Adding baking soda and vinegar to your laundry can help boost cleaning power, soften fabrics, and eliminate odors. But how much of each should you use? Here’s a guide on the right amounts of baking soda and vinegar for laundry.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural alkaline substance that helps remove stains, freshen fabrics, and brighten whites when added to the wash. It’s gentle enough for most fabrics. Here’s how much to use:
- Normal load – add 1/4 cup baking soda
- Large/heavily soiled load – add 1/2 cup baking soda
- Extra dirty laundry – add up to 1 cup baking soda
- Brightening whites – add 1/2 cup baking soda
Add the baking soda to the drum of the washing machine at the beginning of the wash cycle. You can combine it with detergent in the dispenser drawer or add it separately to the drum before adding clothes.
Vinegar
White distilled vinegar helps soften fabrics, fight odors, and acts as a natural fabric softener and whitener. Follow these guidelines when adding vinegar to laundry:
- Normal load – add 1/4 to 1/2 cup vinegar
- Large load – add 1/2 to 1 cup vinegar
- Disinfecting laundry – add 1 cup vinegar
- Softening fabrics – add 1/2 cup vinegar
- Brightening whites – add 1/2 to 1 cup vinegar
- Eliminating odors – add 1 cup vinegar
Add vinegar to the fabric softener or rinse cycle dispenser. It will help rinse away detergent residue.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Together
You can combine baking soda and vinegar in the same laundry load to boost cleaning power. The acidic vinegar reacts with the alkaline baking soda, creating a fizzing chemical reaction. This releases cleaning bubbles that penetrate fabric fibers to lift stains and odors.
When using both together:
- Normal load – add 1/4 cup baking soda and 1/4 cup vinegar
- Large/heavily soiled load – add 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup vinegar
Add the baking soda at the beginning of the cycle and vinegar during the rinse cycle. You’ll get the benefits of both through the whole wash.
What About Detergent?
Baking soda and vinegar work best when paired with laundry detergent. Detergent helps lift dirt, oils, and grease from fabric. Baking soda and vinegar offer extra cleaning power and benefits.
When adding detergent, baking soda, and vinegar:
- Use the usual recommended amount of detergent for that load size and soil level.
- Add baking soda at the start of the cycle.
- Add vinegar during the rinse.
Tips for Using Baking Soda and Vinegar
Follow these tips to get the most out of using baking soda and vinegar for laundry:
- Shake baking soda box before scooping out to break up clumps.
- Always use white distilled vinegar, not flavored vinegar.
- Check fabric care labels – vinegar is safe for most washable fabrics.
- Don’t use vinegar on silk, wool, or special-care items.
- For bright whites, allow clothes to soak after adding baking soda.
- For heavy odors, soak clothes for 30+ minutes in vinegar solution.
- Use hot water to activate and maximize cleaning power.
- Add vinegar to rinse cycle dispenser for full distribution.
Benefits of Baking Soda and Vinegar for Laundry
Adding these pantry staples to your wash offers these advantages:
- Enhanced stain removal – Baking soda helps lift stains like coffee, wine, dirt, and grease from fabric.
- Whitening and brightening – Vinegar naturally whitens clothes and baking soda brightens white fabrics.
- Softened fabrics – Vinegar acts as a natural fabric softener without chemicals.
- Odor elimination – Vinegar disinfects and removes odors trapped in clothes.
- Cleaning power boost – The chemical reaction gives added cleaning bubbles.
- Dearth of detergent residue – Vinegar helps rinse away sticky detergent residue.
- Cost savings – These inexpensive ingredients let you use less detergent.
- Eco-friendly option – Baking soda and vinegar are natural, non-toxic cleaners.
Best Fabrics to Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar work well on most machine-washable fabrics. They can be used on:
- Cotton
- Polyester
- Nylon
- Rayon
- Linen
- Uncolored wool
- Blended fabrics
Avoid using vinegar on silk or wool, as the acidity can damage fibers over time. Test first in an inconspicuous area if unsure.
Effectiveness for Different Stains/Odors
Baking soda and vinegar can help tackle a variety of tough laundry stains and odors. Here is their effectiveness for some common laundry problems:
| Stain/Odor | Effectiveness |
|---|---|
| Sweat/Body Odors | Highly Effective |
| Food Stains | Very Effective |
| Coffee/Tea Stains | Very Effective |
| Wine Stains | Moderately Effective |
| Dirt/Mud | Moderately Effective |
| Grease/Oil Stains | Moderately Effective |
| Grass Stains | Slightly Effective |
For tough odors like mildew or cigarette smoke, allow fabrics to soak in a vinegar solution for 30+ minutes before washing. Baking soda is best for body soils and odors.
Other Uses for Vinegar and Baking Soda
Aside from laundry, vinegar and baking soda also come in handy for these cleaning tasks:
Vinegar Uses
- Natural all-purpose cleaner – Mix 1 part vinegar with 1 part water in a spray bottle.
- Shower/tub cleaner – Spray full-strength vinegar and wipe with damp cloth.
- Glass cleaner – Mix equal parts vinegar and water for streak-free shine.
- Chrome polish – Wipe with undiluted white vinegar and dry with towel.
- Floors – Add 1 cup vinegar to mop water for cleaning and deodorizing.
- Drains – Pour in 1/2 cup baking soda followed by 1 cup vinegar, let fizz and bubble to clear clogs.
Baking Soda Uses
- Fridge deodorizer – Leave an open box or bowl of baking soda inside.
- Carpet freshener – Sprinkle on and let sit 30+ minutes before vacuuming.
- Drains – Pour in 1/2 cup followed by 1 cup vinegar to clear clogs.
- Garbage can deodorizer – Sprinkle inside bottom of cans.
- Cat litter deodorizer – Mix in a bit with litter to eliminate odors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to add baking soda or vinegar first?
For laundry, add the baking soda at the beginning of the wash cycle and vinegar during the rinse for optimal results. Adding baking soda first allows it to start lifting stains immediately. Vinegar added later helps remove soap residue.
Can you mix baking soda and vinegar in laundry?
Yes, you can add both baking soda and vinegar to the same load of laundry. Add baking soda at the start of the wash cycle and vinegar during the rinse cycle. The vinegar will cause the baking soda to foam and activate.
Does vinegar damage or fade clothes?
No, vinegar is safe for most colored and white laundry loads. It helps brighten whites and its acidic properties are gentle on fabrics. Avoid using vinegar on delicate silk or wool items.
What vinegar is best for laundry?
White and distilled vinegar work best for laundry. Apple cider vinegar can stain light fabrics. Avoid herb-infused, balsamic, red wine, and other flavored vinegars.
Can I use baking soda every time I do laundry?
Yes, baking soda is gentle enough to use at each load. For lightly soiled clothes, just 1/4 cup per load is sufficient. Increase to 1/2 cup for tougher stains or larger loads.
The Bottom Line
Baking soda and vinegar are inexpensive yet powerful laundry boosters. Use about 1/4-1/2 cup baking soda at the start of the wash cycle and 1/4-1 cup vinegar during the rinse for enhanced cleaning, softening, brightening, and deodorizing. Adjust amounts based on load size and soil level. Always read fabric care labels and test first when in doubt.