Baking Soda & Vinegar in the Laundry

Baking Soda:

• Detergent Booster
  Odors and general grime in our laundry can usually be removed as the detergent molecules break up the bacteria cells and soil. In certain types of water, the detergent needs a boost to work more effectively. By boosting the detergent's cleaning properties, you can use less detergent and save money.
  Baking soda helps regulate the pH level in the washer water by keeping it from being too acidic or alkaline. By adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to each laundry load, detergents can work more effectively to reduce bacteria and loosen soil.
  As a natural mineral, baking soda is less harsh on the environment than synthetic perfumes that mask odors. This also makes it a good choice for those with sensitive skin and allergies.
• Fabric Softener
  Baking soda helps to regulate the pH level in the laundry rinse water by keeping it from being too acidic or alkaline. Adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to each rinse cycle acts as a balance to suspend detergent or mineral deposits that can make clothing feel stiff.
  As a natural mineral, baking soda is less harsh on the environment than synthetic fabric softeners with perfumes that mask odors. This also makes it a good choice for those with sensitive skin and allergies. Unlike synthetic fabric softeners that can interfere with fire-retardant finishes on children's pajamas, baking soda can be used safely.
• Reduce Odor
  Odors in our laundry are caused by bacteria. They can usually be removed as the detergent molecules break up the bacteria cells. In certain types of water and with some bacteria, the detergent needs a boost to work more effectively.
  Baking soda helps to regulate the pH level in the washer water by keeping it from being too acidic or alkaline. By adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to each laundry load, detergents can work more effectively and reduce bacteria.
  As a natural mineral, baking soda is less harsh on the environment than synthetic perfumes that mask odors. This also makes it a good choice for those with sensitive skin and allergies.
• Bleach Booster
  Bleach is often used to help remove odors and general grime in our laundry. In certain types of water, the bleach needs a boost to work more effectively. By boosting its cleaning properties, you may be able to use less bleach to achieve the same results, saving money and impact on the environment.
  Baking soda helps to regulate the pH level in the washer water by keeping it from being too acidic or alkaline. By adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to each 1/2 cup of bleach, it can work more effectively to reduce bacteria and loosen soil.
  As a natural mineral, baking soda is less harsh on the environment than synthetic perfumes that mask odors. This also makes it a good choice for those with sensitive skin and allergies.

Vinegar:

• Fabric Softener
  White distilled vinegar acts as a natural fabric softener leaving no residue on laundry. Just add 1/2 cup to the final rinse. This should be used with all fire-retardant children's clothing. Commercial fabric softeners interfere with fire retardant qualities.
• Fabric Brightener
  The acid in white distilled vinegar is so mild that it will not harm fabrics in the laundry; yet is strong enough to dissolve residues (alkalies) left by soaps and detergents. Just adding 1/2 cup vinegar to the final rinse will result in brighter, clearer colors.
• Whitener
  The mild acid in vinegar acts as a whitener and brightens dingy clothes in the laundry. To get stained white socks and dingy dishcloths white again, add 1 cup white distilled vinegar to a large pot of water. Heat to boiling and add the articles. Let soak overnight and then launder as usual. This should only be used on 100 percent cotton clothing.
• Remove Soap Residue
  Adding 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar to laundry's final rinse will remove soap residue that makes black clothes look dull.
• Lint Remover
  Add 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar to the laundry's wash cycle to prevent lint and pet hair from clinging to clothes.
• Remove Smoke Odor
  If your washable clothing reeks of cigarette or cigar smoke odor, add 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar to your laundry wash cycle. For nonwashable clothing, fill the bathtub with very hot water and 1 cup white distilled vinegar. Hang the garments above the steaming water and shut the door so the steam can penetrate the fibers.
• Mildew Remover
  Leaving wet towels in a hamper or a load of wet clothing in the laundry washer creates mildew and a moldy smell. To get everything smelling fresh, complete these two steps: Using hot water, add two cups of white distilled vinegar to the wash cycle and wash the moldy clothes. Then run a normal cycle with detergent.
• Reduce Perspiration Odor & Stains
  To remove perspiration odor and stains on clothing fill a spray bottle with distilled white vinegar and keep it on hand in the laundry room. Spray the vinegar on underarm and collar areas before tossing them into the washing machine. The vinegar will help to cut through residual deodorant left on clothing and prevent underarm yellowing. It will also neutralize body odor - and no, you will not smell like a pickle.