How to Clean Clothes Stains with Baking Soda?

  • Riya Yadav
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When it comes to tackling stubborn stains on clothing, many people head straight for commercial stain removers. While effective, these products can be expensive, filled with harsh chemicals, and not always environmentally friendly. Fortunately, there’s a simple, affordable, and eco-conscious alternative sitting in most kitchen cupboards: baking soda.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how baking soda works best for stains, why it works, step-by-step instructions for different types of stains, and extra tips to boost its effectiveness. Whether you’re dealing with food spills, sweat marks, or mud splatters, baking soda might just be your laundry day hero.

Can Baking Soda Remove Stains?

A big yes! Baking soda can effectively remove many types of stains from clothing due to its natural cleaning, deodorizing, and mild abrasive properties. It works especially well on common stains like sweat, grease, food spills, mud, and even light ink or blood when used promptly. Baking soda helps lift stains by loosening dirt and oils from fabric fibers, and when combined with water or other natural agents like vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, its cleaning power is significantly enhanced. Safe for most fabrics and skin-friendly, it’s a popular, eco-friendly alternative to chemical stain removers.

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Why Use Baking Soda to Remove Stains?

Before diving into the how, let’s talk about why baking soda for stains? Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a mild alkaline compound. It’s non-toxic, gentle on fabric, and packed with stain-fighting properties:

  • Deodorizing: Neutralizes odors trapped in fabric.

  • Absorbent: Draws out moisture and oils from materials.

  • Mild Abrasive: Helps scrub away dried-on residue without damaging fibers.

  • pH Balancing: Loosens acidic or protein-based stains, making them easier to remove.

When paired with other household ingredients like vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, its stain-removing power increases significantly.

Types of Stains Baking Soda To Remove Stains

Baking soda is most effective on these common stains:

  • Sweat stains

  • Grease and oil

  • Mud and dirt

  • Red wine

  • Blood

  • Deodorant residue

  • Food stains (ketchup, mustard, coffee, etc.)

  • Ink (when pre-treated)

Let’s now walk through how to use baking soda for stains effectively, based on the type of stain you’re dealing with.

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How to make Baking Soda Paste?

To make a baking soda paste, simply mix about 4 tablespoons of baking soda with a quarter cup of water in a small bowl until it forms a smooth, spreadable consistency—similar to toothpaste. You can adjust the amount of water depending on how thick or thin you want the paste. This mixture is ideal for treating fabric stains, deodorizing clothes, or gently scrubbing surfaces. For added cleaning power, especially on stubborn stains, you can enhance the paste with a few drops of white vinegar, lemon juice, or hydrogen peroxide, but always do a patch test on delicate fabrics first.

General Method: How to Use Baking Soda To Remove Stains?

Here’s a universal process you can use to pre-treat most fabric stains:

Ingredients:

  • Baking soda

  • Water

  • A soft toothbrush or cloth

  • Bowl for mixing

Steps:

  1. Blot the stain
     Use a paper towel or cloth to blot excess liquid. Don’t rub – that can push the stain deeper into the fabric.

  2. Mix the paste
     In a bowl, mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda to remove stains with a quarter cup of water to form a spreadable paste.

  3. Apply the paste
     Gently rub the paste into the stained area using your fingers, a cloth, or a soft toothbrush.

  4. Let it sit
     Allow it to sit for 30 minutes to an hour. For tougher stains, you can let it dry completely overnight.

  5. Rinse and wash
     Rinse off the paste with cold water. Then launder the clothing as usual using mild detergent.

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How to Remove Specific Stains with Baking Soda?

1. Sweat Stains (Especially on White Clothes)

Method:

  • Mix equal parts baking soda and water to form a paste.

  • Apply to the underarm area.

  • Let sit for 1–2 hours before washing.

Bonus Tip:
 Add a splash of hydrogen peroxide to the paste for extra whitening power on white garments.

2. Grease and Oil Stains

Greasy stains from food, car work, or lotions can be stubborn. Baking soda is excellent for absorbing oils.

Method:

  • Sprinkle dry baking soda directly on the fresh stain.

  • Let sit for 30 minutes to absorb the grease.

  • Brush off and check. If residue remains, make a paste with baking soda and dish soap, apply, then wash.

3. Mud or Dirt Stains

Method:

  • Allow the mud to dry, then scrape off excess.

  • Apply a baking soda paste to the remaining stain.

  • Scrub lightly with a toothbrush.

  • Let sit for 30 minutes before rinsing and laundering.

4. Food & Beverage Stains (Coffee, Ketchup, Mustard, etc.)

Method:

  • Blot the stain.

  • Mix baking soda with a small amount of white vinegar to form a fizzing paste.

  • Apply and let sit for 10–15 minutes.

  • Rinse, then wash as usual.

Caution:
 Always do a spot test with vinegar on dark-colored clothes to avoid lightening.

5. Blood Stains

Fresh blood stains are protein-based and easier to remove if treated promptly.

Method:

  • Rinse the stain with cold water (never hot—it can set the stain).

  • Apply a baking soda paste.

  • Let sit for 30–60 minutes.

  • Scrub gently, then rinse and launder.

6. Ink Stains

Ink can be tricky. Baking soda helps lift it when combined with other agents.

Method:

  • Mix baking soda and water into a paste.

  • Dab gently on the stain (do not rub).

  • Leave for 30 minutes.

  • Rinse and blot with rubbing alcohol if needed.

  • Wash normally.

Tips to Maximize the Power of Baking Soda

Soak Overnight: For heavily stained garments, dissolve ½ cup of baking soda in a bucket of warm water and soak clothes overnight before washing.

Combine with Vinegar for Stubborn Stains: Vinegar and baking soda create a fizzing reaction that helps lift dirt and stains.

Deodorize Smelly Clothes: Add ½ cup of baking soda to the washing machine during the rinse cycle to remove odors.

Tips to Maximize the Power of Baking Soda

When used correctly, baking soda is generally safe for most fabrics. However:

  • Avoid overuse on delicate or dyed fabrics, as it may cause fading or weaken fibers.

  • Don’t use baking soda paste on wool, cashmere, or silk. These require gentle, specialized cleaning.

Rinse thoroughly after treating the stain to avoid leaving a powdery residue.

Baking Soda vs. Commercial Stain Removers

When comparing baking soda to commercial stain removers, the differences highlight why many people are switching to this natural alternative. Baking soda is not only cost-effective, with a very low price point, but it’s also eco-friendly, making it a better choice for those looking to reduce their environmental impact. It is generally safe for the skin, unlike some chemical-based removers that may cause irritation, especially for those with sensitivities. In terms of versatility, baking soda performs well on a wide range of everyday stains and odors, making it a great all-purpose solution. On the other hand, commercial stain removers, while effective on tough industrial or chemical stains, tend to be moderately to highly priced, may not be eco-conscious, and are best reserved for more intense stain problems. Ultimately, for routine laundry needs and natural stain-fighting, baking soda is a reliable and gentle choice.

FAQs

Yes! Add ½ cup of baking soda along with your detergent to boost cleaning power and neutralize odors.

Regular use is safe for most fabrics. However, avoid using on delicate materials frequently as it may weaken fibers over time.

It can help fade old stains, especially when combined with vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, but results may vary based on the stain type and fabric.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not necessarily purport to reflect the values or views of Tumbledry.

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