Baking Soda Laundry Soap: A Simple DIY That Actually Works
Baking Soda Laundry Soap: A Simple DIY That Actually Works
Fresh laundry without the mystery chemicals? Yes, please. If you’ve ever pulled “clean” towels from the dryer only to catch a whiff of damp dog, you’re not alone. DIY crafters often tell me their biggest laundry headache is lingering odors, dingy whites, or skin irritation from store detergents. The good news: baking soda laundry soap can help—when it’s used the right way. In this guide, we’ll break down what baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) does, what it doesn’t do, and how to pair it with the right ingredients for bright, fresh-smelling clothes. We’ll also share two easy recipes (powder and liquid-style), exact usage rates, and troubleshooting tips so you can skip the guesswork and get dependable results. Think of this as your friendly, no-fluff playbook to better laundry day.
The Real Problem DIY Crafters Face
DIYers want clean, soft, great-smelling laundry without irritants—but common pain points pop up:
- Persistent odors in towels and workout gear
- Mineral buildup from hard water that leaves fabrics stiff and dingy
- Skin sensitivities to fragrance-heavy formulas
- Confusing recipes that swap essential ingredients (and then underperform)
The solution: Use baking soda as a booster (odor neutralizer, pH buffer, softener aid) alongside a real cleaner—soap or a mild surfactant—and, if needed, a water softener. Get the roles right, and your laundry turns out clean, soft, and truly fresh.
Baking Soda vs. Washing Soda vs. “Detergent”: What’s the Difference?
- Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate): Great at odor control and buffering pH. It does not replace a cleaner.
- Washing Soda (Sodium Carbonate): A stronger alkaline “builder” that helps soap/surfactants work better, especially in hard water.
- Soap/Detergent: The actual cleaner. Soap flakes (from a hard bar) or a mild synthetic detergent/surfactant do the heavy lifting against oils and grime.
Key takeaway: Baking soda laundry soap succeeds when you include a real cleaning agent and (if water is hard) a builder like washing soda.
Is Baking Soda Laundry Soap Right for You?
Choose a baking-soda-based blend if you want:
- Fewer irritants and simpler ingredients
- A budget-friendly formula you can tweak
- Better odor control for towels, bedding, and gym wear
If you need stain-busting muscle for heavy grease or mud, you can still go DIY—just add targeted stain pretreats (see the troubleshooting section).
What Baking Soda Actually Does in Laundry
- Neutralizes odors: Helps knock down acidic smells (think sweat) and reduces mustiness in towels.
- Buffers pH: Creates a friendlier wash environment so your soap works more consistently.
- Softens feel: Helps reduce minerality that makes fabrics feel scratchy.
- Gentle on skin: Simple, fragrance-optional base that’s easy to adjust.
The Biggest DIY Mistake (and How to Avoid It)
The most common misstep is using only baking soda and expecting magic. You’ll deodorize a bit, but oils and soils linger. Pair baking soda with soap (or a mild surfactant) and, for hard water, add washing soda or a softener. That’s where the sparkle happens. Consider some light fragrances as well!
Recipe 1: Powder “Baking Soda Laundry Soap” (Everyday Loads)
This simple powder travels well, stores easily, and dissolves quickly if you use warm water or sprinkle it into the drum before loading clothes.
You’ll Need (by weight):
- 40% Soap Flakes (finely grated from a hard, palm-free or tallow bar, fully cured)
- 35% Washing Soda (builder)
- 20% Baking Soda (odor control)
- 5% Optional Add-Ins:
- 1–2% Sodium Citrate (chelating aid for hard water)
- Up to 1% Fragrance or Essential Oil (pre-blended into a small portion of baking soda for even distribution)
Example Batch (1,000 g total):
- 400 g soap flakes
- 350 g washing soda
- 200 g baking soda
- 50 g optional add-ins (e.g., 40 g sodium citrate + 10 g fragrance dispersed in 50 g of the baking soda, then recombined)
How to Make:
- Grate or food-process your cured hard bar into fine flakes.
- In a large bowl, combine soap flakes, washing soda, baking soda, and add-ins. Stir until uniform.
- Store airtight. Label with ingredients and usage.
How to Use (per load):
- HE machines: 1–2 Tbsp (10–20 g)
- Top loaders: 2–4 Tbsp (20–40 g)
- Sprinkle directly into the drum before clothes. For cold washes, dissolve your powder in a cup of hot water first.
Recipe 2: Liquid-Style Gel (Castile + Baking Soda Blend)
A light, gel-like base that’s easy to measure and great for families who prefer liquids. (It’s technically not a true “detergent,” but it cleans well for everyday soil.)
You’ll Need:
- 2 cups Hot Water (≈ 475 ml)
- ½ cup Soap Flakes or liquid castile soap (about 120 ml)
- ¼ cup Baking Soda (55–60 g)
- ¼ cup Washing Soda (55–60 g)
- Optional: 1 Tbsp Sodium Citrate (chelating) + 10–20 drops essential oil
How to Make:
- Dissolve washing soda and baking soda in hot water, stir until clear.
- Add soap flakes or liquid castile; mix gently to avoid foaming.
- Add sodium citrate and optional scent. Let cool; the mixture thickens slightly.
- Bottle, label, and shake gently before each use.
- How to Use:
-
HE machines: 2–3 Tbsp (30–45 ml)
-
Top loaders: ¼–½ cup (60–120 ml)
When to Use Baking Soda Laundry Soap (and When Not To)
Great for:
- Everyday clothing, towels, bed linens
- Light to moderate soil
- Odor control and soft feel
Not ideal alone for:
- Heavy grease (mechanic/work stains) — pretreat with a bit of liquid dish soap on the stain.
- Protein stains (blood, milk) — rinse cold first, then launder.
- Very hard water without a builder — add washing soda or sodium citrate.
Hard Water? Add a Builder or Chelator
If you notice stiffness, soap scum, or dinginess, your water may be hard.
- Quick fix: Increase washing soda by 5–10% in the powder recipe.
- Refined fix: Add sodium citrate (0.5–1% of load weight) as a chelator.
- Household fix: Consider a water softener—or keep a “hard water” version of your powder on hand.
Odor-Busting Workflow for Funky Towels
- Strip the stink: Run a hot wash with ½ cup baking soda (no detergent).
- Wash to clean: Run a second cycle with your baking soda laundry soap (normal dose).
- Dry completely: Towels sour when they don’t dry thoroughly—clean lint trap, avoid overloading.
Color Care, Whites, and Delicates
- Colors: Wash cool; avoid over-alkaline mixes on darks.
- Whites: Add 1–2 Tbsp oxygen bleach to the wash for brightness (separate product from chlorine bleach).
- Delicates/Wool: Spot-test. Soap can be gentler than detergents, but agitation matters—use the delicate cycle.
Safety Notes (Friendly but Important)
- Keep baking soda and washing soda dry and clearly labeled.
- Store out of reach of kids/pets.
- Go light on essential oils, especially for baby items and sensitive skin.
- If you make big batches, wear a dust mask while mixing powders.
Cost & Convenience: Why DIY Wins
- Lower cost per load: Your powder typically lands at a fraction of premium brands.
- Fewer mystery additives: You choose the scent (or skip it).
- Customizable: Tweak washing soda for water type, adjust scent strength, or create “sport” and “sensitive skin” variations.
Troubleshooting: Quick Fixes
- Still smells off? Pre-wash with ½ cup baking soda, then regular wash. Dry thoroughly.
- Residue on darks? Reduce dose, dissolve powder first, or use warmer water.
- Dingy look? Add oxygen bleach to whites; add sodium citrate for hard water.
- Stiff towels? Use less product and run an extra rinse; confirm your machine isn’t overloaded.
Baking Soda Laundry Soap FAQs
Can I use baking soda alone?
It helps with odors but won’t fully clean. Pair it with soap or a mild surfactant.
Is this safe for HE machines?
Yes—dose low and add powder to the drum. Liquids also work well.
Will this fade colors?
Used as directed, no. Keep doses reasonable and water temp appropriate for the fabric.
What about septic systems?
DIY soap blends are generally septic-friendly in normal amounts. Avoid dumping concentrated slurries.
If you’re stocking up, look for:
- Colors
- Baking soda & washing soda (fresh, clump-free) - Found at your local grocery store)
- Essential oils and fragrances (optional, skin-friendly levels)
- Soap Making Supplies (gloves, funnels, digital scales, etc.)
Wrap-Up
Baking soda laundry soap shines when you use it as a team player—the odor-taming, pH-buffering helper to a real cleaner. Choose a simple powder or a liquid-style gel, add washing soda or sodium citrate if your water is hard, and keep doses modest for HE machines. The result: laundry that smells fresh, feels soft, and looks bright—without mystery additives. Want to dive deeper into DIY home care? Check out our Maker Guides for more recipes, safety tips, and troubleshooting charts.