This inexpensive household staple has loads of uses.

One surprising app is utilizing baking soda in laundry.

Brie Goldman

Can you put baking soda in the washing machine and not damage the unit?

Baking soda in laundry room

Credit:Brie Goldman

Ahead, you’ll find eight ways to utilize baking soda in laundry.

Pretreat Stains

Baking soda can be used topretreat stainsprior to laundering.

Gently rub the paste into the stain and allow it to work for 20-30 minutes prior to laundering.

Someone pretreating stain with baking soda paste

Credit:Brie Goldman

(Discard the paste before the garment goes into the washer).

Allow it to sit undisturbed for 8-12 hours to slowly pull the grease out of the fabric.

Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the wash to help laundry detergent and/orchlorine bleachto perform better.

Baking soda going into laundry

Credit:Brie Goldman

Adding baking soda may prevent white garments from turning yellow.

Start by flushing the stain with cold running water, then apply baking soda to it prior to laundering.

If it happens to you, you’ll be glad to know this handy trick.

Cleaning an iron with baking soda

Baking soda balances pH levels in wash water, softening fabrics without the need for fabric softeners.

Use a baking soda paste toremove mineral deposits from an iron.

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s generally safe to add baking soda to your washing machine.

The stronger the smell, the longer you should keep the material soaking.

Vinegar is a good alternativeto baking soda because it can get rid of odors and remove stains.

It could also damage your washing machine if used too often.