Vinegar and baking soda are often mentioned as home remedies for bad odors in laundry. In some cases, they can help, but they are not always the long-term solution many people hope for. To understand when they work, and when they don't, you need to know what the smell is actually caused by.
Why odors stick to clothes
Bad odors in clothes are usually caused by bacteria that live on sweat, sebum and detergent residue. If these residues are not completely washed away, the odor can return, even after washing.
Vinegar, what does it help with?
Vinegar is acidic and can
• neutralize certain odors temporarily
• dissolve detergent and limescale residues
• soften fibers that have become stiff
Vinegar can work well for mild musty odors, especially if the problem is due to detergent residue or hard water.
Limitations with vinegar
Vinegar does not remove bacteria as effectively as the correct washing temperature. It rarely helps with strong or recurring odors. It can eventually affect elastic and rubber parts in the machine.
Bicarbonate, what does it help with?
Bicarbonate is basic and can
• absorb odors
• help loosen surface dirt
• freshen up garments that are not heavily soiled
It works best for mild odors and as a temporary refresher.
Limitations with bicarbonate
Baking soda is not very effective at dissolving grease. It does not remove bacteria in depth. It can leave residue in the fabric if used frequently.
Why odors often come back
Many people find that vinegar or bicarbonate works at first, but that the smell quickly returns. This is usually due to
• washing temperature too low
• too little detergent
• that the machine needs to be cleaned
• that the clothes do not dry quickly enough
What works best against odor in the long run?
• wash according to the care label, preferably slightly warmer if there is a problem with odor
• dose detergent correctly
• avoid overfilling the machine
• ensure that clothes dry quickly and completely
• clean the washing machine regularly
Vinegar and baking soda can be a complement, but should not replace effective washing routines.
