Baking soda is often promoted as a miracle cleaner for laundry. And yes, it can help in some cases. But after years of dealing with stained, faded, and damaged clothes, one thing is clear. Baking soda is not safe for everything.
Misused, it can ruin fabrics, fade colours, and shorten the life of your clothes. Below is a practical guide on what not to wash with baking soda, what to use instead, and when to leave it to professionals like Laundryheap.
Why People Use Baking Soda in Laundry
People add baking soda to laundry because it neutralises odours, boosts detergent performance, softens hard water, and helps with mild stains. However, baking soda is alkaline and mildly abrasive, which makes it unsuitable for many fabrics.
Clothes You Should Not Wash With Baking Soda
Delicate fabrics like silk, satin and lace
Baking soda weakens fibres and removes natural shine.
Use a mild detergent or professional cleaning. For valuable garments, book a pickup via Laundryheap.
Wool and cashmere
Baking soda strips natural oils and causes shrinkage. Avoid completely. Use wool-safe detergent or professional care.
Dark or coloured clothes
Baking soda fades dyes over time, especially black and deep colours. Use colour-safe detergent and cold wash instead.
Activewear and stretch fabrics
Elastic fibres break down when exposed to baking soda, leading to loose waistbands and loss of stretch. Use sports detergent only.
Clothes with prints or embellishments
Baking soda can crack prints and loosen glued details. Do not risk home treatments for these items.
Is Baking Soda Safe for White Clothes
Baking soda for white clothes is safe only when used occasionally. It can reduce light yellowing and odour, but overuse causes fabric weakening, chalky residue, and dullness. For heavily soiled whites, professional washing delivers far better results.
Read our guide on how to whiten white clothes.
Baking Soda for Stains: What Works and What Does Not
Baking soda works for sweat stains, light food spills, and odours. It does not work well for oil, grease, ink, blood, or makeup. Enzyme detergents or expert stain treatment are far more effective.
Laundry Practices That Work Better Worldwide
In the UK and Europe, low-temperature washing with enzyme detergents protects fabrics. Whereas in the US, baking soda is used sparingly, not in every wash. In the UAE and Singapore, professional laundry is preferred due to heat and fabric damage risks. Across all regions, professional care consistently extends garment life.
When to Choose Professional Laundry Instead
Avoid DIY solutions if clothes are expensive, delicate, heavily stained, or if you want consistent results. With doorstep pickup, expert cleaning, and fast delivery, Laundryheap removes all the guesswork. Book laundry pickup near you at Laundryheap.
FAQs
Is it safe to use baking soda in every wash?
No. Frequent use damages fabric and fades colours.
Can baking soda damage washing machines?
Not in small amounts, but overuse can cause residue buildup.
Does baking soda remove bad odours?
It helps with mild odours, but not heavy or set-in smells.
Can I mix baking soda with detergent?
Yes, but never mix it with vinegar in the same wash.
What is the safest alternative to baking soda?
Enzyme-based detergents or professional laundry services like Laundryheap.