The Alternative To Bleach That Both Protects & Whitens Your Laundry

If your laundry has been looking a little dull lately, but you're trying to keep harsh chemicals out of your routine, it can feel like you're out of options. Maybe you assume the only way to get whites actually looking white again is to reach for something strong and chemical-based, like bleach. But there's a gentler route that doesn't come with that chemical smell or risk of damaging delicate fabrics. You can use baking soda (the same stuff you use for cooking) to brighten up tired-looking laundry without the downsides that come with conventional methods. That's right, it's one of those baking soda cleaning hacks that are worth trying. 

The stains and odors from detergent, body oils, and even hard water will leave your once-bright sheets looking gray and dingy. Instead of having to buy another bottle of laundry additive that costs three times as much, a single box of baking soda (usually a dollar or two) can do most of the heavy lifting. All you need is this one ingredient and your regular washing machine. It's a fantastic way to brighten your whites without using bleach. No extra tools, complicated steps, and no soaking for hours. 

To try this hack, just add half a cup of baking soda directly into the drum of your washing machine before tossing in your clothes. From there, run your wash cycle like you normally would. That's it. In just one step, baking soda naturally balances pH levels, helps lift buildup from fibers, and softens hard water. It will break down residue and help your detergent work more effectively. The result is naturally brighter whites and fresher-smelling laundry without any added fragrances. It works especially well on everyday items that tend to look worn fast, like white t-shirts, pillowcases, towels, and cotton sheets. 

Even light-colored fabrics can benefit from it. This is because baking soda helps restore their original tone instead of coating them with more product. If you want to take this a step further, you can try adding even more baking soda for extra-dull linens. You can also try pre-soaking stubborn items in warm water with a bit of baking soda before washing. That little bit extra helps loosen buildup so the wash cycle can finish the job. It's important to note, though, that it's best not to use baking soda during the washer's rinse cycle because it can make all of the items stiff. While this versatile product has a lot of uses around your home, remember that baking soda is a cleaning staple that you should keep away from electronics.