Deodorize with baking soda in the wash cycle

Add 1/2 cup of baking soda directly into the drum along with your regular detergent. For severely smelly items, make a paste with water, apply it to odor-prone areas like armpits and collars, and let it sit 30 minutes before washing.

Why It Works

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) neutralizes both acidic and basic odor compounds through a chemical buffering reaction rather than masking them with fragrance. Its mild alkalinity also helps detergent work more effectively by softening water and boosting soil removal.

Tips

• Safe for all washable fabrics and colors
• Especially effective on sour, sweat-based odors
• Combine with white vinegar in the rinse cycle for a two-step deodorizing approach
• Dissolve in water first for front-loading machines to prevent clumping