Boost brightness with baking soda

Add 1/2 cup of baking soda directly to the drum along with your regular detergent when washing whites. For extra brightening, dissolve 1 cup in a basin of warm water and soak whites for 30 minutes before washing.

Why It Works

Baking soda is mildly alkaline (pH ~8.3) and works by dissolving accumulated residue — detergent film, body oils, and mineral deposits — that makes whites look dingy. It softens water and helps detergent clean more effectively. However, it does not chemically bleach fabric.

Tips

• Best for removing dullness from residue buildup rather than true yellowing
• Safe for all washable white fabrics
• Dissolve in water first if using with a front-loader to prevent clumping