2023-10-15 06:02:40
Baking soda and white shirt – Source: spm
The benefits of baking soda for laundry
Baking soda is made from calcium carbonate and rock salt. It is an alkaline product that acts on the pH of the water to improve washing, reduces limescale in the water to revive colors and soften laundry and dissolves certain greases to eliminate stubborn stains. This white powder, also called sodium bicarbonate, has whitening and softening properties and helps maintain white linen. We explain to you how how to use bicarbonate to whiten laundry by hand.
How to use bicarbonate to whiten laundry by hand?
Wash clothes by hand – Source: spm
Some textiles are fragile and cannot withstand machine washing. To whiten laundry by hand with this all-purpose powder, follow these simple steps:
- Dip your white laundry in a basin filled with 4 liters of water;
- Dissolve 180 g of baking soda in water;
- Make sure the fine white powder is completely diluted;
- Quickly but thoroughly scrub your items;
- Leave your laundry to act in this mixture for 30 minutes;
- Then use a small amount of detergent to complete the wash and reveal the shine of your laundry;
- Let it air dry.
Discover other grandmother’s tips for whitening laundry without using bleach.
Additional Tips for Optimal Whitening
To whiten your laundry with baking soda, it is recommended to take into account certain tips:
Recommended soaking time
For the effectiveness of baking soda to be optimal, it is advisable to soak your laundry overnight in the solution before using detergent. The soaking time required will mainly depend on the condition of the garment. By default, half an hour can be enough as mentioned in the steps above.
Water temperature for better effect
For optimal bleaching, it is advisable to opt for hot water when pre-soaking, especially when it comes to smelly, very dirty clothes and those prone to perspiration.
Frequency of use of bicarbonate
There is no ideal frequency of using baking soda to whiten laundry. It can be used whenever necessary whether for machine washing or hand washing.
Precautions to take when using baking soda on laundry
Types of Fabrics to Avoid
Due to its high pH, baking soda can damage delicate fabrics such as cashmere, silk or wool. It is therefore advisable to use a small quantity of this white powder to avoid discoloration.
Storing baking soda
To better store baking soda, it is advisable to put it in an airtight container and place it in a place at room temperature. By leaving it in a half-open box in your kitchen for example, it absorbs odors and humidity.
Interactions with other whitening products
While baking soda can work alone in many cases, it may be more effective when combined with other ingredients. For example, it is possible to mix it with laundry detergent to increase the effect of the latter tenfold.
It is also excellent for softening fabrics. For greater effectiveness, you can supplement its softening properties with white vinegar. We will simply avoid mixing the two ingredients since their effect is likely to cancel each other out. So use them separately.
As you’ve probably noticed, sodium bicarbonate is an essential part of household chores. Especially for your white laundry, it is a great ally.
F.A.Q
How to whiten yellowed laundry with white vinegar and baking soda?
When using white vinegar as an additional cleaner, we recommend first soaking laundry in hot water and baking soda as described above. If the result is not optimal, you can soak your item in another basin by mixing ⅕ vinegar and ⅘ water.
Can you use baking soda to revive the white and colors of laundry?
As a product with a versatile action, bicarbonate is also an effective stain remover which has the virtue of giving more shine to white laundry and reviving the colors of your clothes which have become dull over time. Rinse clothes thoroughly and carefully before machine or hand washing.
How to make clothes white with baking soda and detergent?
If you want to use baking soda in combination with detergent, the washing process is no more “complicated” than usual (whether by machine or by hand). If it’s in the washing machine, pour 2 tablespoons of baking soda into the drum then add the usual amount of detergent to the detergent drawer. For hand washing, mix the same amount of baking soda and detergent in a basin filled with water and soak your clothes in it for a few minutes before scrubbing and rinsing them. Your items will thus regain their original whiteness.
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