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How to Use Arm and Hammer Washing Soda in Laundry

By Rachel Wakefield 23 September, 2026 9 min read

How to Use Arm and Hammer Washing Soda in Laundry

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Arm & Hammer is best known for baking soda, but its laundry aisle goes well beyond the orange box. The brand sells a dedicated washing soda, powder and liquid detergents built around its baking soda, and the pure baking soda itself, which many people toss into a wash for extra freshness. For anyone coming home with a bag of sweaty hiking shirts, sunscreen-streaked towels or campsite-smoky fleece, knowing which of these products does what saves both time and cupboard space.

The six products below split into three jobs: washing soda boosts a detergent you already use, the detergents do the cleaning on their own, and plain baking soda is the gentle all-rounder that also belongs in the kitchen.

No. 1 of 7 · ARM & Hammer

Arm & Hammer Washing Soda and Laundry Boosters Compared

4.1 Amazon buyer average

Best for: Multi-use cleaning around home and laundry

What the listing says

  • 290 LOADS This 18 lb bucker of powder laundry detergent cleans 290 medium loads when used as directed.
  • PROFESSIONAL USE Commercial-grade product suitable for diverse markets such as laundromats, hospitality, foodservice, healthcare, and more.
  • POWERFULLY CLEAN, VIBRANTLY FRESH Powder detergent is specially formulated to clean clothes with care so they look newer, longer.
  • DERMATOLOGIST-TESTED FORMULA Free of perfumes and dyes
  • COMPATIBLE WITH ANY MACHINE Great for cold water cleaning.

Pros

  • 100% pure sodium bicarbonate
  • Laundry, cleaning and baking uses
  • 7 lb supply

Cons

  • Milder than washing soda
  • Not a standalone detergent
Arm & Hammer Powder Laundry Detergent
Arm & Hammer Powder Laundry Detergent

Best for: Bulk buyers wanting free and clear powder

Pros

  • 290 loads per pail
  • Free and Clear formula
  • Resealable-style bulk pail

Cons

  • Over 20 pounds shipped
  • Very thin listing description
ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda Fresh
ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda Fresh

Best for: HE washer owners who prefer liquid

Pros

  • 10X more baking soda than original
  • Works in HE machines
  • Works in cold water

Cons

  • Scented formula
  • Bulky jug for travel
ARM & HAMMER Powder Laundry Detergent
ARM & HAMMER Powder Laundry Detergent

Best for: Families wanting a big powder supply

Pros

  • 155 loads per container
  • Alpine Clean scent
  • Powder format

Cons

  • Listing gives few details
  • Scented, not fragrance-free
ARM & HAMMER Super Washing Soda
ARM & HAMMER Super Washing Soda

Best for: Households stocking up on washing soda

Pros

  • Two 55 oz boxes
  • Fragrance-free and phosphate-free
  • Boosts liquid detergent performance

Cons

  • Not a detergent on its own
  • Heavier to store than one box
Model Product type Size or loads Fragrance Shipping weight
ARM & HAMMER Super Washing Soda (Pack of 2) Washing soda, laundry booster Two 55 oz boxes Fragrance-free 6.88 pounds
ARM & HAMMER Powder Laundry Detergent, Alpine Clean Powder detergent 9.56 lb, 155 loads Alpine Clean scent Not listed
ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda Fresh Liquid detergent Not listed Sparkling Fresh scent 7.83 pounds
Arm & Hammer Powder Laundry Detergent, Free and Clear Powder detergent 18 lb pail, 290 loads Free and Clear 20.55 pounds
ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda Sodium bicarbonate powder 7 lbs (112 oz) Not listed 7.12 pounds
Church & Dwight Co 03020 Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda Washing soda, laundry booster Not listed Fragrance-free 3.44 pounds

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No. 2 of 7 · ARM & Hammer

ARM & HAMMER Super Washing Soda for Stocking Up

4.5 Amazon buyer average

ARM & HAMMER Super Washing Soda Household Cleaner and Laundry Booster, 55 oz (Pack of 2)

What the listing says

  • The information below is per-pack only
  • One 55 oz box of ARM & HAMMER Super Washing Soda Household Cleaner and Laundry Booster
  • 100% fragrance-free and phosphate-free washing soda neutralizes and eliminates odors naturally without the use of heavy…
  • As a laundry additive, it improves liquid laundry detergent performance by up to 15% (1), giving…
  • Great general purpose cleaner for a wide variety of indoor and outdoor hard surfaces like sinks,…
  • Use as a silver polish to remove tarnish from silver, gold, brass or copper to keep…

The ARM & HAMMER Super Washing Soda in this listing is a pack of two 55 oz boxes of the brand’s household cleaner and laundry booster. Arm & Hammer describes it as 100% fragrance-free and phosphate-free, and says it neutralizes and eliminates odors without relying on heavy perfumes. That matters if you are washing gear that already smells of campfire or a long flight and you do not want a second scent layered on top.

The key claim is that it improves liquid laundry detergent performance by up to 15%, for cleaner, whiter and brighter laundry. In practice washing soda is sodium carbonate, a stronger alkali than baking soda, which is why it works as a booster: it helps detergent cope with hard water minerals and greasy soil. The listing also notes it can be used to make homemade laundry soap and for cleaning beyond the laundry room. If you want to understand the product in more depth, our guide to washing soda arm and hammer covers the basics.

This two-pack suits a household that does a lot of laundry and wants a steady supply of booster on the shelf. If you only want to try washing soda once, the single box further down is the lighter commitment.

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No. 3 of 7 · ARM & Hammer

ARM & HAMMER Powder Laundry Detergent in Alpine Clean

4.0 Amazon buyer average

ARM & HAMMER Powder Laundry Detergent, Alpine Clean, 9.56 lb, 155 Loads

What the listing says

  • Activated Baking Soda To Help Eliminate Odors
  • Tough on Stains
  • Great Everyday Value
  • Leaves Laundry Smelling Fresh
  • Scent Alpine Clean

The ARM & HAMMER Powder Laundry Detergent in Alpine Clean comes in a 9.56 lb container rated for 155 loads. That is all the listing tells us: only the title is available, so the ingredients, machine compatibility and water-temperature guidance are not specified.

What the title does make clear is that this is a complete detergent rather than a booster, and a scented one. A powder like this is the thing you would pair washing soda with on a hard-water day, not something washing soda replaces. It suits a family that likes powder, likes a fresh scent and wants a mid-sized supply. Shoppers who need a fragrance-free powder should look at the Free and Clear pail instead.

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No. 4 of 7 · ARM & Hammer

ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda Fresh for Liquid Detergent Users

4.5 Amazon buyer average

ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda Fresh Liquid Laundry Detergent

What the listing says

  • Powerful liquid detergent: 110 fl oz bottle of ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda Fresh Liquid Laundry…
  • 10x more baking soda: This detergent contains 10X more baking soda (vs.
  • A powerful clean: This phosphate-free liquid detergent powers out tough dirt and odors, whitens and brightens…
  • Attacks stains: Concentrated with 2X powerful stain fighters in every load* (*vs.
  • Trusted Clean ARM & HAMMER is the #1 liquid laundry detergent brand (based on total wash loads sold,…

The ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda Fresh liquid laundry detergent, in a Sparkling Fresh scent, is packed with 10X more Arm & Hammer baking soda than the brand’s original formula, according to the listing. It is described as concentrated and made to attack stains, add long-lasting freshness, and whiten and brighten clothing.

It works in all washing machine types, including high efficiency (HE) machines, and works in cold water, which is helpful for delicate travel layers and synthetic performance fabrics that do not like heat. Dosing uses the cap, filled to Bar A for medium loads. The listing does not specify the bottle volume or load count. For more options in this format, see our roundup of arm and hammer liquid laundry detergent.

Pick this if you prefer liquid over powder and want the baking soda angle built into the detergent. Remember that Arm & Hammer’s washing soda claim of up to 15% better performance is specifically about liquid detergent, so this is a natural partner for the washing soda boxes on tough loads.

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No. 5 of 7 · ARM & Hammer

Arm & Hammer Powder Laundry Detergent Free and Clear Bulk Pail

4.1 Amazon buyer average

Arm & Hammer Powder Laundry Detergent, Professional Soap for Washing Clothes, 290 Loads, Free and Clear, Bulk 18lb Pail

What the listing says

  • 290 LOADS This 18 lb bucker of powder laundry detergent cleans 290 medium loads when used as directed.
  • PROFESSIONAL USE Commercial-grade product suitable for diverse markets such as laundromats, hospitality, foodservice, healthcare, and more.
  • POWERFULLY CLEAN, VIBRANTLY FRESH Powder detergent is specially formulated to clean clothes with care so they look newer, longer.
  • DERMATOLOGIST-TESTED FORMULA Free of perfumes and dyes
  • COMPATIBLE WITH ANY MACHINE Great for cold water cleaning.

The Arm & Hammer Powder Laundry Detergent in this listing is the professional Free and Clear version, sold as an 18 lb bulk pail rated for 290 loads. The package ships at 20.55 pounds. The description itself is only the tagline “The Standard Of Purity”, so the listing does not specify dyes, additives or machine compatibility beyond the Free and Clear name.

This is the Arm & Hammer free and clear powder for people who want a lot of fragrance-free detergent in one container: large households, shared rentals or anyone who washes a pile of gear after every trip. It is the opposite of a packing-light product, so it belongs in the garage or laundry room. If a 290-load pail is more than you need, the 155-load Alpine Clean powder is smaller, though scented.

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No. 6 of 7 · ARM & Hammer

ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda for Laundry and Everything Else

4.7 Amazon buyer average

ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda, 100% Pure Sodium Bicarbonate Powder, 7 Lbs

What the listing says

  • A HOUSEHOLD CLASSIC This bulk 7 lb resealable bag of ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda unlocks 100+ uses across…
  • PURE & NATURAL America’s Most Trusted Baking Soda Brand is safe to use around kids and pets; no additives…
  • FOOD-GRADE FOR BETTER RESULTS USP-grade 1 crystals create fluffier cakes, muffins, cookies, and breads; use it in gluten free, kosher,…
  • NATURAL HOME HELPER Freshen carpets, brighten laundry, scrub sinks, wash fruits and vegetables, refresh grills and cookware, and cut…
  • DIY HACKS A multi-purpose essential for small spaces and apartments; create exfoliating scrubs, freshen drains, or clean jewelry…
  • KID-APPROVED LEARNING An easy, non-toxic, and fun ingredient for family projects and home learning; spark creativity with crafting,…

The ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda here is a 7 lb bag of 100% pure sodium bicarbonate powder. Arm & Hammer lists laundry brightening among its many uses, alongside freshening carpets, scrubbing sinks, reducing pet odors, cleaning cookware, prepping grills and baking.

This is where the washing soda vs baking soda question comes in. Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate and is mild; washing soda is sodium carbonate and is noticeably more alkaline, which is why it is the stronger laundry booster and should be handled with more care. Baking soda is the gentler choice for a freshness lift, while washing soda is the one to reach for on greasy, grimy or hard-water loads. The brand’s baking soda is also a staple elsewhere in its range, from deodorizers to arm & hammer toothpaste.

Choose this bag if you want one versatile powder that covers the kitchen, the cleaning cupboard and light laundry duty. It will not replace detergent, and it is not as strong as washing soda.

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No. 7 of 7 · ARM & Hammer

Church & Dwight Co 03020 Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda Single Box

4.5 Amazon buyer average

Church & Dwight Co 03020 Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda

Best for: First-time washing soda users

What the listing says

  • One 55 oz box of ARM & HAMMER Super Washing Soda Household Cleaner and Laundry Booster
  • 100% fragrance-free and phosphate-free washing soda neutralizes and eliminates odors naturally without the use of heavy…
  • As a laundry additive, it improves liquid laundry detergent performance by up to 15% (1), giving…
  • Great general purpose cleaner for a wide variety of indoor and outdoor hard surfaces like sinks,…
  • Use as a silver polish to remove tarnish from silver, gold, brass or copper to keep…

Pros

  • Single box, easier to store
  • Fragrance-free and phosphate-free
  • Homemade laundry soap ingredient

Cons

  • Smaller supply than the two-pack
  • Listing title is sparse

The Church & Dwight Co 03020 Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda is the same household cleaner and laundry booster as the two-pack, listed with the same description: fragrance-free, phosphate-free, odor-neutralizing, and able to improve liquid detergent performance by up to 15%. It also shares the homemade laundry soap use.

The difference is quantity. This listing ships at 3.44 pounds with dimensions matching a single box, whereas the two-pack ships at 6.88 pounds. The title does not state the box size, so check the product box before buying. The listing’s item model number format also differs from the two-pack, which is a small inconsistency rather than a sign of a different formula.

This suits anyone trying Arm & Hammer super washing soda for the first time, or anyone with limited storage. Heavy launderers will get more from the two-pack.

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Before you choose

How to Choose the Right Arm & Hammer Washing Soda and Laundry Boosters

Start with the job. If your current detergent struggles with hard water, sweaty synthetics or grimy work and outdoor clothes, add a washing soda laundry booster: either the two-pack or the single box of Super Washing Soda. Washing soda is a booster, not a detergent, so keep using your regular soap alongside it.

If you are really asking which Arm & Hammer laundry product should be your main detergent, choose by format and scent. The Baking Soda Fresh liquid suits HE and cold-water washing. The Alpine Clean powder gives 155 scented loads. The Free and Clear pail gives 290 fragrance-free loads for large households.

Next, think about storage and weight. The single washing soda box and the 7 lb baking soda bag are the easiest to fit in a small apartment or van. The 18 lb pail and the two-pack are for people with a proper laundry shelf.

Finally, consider sensitivity to scent. The two washing soda options and the Free and Clear powder are the fragrance-free picks in this Arm & Hammer laundry comparison, while Alpine Clean and Sparkling Fresh are scented. The listing for the plain baking soda does not describe a scent.

A simple routine for a post-trip load: add your usual detergent, add washing soda per the box directions, and wash at the temperature the garment care label allows. For just freshening a load, a scoop of baking soda does the lighter job. Many owners of pets also use the brand’s baking soda products elsewhere in the home, such as a litter box deodorizer arm & hammer.

Questions people ask

FAQ

What is the difference between washing soda and baking soda?

Washing soda is sodium carbonate and baking soda is sodium bicarbonate. Washing soda is more strongly alkaline, which makes it the better laundry booster for tough and hard-water loads, while baking soda is milder and has many uses including baking.

Can Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda replace laundry detergent?

No. Arm & Hammer positions it as a household cleaner and laundry booster that improves liquid detergent performance by up to 15%. Use it with detergent, or as an ingredient in homemade laundry soap as the listing suggests.

Is Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda scented?

The listing describes it as 100% fragrance-free and phosphate-free, and says it neutralizes odors without heavy fragrances.

Which Arm & Hammer detergent works in HE machines?

The Baking Soda Fresh liquid is stated to work in all machine types, including HE, and in cold water. The two powder listings do not specify HE compatibility.

Is the washing soda two-pack different from the single box?

The description is identical, so the formula appears to be the same. The two-pack contains two 55 oz boxes, while the single-box listing ships at about half the weight.

Can I add baking soda to my laundry?

Yes. Arm & Hammer lists brightening laundry among the uses of its pure baking soda. It is a gentle freshening step rather than a replacement for detergent or washing soda.

Prices, specifications and the feature lines above are read from the product listing and can change without notice. Every score is the average rating Amazon buyers left for that item; nothing on this page is written from handling the product.

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