Washing machine, throw in 1 tablespoon: save a lot of electricity

2. Balances the pH Level

Baking soda is mildly alkaline, which helps balance the pH level of the water in your washing machine. By doing so, it enhances the effectiveness of your laundry detergent, allowing it to clean better. This means you can use less detergent and still get great results. Using less detergent can lead to fewer rinses, which means the machine uses less water and energy.

3. Prevents Soap Scum Buildup

Using baking soda in every load can also help reduce soap scum buildup in your washing machine. Soap scum can build up over time and affect the efficiency of your machine, causing it to work harder to rinse and clean. This buildup can lead to longer wash cycles, which in turn consumes more energy. Baking soda helps to prevent this, ensuring that your washing machine operates more efficiently and requires less energy.

How to Use Baking Soda in Your Washing Machine

Now that you know how it works, you might be wondering how to use baking soda in your laundry routine. The process is simple:

1. Measure the Baking Soda: Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to your washing machine along with your usual detergent. This small amount is enough to boost cleaning performance without overdoing it. If you have a larger load or particularly dirty clothes, you can increase it slightly, but 1 tablespoon is sufficient for most loads.
2. Add the Baking Soda: If you’re using a top-loading washing machine, simply sprinkle the baking soda directly into the drum before adding your clothes. For front-loading machines, you can add it to the detergent compartment.
3. Wash as Usual: Run your washing machine as you normally would, using your preferred water temperature. With the addition of baking soda, you may find you can opt for a cooler water temperature while still getting great cleaning results.

Additional Benefits of Baking Soda in Laundry

Besides saving electricity, there are many other advantages to using baking soda in your laundry routine:

• Deodorizes Clothes: Baking soda neutralizes odors, leaving your clothes smelling fresh and clean.
• Softens Clothes Naturally: It can act as a natural fabric softener, making your clothes feel softer without the need for commercial softeners, which often contain harsh chemicals.
• Cleans the Washing Machine: Adding baking soda to your wash cycle can also help to clean the drum of your washing machine, removing residue and buildup over time.
• Gentle on Clothes: Baking soda is a gentle cleaner, so it’s safe for a wide range of fabrics and won’t damage delicate clothing items.

The Environmental Impact of Using Less Energy

Reducing energy consumption in your household not only saves you money but also has a positive impact on the environment. By washing clothes with cold or warm water instead of hot water, you’re reducing the amount of energy required to heat the water. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, approximately 90% of the energy used by washing machines goes into heating water. So, making the switch to cold water (with a little help from baking soda) can result in a significant reduction in your household’s carbon footprint.

Conclusion: A Simple, Effective Way to Save Energy

Next time you do laundry, try this simple yet effective trick: throw in 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Not only will it help your clothes come out cleaner and fresher, but it will also help you reduce your energy consumption, saving you money on electricity bills. Plus, you’ll be taking a step toward a more eco-friendly laundry routine.

So, grab a box of baking soda, toss it into your washing machine, and enjoy the benefits of cleaner clothes and a more energy-efficient wash. It’s a small change that can make a big difference!