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

### Benefits of Using Baking Soda in the Washing Machine:

1. **Save Electricity**: Baking soda helps your washing machine perform better in cold water, meaning you don’t need to waste energy heating water for each load.
2. **Cleaner Clothes**: The natural properties of baking soda help lift dirt and grime from fabrics, leaving your clothes feeling fresher and cleaner. It can also help remove odors from clothes, leaving them smelling great.
3. **Gentler on Fabrics**: Using cooler water reduces the wear and tear on your clothing, helping it last longer.
4. **Eco-Friendly**: Using cold water not only saves electricity but also reduces the carbon footprint of your laundry routine.
5. **Maintains Washing Machine Efficiency**: Baking soda helps keep your washing machine in top condition by preventing the buildup of detergent residue and mineral deposits.

### How to Use Baking Soda in Your Washing Machine:

Using baking soda is incredibly simple, and you don’t need to make any special adjustments to your usual laundry routine.

#### Step-by-Step Guide:

1. **Add the Baking Soda**: For a typical load of laundry, simply add **1 tablespoon of baking soda** to the drum of your washing machine, along with your regular detergent. If you have a top-loading machine, sprinkle it directly into the drum. For front-loaders, you can add it to the detergent drawer or directly into the drum as well.

2. **Use Cold Water**: Set your washing machine to use cold water for the wash cycle. You can adjust your wash settings to “cold” or “eco” mode. This will ensure you’re using the least amount of energy necessary to get the job done.

3. **Wash and Enjoy**: Start your laundry cycle as usual. The baking soda will help the detergent perform better in cold water, ensuring that your clothes get clean and fresh without the need for high energy settings.

### Additional Tips for Saving Energy While Doing Laundry:

– **Full Loads**: Try to do full loads of laundry whenever possible. This minimizes the number of times you need to run the washing machine, saving both water and electricity.
– **Use the Right Detergent**: Some detergents are specifically formulated to work well in cold water. Using a cold-water detergent can help you get the most out of your baking soda hack.
– **Maintain Your Washing Machine**: Regularly clean your washing machine to ensure it’s working efficiently. Over time, detergent buildup and residue can affect performance.
– **Opt for Energy-Efficient Machines**: If you’re in the market for a new washing machine, consider investing in an **Energy Star-rated** appliance. These machines are designed to use less electricity and water.

### Conclusion

Who knew that something as simple as **baking soda** could make such a difference in your laundry routine? By adding just **1 tablespoon** of baking soda to your load and washing with cold water, you can **save a lot of electricity**, reduce your environmental impact, and still get your clothes clean. It’s an easy, eco-friendly, and cost-effective hack that’s worth trying. The next time you throw a load into the washing machine, remember to add a little baking soda, and enjoy the savings!