I washed my towels with baking soda instead of detergent for 2 weeks. This is what happened

Towels are essential household items that need regular cleaning, but the choice of cleaning agent can significantly affect their longevity and performance. As someone who is always on the lookout for eco-friendly and cost-effective alternatives, I decided to test a popular home remedy: washing towels with baking soda instead of traditional laundry detergent.

Over the course of two weeks, I swapped my regular detergent for baking soda, a product known for its cleaning and deodorizing properties. This experiment was aimed at understanding the real-world effects of using baking soda on towels, including their cleanliness, smell, texture, and more. Here’s what I discovered.

Traditional laundry detergents can be harsh on fabrics and often contain chemicals that are not environmentally friendly. Baking soda, on the other hand, is a natural product that is widely praised for its ability to neutralize odors and soften water. Many people advocate for its use as a laundry booster, but I wanted to see if it could stand alone as a detergent replacement.

Additionally, baking soda is significantly cheaper than most detergents. A typical box costs around $0.50 per pound, a fraction of the cost of branded laundry detergents. This potential cost savings was another compelling reason to try this experiment.

Over this two-week period, I committed to washing all my towels exclusively with baking soda. For each load, I used one cup of baking soda, placing it directly into the washing machine drum with the towels. I maintained my usual washing routine otherwise, washing the towels in warm water and drying them on a medium heat setting.

To ensure a fair assessment, I washed towels that had been used under similar conditions each time, including bath towels, hand towels, and kitchen towels. This consistency allowed me to accurately judge the results at the end of the experiment.

After the first wash, I immediately noticed a distinct lack of the familiar 'clean laundry' scent. Unlike detergent, baking soda does not leave any fragrance, which could be a positive or negative depending on personal preference. Despite the absence of scent, the towels felt clean to the touch.

The towels also seemed to dry faster than usual. This might be due to the baking soda’s ability to soften water and rinse out more easily than detergent, leaving less residue on the fabric.

Surprisingly, my towels appeared just as clean as they would have been with detergent. There was no visible dirt or grime, and they felt fresh. Baking soda's ability to lift and neutralize dirt seemed effective in this case.

However, in instances where towels were heavily soiled, I noticed that baking soda alone struggled to completely remove all traces of dirt and oils. This was particularly evident with kitchen towels that had been used to mop up greasy spills.

One of the most impressive changes was the reduction in mustiness. Towels, especially bath towels, can develop a musty smell if not dried properly. Over the two weeks, I noticed a significant decrease in this issue. Baking soda's deodorizing properties appeared to work well, keeping the towels smelling neutral and fresh.

However, if you're someone who prefers a scented laundry, the lack of fragrance might be off-putting. Some might consider adding a few drops of essential oil to the rinse cycle to achieve a desired scent.

Texture-wise, the towels felt slightly softer after each wash with baking soda. This could be attributed to the natural softening effects of baking soda, which is known to break down mineral buildup in water. The towels maintained their absorbency and did not feel scratchy or stiff, which can sometimes occur with regular detergent use.

However, the softness was not as pronounced as when using fabric softeners, but the towels did feel more pleasant against the skin compared to a detergent-only wash.

While baking soda did a decent job at general cleaning, it struggled with stubborn stains. Makeup marks, particularly from foundation and mascara, did not come out completely. Similarly, some older yellowing on white towels remained unchanged.

For stain removal, it seems baking soda might need some assistance from other natural agents, such as vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. These could be added as pre-treatments to enhance the cleaning power for tougher stains.

An unexpected benefit of using baking soda was its positive impact on my washing machine. Baking soda is known for its ability to break down mineral deposits and detergent residues, which can accumulate in the machine over time. During the experiment, I noticed that the drum was noticeably cleaner, and there was no sign of detergent buildup.

Additionally, my machine seemed to drain more efficiently. This might be due to baking soda's effect on clearing minor clogs or buildup within the pipes, promoting better water flow.

Over the two weeks, I used approximately 5 pounds of baking soda, costing me about $2.50 in total. Compared to the price of detergent, this was a significant saving. However, the convenience factor was mixed. While baking soda is easy to store and measure, it lacks the built-in stain removers and fragrances that many detergents offer.

Despite its limitations, baking soda proved to be an economical and readily available alternative for regular towel washes, especially when budget is a concern.

Laundry experts often recommend baking soda as a supplement to detergent, rather than a complete replacement. While it is effective at deodorizing and softening, it lacks the enzymes and surfactants found in detergents that are essential for breaking down oils and proteins.

Experts suggest using baking soda in conjunction with a mild detergent for the best of both worlds: enhanced cleaning power, odor control, and fabric care. They also highlight its eco-friendly nature as a significant advantage for those looking to reduce chemical use.

While baking soda proved to be a capable cleaner for regular towel maintenance, it might not completely replace detergent in my household. For regular use, especially for less soiled items, I would consider continuing its use. However, for heavily soiled loads or when dealing with tough stains, I would still rely on a detergent or combine the two.

In conclusion, baking soda is a viable alternative for those seeking a more natural, cost-effective laundry solution. Its benefits in terms of smell reduction and fabric care are undeniable, making it a worthy addition to my laundry routine.