Baking Soda in the Washing Machine: What You Need to Know

Adding baking soda to a washing machine can be useful chiefly for managing odours and supporting the wash of certain garments. Manufacturers including Maytag and Whirlpool generally regard it as safe for most machines, although they advise checking the manual. They also state that it should be added straight to the drum rather than, necessarily, to the detergent drawer.

How can baking soda help during a wash?

Baking soda is mildly alkaline, so it may help neutralise odours while supporting the washing process. Maytag mentions it as an option for tackling smells caused by perspiration, smoke and other lingering odours in clothing.

It may also assist with balancing the water's pH and, in some circumstances, lessen the impact of hard water on fabrics. This does not make it a replacement for detergent; instead, it can serve as a laundry booster.

Where should baking soda go in the washing machine?

This is one of the key points to get right. Guidance from Maytag and Whirlpool says that baking soda should be placed directly in the machine drum with the laundry, rather than poured into the detergent dispenser. Powder can build up in the compartment, potentially contributing to a blockage.

The amount used should not be seen as a universal rule for every appliance either. Maytag suggests up to around half a cup for one load, but recommends consulting the manual for the specific model before adding it. Check garment care labels as well, particularly for delicate fabrics.

Can baking soda remove odours from clothes?

Yes. This is among the best-established uses in the guidance issued by the manufacturers consulted. Baking soda can help neutralise odours from perspiration, smoke and other persistent smells.

For garments that still smell after washing, Whirlpool also describes using a paste of baking soda and water as a targeted pre-treatment. The item should then be washed in line with its care-label instructions.

Does it really clean the washing machine and extend its lifespan?

Claims in this area need to be treated cautiously. Baking soda can be used to help control odours within the washing machine itself, and manufacturers acknowledge this use. That said, occasional use does not mean it will thoroughly clean every internal component or ensure a longer service life for the appliance.

Maintaining a washing machine requires other steps, including cleaning the dispenser, looking after the seal and running the cleaning cycle recommended for that model. Baking soda can therefore be an aid for odours and laundry, but it should not replace the manufacturer-recommended cleaning programme or products. It is also worth avoiding mixing it with vinegar inside the machine: the combination reduces the chemical action of both, while vinegar may be unsuitable for certain washing machine components.