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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.
5. The Surprising Impact On Smell And Mustiness
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.
6. Texture Test: Softer, Scratchier, Or Just Different?
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.
7. What Happened To Stains, Makeup Marks, And Yellowing
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.
