How to Fix Common Washing Machine Issues with Baking Soda

Baking soda is a household staple known for its cleaning and deodorizing properties, and when it comes to laundry, it’s a simple yet powerful tool. Many washing machine problems—like odors, detergent buildup, and inefficient cleaning—can be resolved using baking soda as a natural alternative.

This guide will show you how baking soda can help eliminate three common washing machine issues, improving both your laundry results and your machine’s longevity.

1. Eliminating Musty Odors

Over time, washing machines can develop sour or musty smells due to detergent residue, fabric softeners, and trapped moisture. If not addressed, these odors can transfer to your clothes, leaving them smelling unpleasant even after washing.

Solution:

✔ Deep Clean the Machine: Pour ½ cup of baking soda directly into the washing machine drum and run a hot water cycle with no laundry. This breaks down residue and neutralizes odors.

✔ Prevent Future Smells: Add ½ cup of baking soda to your detergent during regular wash cycles. This keeps your machine smelling fresh and helps prevent odor-causing buildup.

2. Removing Detergent and Mineral Buildup

Detergent residues and hard water minerals can accumulate inside the washing machine, leading to reduced efficiency and spotty or stiff clothing. Over time, this buildup can even cause mechanical problems.

Solution:

✔ Clean the Drum: Mix ½ cup of baking soda with water to form a paste. Use a cloth to wipe down the interior of the drum, especially in areas with visible residue. Afterward, run a hot water cycle to rinse it away.

✔ Soften Hard Water: If you have hard water, add ½ cup of baking soda to every laundry load. This helps prevent mineral deposits from forming in both the washing machine and your clothing.

3. Enhancing Detergent Performance and Fabric Softening

Laundry detergents may not always fully dissolve—especially in cold water washes—which can leave clothes feeling stiff or coated in residue. Baking soda helps balance the water’s pH, allowing detergent to work more effectively.

Solution:

✔ Boost Detergent Efficiency: Add ½ cup of baking soda per load to help detergents dissolve fully, leaving clothes cleaner with fewer residues.

✔ Natural Fabric Softener: Baking soda naturally softens fabrics without the need for commercial fabric softeners, which often contain harsh chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin.

Additional Tips for Best Results

• Avoid Overuse: Too much baking soda can throw off the pH balance inside your machine. Stick to ½ cup per load for optimal performance.
• Don’t Mix Directly with Liquid Detergent: Add baking soda to the drum, while liquid detergent should go into its designated dispenser.
• Regular Maintenance: Clean your washing machine monthly with baking soda to prevent buildup and extend its lifespan.

Final Thoughts

Baking soda is an eco-friendly, budget-friendly, and highly effective solution for keeping your washing machine clean and running efficiently. By integrating it into your laundry routine, you can eliminate odors, reduce buildup, and improve washing performance, all while keeping your clothes fresh and soft.

Make this simple habit a part of your cleaning routine, and enjoy a longer-lasting, better-performing washing machine.