Baking soda is one of the most common cleaning must-haves in every household nowadays. Most of us use it to brighten fabrics and remove stains. But could it damage colored clothes? Does baking soda bleach black clothes?
The quick answer is no. Baking soda does not bleach dark clothes unlike other commercial cleaners. What it will do is brighten white clothes and enhance the color in colored clothes.
In this article, let’s cover how to safely use baking soda on your colored or black clothes.
Can You Use Baking Soda on Clothes?
Baking soda is mildly abrasive and contains alkaline properties, making it efficient for cleaning various substances and surfaces, including clothes.
It removes grease and dirt, while it makes white clothes whiter and black clothes brighter.
Just one cup of this ingredient will make your load clean and fresh. If you have sensitive skin, baking soda doesn’t contain additives that can cause breakouts and itchiness.
But remember, to maintain the integrity of your black clothing, it’s best to follow the washing instructions that come with your garments.
Does Baking Soda Bleach Black Clothes in the Washing Machine?
No, baking soda will not bleach black clothes even when you wash them in the washing machine. Baking soda will not ruin your dark clothes or make its colors fade.
But if you are skeptical about using them on your black clothes, it’s okay to spot-test before you put them in the washer. Just use a simple solution of four tablespoons of baking soda per glass of water.
Will Vinegar and Baking Soda Bleach Black Clothes?
Vinegar and baking soda removes stains on clothes.
Vinegar and baking soda will not ruin your darker clothes. If you don’t overdo these ingredients on your black clothes, they will not cause any fading or bleaching.
But take note that vinegar is an acidic solution, and if you use it in large amounts, it can cause discoloration on some fabrics like rayon or silk.
Does Baking Soda Bleach Black Clothes by Itself?
Baking soda is not a bleach. So it’s not possible to bleach your black clothes with it.
There is a misconception that baking soda bleaches black clothes, similar to regular bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide and chlorine.
The truth is you can safely leave baking soda on your black clothes. When left on your black clothes, removes odors and some stains, but it does not have the bleaching effect that other harsh chemicals do.
Does Baking Soda Bleach Black Clothes in Water?
Can you soak dark clothes in baking soda and water, you ask? You absolutely can.
In fact, you can even soak your dark clothes with baking soda and water for long periods of time. Again, baking soda is safe to use on your black clothes, as it won’t make the colors fade.
Does Baking Soda Bleach Black Clothes Overnight?
According to a laundry and cleaning expert, Penny Nicholas, baking soda will not bleach black clothes overnight. Yes, baking soda makes white clothes white, but the cleaning agent will not strip the color from your black or darker garments.
When you use baking soda in your laundry, the pH level in the washer will regulate it. Odors and stains are often acidic, making baking soda an efficient deodorizer and stain remover.
That said, you can safely soak baking soda with clothes overnight. Baking soda will not lighten your black clothes, but instead make the black color on your clothes even clearer or brighter.
Will Baking Soda Stain Black Clothing?
No! Baking soda will not stain black clothing. This ingredient is not known to stain any clothing. It is commonly used as a cleaning agent to help remove stains.
If you are ever worried about staining clothes with a cleaning agent, test it first on a smaller area on the garment to ensure that you will not damage your favorite clothes.
Can You Remove Bleach on Black Clothes with Baking Soda?
Yes, baking soda removes bleach stains. However, you may need other cleaning agents to help baking soda remove stains from your black clothes.
In reality, baking soda may not be enough to remove bleach stains on clothing.
You can use it solely on stained clothes, but it will only keep the soiled area from getting worse. To remove bleach on black clothes, follow these steps:
Things you’ll need:
- Baking soda
- Dish soap
- Rubbing alcohol
- Water
- Dye (optional)
- Clean cloth
Instructions:
- Remove the excess bleach from your black clothes. Create a baking soda paste by adding water to it and clean away the bleach stains.
- Use dish soap and water to work on the remaining stain. Use a clean cloth, dip it into the mixture, and start cleaning from the outer edges inwards.
- If the dish soap and water mixture is not enough to remove bleach stains, try rubbing alcohol. Repeat the second method when cleaning away stains with rubbing alcohol. Dab the mixture with a clean cloth and clean stains from outward to inward.
How to Prevent Black Clothes from Fading
Here are other tips to keep your black clothes at their best:
- To prevent discoloration or fading, separate black clothes from other colors.
- Turn your black clothes inside out when washing them to prevent discoloration.
- Never use hot water to wash black clothes. They can damage the fabric.
- Don’t use harsh detergents. Use mild detergent or add baking soda to your laundry routine.
- Adding baking soda and vinegar to the washer can prevent black clothes from fading.
Conclusion
Can you use baking soda on clothes? You definitely can. All in all, baking soda is safe to use in all loads of laundry with a few caveats i.e. it may not be enough to clean away bleach stains.
It’s also important to note that baking soda is a pH cleaner, and it is not advisable to use on pH sensitive garments like wool, cashmere, and silk.
Baking soda generally can make black clothes brighter, but if you use it on pH sensitive fabric, it may cause the garment’s color to fade.
To learn what other non-toxic products you can use to wash your clothes, read our post – 12 of the Best Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent Substitutes
