Quick Answer
Baking soda can be an effective way to whiten and brighten towels. When added to the wash, baking soda helps break down stains and residue from dirt, oils, and chemicals. It acts as a mild abrasive to lift discoloration without being too harsh on fabrics. Baking soda also helps remove musty odors that can build up in towels over time. For best results, add 1/2 cup to 1 cup of baking soda to the washing machine drum along with detergent and wash towels in hot water. Baking soda is safe for most towel materials but test first for colorfastness.
What is Baking Soda?
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a naturally occurring mineral compound. Its chemical formula is NaHCO3. In its powdered form, baking soda appears as a fine, white crystalline powder that is odorless and alkaline.
Some key facts about baking soda:
- Baking soda is an alkaline base that can help neutralize acids.
- It is water soluble and dissolves readily in water.
- Baking soda is amphoteric, meaning it can react as both an acid and a base.
- It has mild abrasive properties that can help lift stains.
- Baking soda also acts as a deodorizer and freshener.
In addition to household cleaning, baking soda also has many uses across cooking, personal hygiene, gardening, and more. It is recognized as a versatile, non-toxic substance that can be used safely in a variety of applications.
How Does Baking Soda Whiten?
There are a few key properties that allow baking soda to effectively whiten and brighten laundry:
1. Abrasive Action
While very gentle, baking soda has mild abrasive qualities that provide a mechanical cleaning effect. The fine powder is able to lift and loosen stains and residues from the fibers of fabrics and towels. This abrasion helps remove discoloration without being overly harsh.
2. Alkalinity
Baking soda is alkaline, with a pH around 8. This means it can help neutralize acids and dissolve acidic stains. Acids like those found in food, body oils, and chemicals can discolor fabric over time. The alkalinity of baking soda counteracts this effect.
3. Deodorizing
Baking soda is a known deodorizer and freshener. It can eliminate odors like mildew and mustiness that build up in towels. This removes the dingy appearance and discoloration that often accompanies odors. The baking soda oxidizes the compounds causing smelly odors.
4. Water Softening
Hard water can leave mineral deposits and soap scum that affects the brightness of laundry. Baking soda reacts with the minerals in hard water to help soften it. This allows detergents to work more effectively.
5. Boosts Detergent
When added to the wash cycle along with laundry detergent, baking soda boosts the overall cleaning power. It enhances the detergent’s ability to penetrate, lift, and remove stains and odors from fabric.
Does Baking Soda Damage Towels?
When used properly, baking soda is safe for most towel materials. Its abrasive action is very mild, so it does not damage or weaken fibers. However, there are a few considerations:
Colorfastness
Always check colorfastness before using baking soda, as it can lighten or remove some dyes, especially over time. Test baking soda on an inconspicuous area first.
Delicates
Avoid using baking soda on delicate silks or very fine fabrics, where even its mild abrasion could damage fibers.
Bleach Interaction
Baking soda combined with bleach can result in chemical reactions that degrade fabric. Don’t mix baking soda and bleach in the same wash loads.
Quantity
Use the recommended amount of baking soda – too much can leave residue on towels that diminishes softness. Typically 1/2 cup to 1 cup per wash load is sufficient.
As long as its used properly, baking soda is gentler than many detergents and whitening products for brightening laundry. Test first, follow dosage guidelines, and avoid bleach mixtures.
How to Whiten Towels with Baking Soda
Here is a simple process for how to whiten and brighten towels using baking soda:
1. Pre-treat Stains
For any tough, set-in stains, pretreat them with a small amount of baking soda directly on the stain before washing. Gently rub it in and let sit for several minutes before adding to the machine.
2. Wash Towels
Add the stained towels to the washing machine drum. Use hot water to maximize cleaning power.
3. Add Baking Soda
Measure out the recommended amount of baking soda – typically 1/2 cup to 1 cup. Add this directly to the drum.
4. Add Detergent
Add the usual amount of laundry detergent you would use for a load of towels. Liquid or powder detergent can both be used.
5. Set Wash Cycle
Run the washing machine through its regular wash cycle for towels. Soak and agitate for at least 12 minutes for best results.
6. Dry Towels
After washing, dry the towels completely on high heat to fluff fibers and maximize whitening.
7. Repeat as Needed
To keep towels looking bright over time, repeat the baking soda wash process monthly or as needed.
Baking Soda Amount
As a guideline, use the following baking soda amounts based on load size:
| Load Size | Baking Soda Amount |
|---|---|
| Small | 1/4 cup |
| Medium | 1/2 cup |
| Large | 3/4 to 1 cup |
Adjust the quantity as needed based on soil level and satisfaction with results. Always measure baking soda carefully, as too much can leave residue.
Towel Whitening Tips
Follow these tips to keep towels looking their brightest with the help of baking soda:
- For best whitening, wash towels in hot water up to the temperature recommended on the care label.
- Use an oxygen-based bleach alternative instead of chlorine bleach when needed for extra whitening power.
- Hang towels in the sunlight periodically – the UV rays also help remove stains and disinfect.
- Replace stained or tattered towels that have exceeded their lifespan of optimal whiteness.
- Change out wet towels daily to prevent mildew and musty odors from developing.
- Don’t overload the washing machine, which can hinder proper cleaning.
Other Uses for Baking Soda
In addition to whitening towels, baking soda can be used around the home for many other cleaning and deodorizing tasks:
Kitchen
- Fridge deodorizer
- Oven cleaner
- Gentle scouring powder for pots and pans
- Drain cleaner
- Fruit and veggie wash
- Countertop cleaner
Bathroom
- Toilet bowl cleaner
- Tile scrub
- Mold and mildew treatment
- Grout whitener
- Shower scum remover
General Home
- Carpets and upholstery cleaner
- Pet urine odor eliminator
- Trash can deodorizer
- Air freshener
- Water ring remover
- Leather cleaner
Conclusion
Baking soda is an effective and affordable way to naturally whiten and brighten towels. Thanks to its mild abrasive qualities, alkaline pH, deodorizing ability, and soil-lifting power, baking soda can revitalize dingy, stained towels. Use about 1/2 to 1 cup per wash load along with hot water and detergent. Allow proper soak and agitation time for the baking soda to work its magic. While very safe, always test first, avoid bleach mixtures, and follow dosage guidelines. For best results reviving towel whiteness, bake in some baking soda with each wash.