1. About.com
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Housekeeping

Discuss in my forum

Baking Soda and Laundry Odors

By , About.com Guide

Baking soda can help remove pungent odors from laundry even when they linger after repeated washing.

Smoky Smells

Try soaking clothes that smell of smoke in a baking soda/water solutions before washing in the washing machine.

Sweat

Washable hats, gloves, scarves, headbands, etc can be soaked in baking soda/water solution to rid them of the "sweat" smell.

Mechanical Smells

If you have clothing with gasoline, oil, or other mechanical smells, place them in a bag with baking soda. Leave the bag sealed for a day or two before washing.

In a Hurry

If smelly clothes cannot be washed immeadiately, sprinkle baking soda directly on them. When you have time, wash as is.

Spit-Up

Dry baking soda rubbed directly on clothing can remove the smell of vomit or baby spitup.

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved. 

A part of The New York Times Company.