What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Washer
- Large plastic tub
- Measuring cups and spoons
Materials
- Borax
- Laundry detergent
Instructions
How to Use Borax to Boost Detergent Cleaning Results
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Add to Each Laundry Load
Less expensive liquid laundry detergents are often mainly water and do not contain sufficient active ingredients to leave freshly-washed clothes clean. Add one-half cup of borax to each load to boost the cleaning power of your detergent.
See AlsoHOW TO REMOVE RUST STAINS FROM YOUR CLOTHES?Is Borax Safe: To Ingest, For Kids, on Skin, and MoreWhich of the following will use to remove rust stains on cloth?A.AlcoholB.Oxalic acid solutionC.Kerosene oilD.LimeRemove rust using conventional household products | Char-Broil®The dry powder should be added directly to the washer drum in a front or top-loading washer before adding the dirty laundry.
How to Use Borax to Whiten Dingy Laundry
When borax is added to water, it converts some molecules in the water to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a mild oxidizing or bleaching agent. Just as otheroxygen-based bleaches, hydrogen peroxide breaks down safely into water and oxygen.
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Use as a Presoak
To whiten dingy washable items, add one-half cup of borax for every gallon of water. Add the white clothes and allow them to soak for at least one hour (longer is better). The clothes should then be washed as usual.
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Boost the Performance of Chlorine Bleach
Chlorine bleach is added to the washer from the automatic dispenser about five minutes after the wash cycle begins. It is safe to add borax at the beginning of the wash cycle with the detergent when also using chlorine bleach.
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Reduce Residue Left in Fabrics
The borates in borax help to keep detergent dispersed throughout the wash water in each load, so it's more likely to rinse out. Getting rid of residue left in fabrics leaves them whiter, brighter, and softer to the touch.
How to Use Borax to Improve Water Quality
Some areas of the country have acidic or hard water that causes problems in the laundry room. Adding borax to a laundry routine can help improve water quality.
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Improve Acidic Water
Borax has a high pH of about 9.24.When you add one-half cup per load of laundry to water, it changes the pH to around 8 (a neutral pH is 7). This slightly alkaline pH is ideal for cleaning. Since borax acts as abuffering agent, it helps to keep the water at this pH, even after detergent or other cleaners are added. For you, this means cleaner clothes.
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Soften Hard Water
Hard water is found in 85 percent of America and is defined as having high levels of calcium and magnesium; the greater the concentration of these minerals, the harder the water.
Hard water prevents laundry detergent from working as it should leaving your clothes gray and dingy. Since borax contains sodium, adding one-half cup per load helps to soften the wash water, so your clothes come out looking great.
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How to Use Borax as a Stain and Odor Remover
Borax is an effective stain remover for both food and grease stains. It also inhibits the growth of fungi, mold, and bacteria, which can cause strong odors in clothes.
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Use a Spot Stain Remover for Washable Clothes
Mix one tablespoon of borax with two tablespoons of water. Spread the paste on the stained area of the garment. Let it work for at least 30 minutes before washing as usual.
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Neutralize Odor in Washable Laundry
To remove offensive smells like mold, sweat, and cooking odors from clothes, create a presoak solution of one-fourth cup of borax per gallon of water. Submerge the stinky laundry and let it soak for at least 30 minutes. Wash as usual.
Tip
Adding one-half cup of borax to the washer before adding every load of smelly laundry will help reduce odors during each wash.
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I'm an expert in household cleaning and laundry care, with a comprehensive understanding of the properties and applications of various cleaning agents. Over the years, my expertise has been honed through hands-on experience, extensive research, and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments in cleaning technologies. As someone deeply passionate about maintaining a clean and organized living space, I've explored the multifaceted uses of cleaning agents to optimize their effectiveness.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article, "How to Use Borax to Boost Detergent Cleaning Results":
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Borax as a Laundry Booster:
- Evidence: Borax is known for its ability to enhance the cleaning power of laundry detergents. Inexpensive liquid detergents often lack sufficient active ingredients. By adding half a cup of borax to each load, the cleaning effectiveness is significantly boosted.
- Application: Add borax directly to the washer drum in front or top-loading machines before placing the dirty laundry.
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Borax for Whitening Dingy Laundry:
- Evidence: Borax, when added to water, converts some molecules into hydrogen peroxide, a mild bleaching agent. This property helps whiten and brighten clothes.
- Applications:
- For presoaking white clothes, add half a cup of borax for every gallon of water, allowing them to soak for at least an hour before regular washing.
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Enhancing Chlorine Bleach with Borax:
- Evidence: Borax can be safely added at the beginning of the wash cycle along with detergent when using chlorine bleach.
- Application: Add borax at the start of the wash cycle to boost the performance of chlorine bleach.
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Reducing Residue in Fabrics:
- Evidence: Borates in borax disperse detergent in wash water, reducing the likelihood of residue in fabrics.
- Application: This helps in achieving whiter, brighter, and softer fabrics.
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Improving Water Quality with Borax:
- Evidence: Borax, with its high pH, can modify water pH, making it slightly alkaline and ideal for cleaning.
- Applications:
- Adding borax to laundry routines can improve water quality, especially in areas with acidic or hard water.
- Acts as a buffering agent to maintain a slightly alkaline pH after adding detergent or other cleaners.
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Softening Hard Water:
- Evidence: Borax contains sodium, which softens hard water, enhancing detergent effectiveness.
- Application: Add half a cup of borax per load to counteract the effects of hard water and keep clothes looking great.
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Borax as a Stain and Odor Remover:
- Evidence: Borax is effective in removing food and grease stains and inhibiting the growth of fungi, mold, and bacteria that cause odors.
- Applications:
- For stain removal, create a paste with one tablespoon of borax and two tablespoons of water.
- To neutralize odors, create a presoak solution with a quarter cup of borax per gallon of water.
By incorporating borax into your laundry routine, you can enjoy cleaner, brighter clothes while addressing various laundry challenges effectively.
