to control the suds and get your clothes clean without all the extra bubbles.
If you’ve already run a load, simply sprinkle baking soda on the suds and the particles will break down the bubbles. This makes clean-up much easier!
3) It Removes Laundry Stains
Bicarbonate of soda is a natural stain remover that can be used on a variety of fabrics, including clothing, linens, and upholstery. It's especially effective on tough stains like sweat, blood, and grass.
To use bicarbonate of soda as a stain remover, simply make a paste with water and rub it into the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wash the item as usual.
4) It Freshens Laundry
Bicarbonate of soda can be used to freshen your laundry and remove musty smells. Simply add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your washing machine along with your regular amount of detergent.
5) It Cleans Your Washing Machine
Bicarbonate of soda can also be used to clean your washing machine. Simply add 1 cup of baking soda to the machine and run it on a hot cycle (without anything else in it). This will help to remove any build-up of detergent, fabric softener, and grime.
6) You Can Use It To Clean Your Iron!
If your iron is looking a bit dull, give it a quick clean with some bicarbonate of soda on a damp cloth. Wipe it over the soleplate (the flat part of the iron that comes into contact with your clothes), then buff it dry with a clean cloth. This will remove any build-up of residue and leave your iron looking shiny and new.
So there you have it – six reasons why you should keep bicarbonate of soda on hand in your laundry room. Give it a try and see for yourself how this inexpensive ingredient can make your laundry cleaner, fresher, and softer!
Any uses we missed? Let us know in the comments.
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