Tips&TricksUnlock the secret to stain-free festive linens with this baking essential

Unlock the secret to stain-free festive linens with this baking essential

The woman pours detergent into the washing machine.
The woman pours detergent into the washing machine.
Images source: © Getty Images | Kateryna Kukota

10:18 AM EST, December 18, 2023

Everybody would love to have bright white, beautifully scented laundry. However, the reality often contradicts this desire, as our textiles do not look that great. When you open the washer and find your laundry still gray-brown and stained, that illusion disappears. Ordinary detergents might not work, but baking soda can be the solution.

Can baking soda replace detergents?

Rather than spending money, consuming energy, and losing time, using what we currently have is more efficient. Take baking soda, for example, which will become our constant assistant in the coming days. Few realize that baking soda also has amazing cleaning properties besides its role in baking bread and cakes. Therefore, it can be a fantastic household alternative to laundry detergent, which often delivers disappointing results. 

Just a small quantity of this product can make a huge difference; your laundry will appear whiter than ever. Baking soda's composition is very simple, so it's not corrosive like store-bought bleaches can be. Importantly, it can be safely used by people with allergies, as it does not trigger allergic reactions and yet it effectively removes stains and whitens fabrics. 

How to use baking soda for laundry?

A single package of baking soda can effectively and rapidly remove stubborn stains. It's unwise to risk damaging the fabric; instead, use a homemade solution and presoak the item immediately. This increases your chances of eliminating the stain. If the stain dries, it will take longer to remove. 

Baking soda can be used in two ways. The first is to pre-soak stubborn stains in warm water. You can either add baking soda to the water or sprinkle it directly onto the fabric – the choice is yours. Make sure to allow the baking soda enough time to work, so leave it on for a few hours before rinsing and washing the material. 

If you're short on time, simply take two packages of baking soda and put them in the laundry detergent compartment. Then, set your usual laundry program and start the machine. This approach works well with curtains and tablecloths, which can often become discolored from dust and age. 

Baking powder will come in handy not only in the kitchen.
Baking powder will come in handy not only in the kitchen.© Freepik
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